Thien Mu Pagoda

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, Hue, Vietnam

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The sun setting over the Perfumed River. Photo - Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, Vietnam

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A Beautiful Seven Tiered Pagoda

by garymarsh6

Gravesend, United Kingdom

October 24, 2009

Thien Mu Pagoda & Buddhist temple, Hue.We were driven to the small compound near to the temple then got off the bus where we were immediately surrounded by people trying to sell the wares. A firm no and avoiding eye contact is all that is ...Read more Thien Mu Pagoda & Buddhist temple, Hue.

We were driven to the small compound near to the temple then got off the bus where we were immediately surrounded by people trying to sell the wares. A firm no and avoiding eye contact is all that is required for them to get the message. If they manage to get eye contact that is the first mistake you will ever make and they are halfway there to making a quick sale.
There is a slight incline to reach the temple grounds and then a flight of about 50 – 60 quite steep steps.

As you reach the top of the steps right in front of you is the magnificent 7 tiered Pagoda built in 1601 which is a stunning site and can be seen for miles around. Walking around the back of the pagoda there are two small roofed open aired buildings housing a massive drum and a massive bell. Visitors are encouraged to ring these and bang the drum by pulling back on a large log tied to a rope and then letting it go so that it lets out a loud thud or ring when it hits the side of the drum or bell.

After these buildings there is the monks living quarters and there is the car that belonged to Thích Quảng Đức who committed suicide by driving the car to the middle of Saigon outside the Cambodian Embassy stopping the car getting out placing a cushion on the floor which he then sat on adopting the lotus position. Some other monks began pouring petrol over him he lit a match and dropped it into his lap. For ten minutes he burnt before his skin shrivelled and twisted in the heat toppled forward and the fire went out. He did this in protest at the country’s behaviour and treatment towards the Buddhists. It was caught on camera and mailed across the world and made headline news. Several other monks also did the same following this until the government were forced by international pressure to treat Buddhists the same as anyone else. His body was stored in the monastry and cremated but his heart remained intact and did not burn. It was held as a holy relic along with his ashes. The government soldiers tried to seize his ashes but fortunately two monks took his urn and hid it.

Behind this are is the temple with several statues of Buddha surrounded by landscaped gardens. The atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxing. It is quiet and a place for contemplation.

The temple and Pagoda are on top of a hill which over looks the perfumed river. Although it is called the perfumed river it certainly is not. It is the romanticised name of the river.

It is a lovely place to visit and a must see on anyone’s Itinerary if visiting Hue.

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Thien Mu Pagoda

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A Beautiful Seven Tiered Pagoda

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A Beautiful Seven Tiered Pagoda

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