Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a mini version of the Taj Mahal in Vietnam? Or to see a giant statue of a goddess that is taller than the Statue of Liberty? Or to explore a hidden cave temple that is carved into a mountain? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, a famous spiritual site in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The Linh Ung Pagoda, which means “the pagoda of the miraculous retribution”, is a complex of three Buddhist temples that are located in different parts of Da Nang. Each of these temples has its own history, architecture, and attractions, but they all share the same name and the same purpose: to bring peace and harmony to the people and the land.
In this article, we will guide you through the history, culture, and beauty of the Linh Ung Pagoda, and show you how to visit and enjoy this serene and majestic place. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a culture lover, or a nature enthusiast, you will find something to inspire and amaze you at the Linh Ung Pagoda.
Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula
The Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is the most famous and popular Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, and one of the largest and most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. It is located on a hill that overlooks the sea and the mountains, creating a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
The history and legend of this pagoda are fascinating and inspiring. According to the local people, the pagoda was built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, in 2010. However, the site of the pagoda was chosen by a divine intervention. One night, a local fisherman saw a strange light on the sea, and he decided to follow it. He found a piece of driftwood that had the shape of a Buddha. He brought it back to the shore, and the next day, he saw that the piece of wood had turned into a statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion. The people took this as a sign that the goddess wanted to protect them and bless them with prosperity and happiness. They decided to build a pagoda on the spot where the statue was found, and named it Linh Ung, meaning “the miraculous retribution”.
The main attraction and feature of this pagoda is the statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin, which is the tallest statue in Vietnam, and the fourth tallest statue in the world. The statue is 67 meters high, which is equivalent to a 30-story building, and it stands on a lotus-shaped platform that is 35 meters in diameter. The statue faces the sea, and it has 17 floors inside, each with an altar and 21 Buddha statues. The statue is made of white marble, and it shines brightly under the sun and the moon. The statue is a symbol of the power and compassion of the goddess, and it can be seen from almost anywhere in Da Nang.
Another attraction and feature of this pagoda is the Arhat statue garden, which is a collection of 18 statues of Arhats, the enlightened disciples of Buddha. The statues are made of stone, and they have different expressions and poses, representing different emotions and stages of life. The statues are arranged in a circle around a pond, and they are surrounded by trees and flowers. The statues are a symbol of the wisdom and enlightenment of the Buddha, and they can inspire and teach the visitors.
The pagoda also has other attractions and features, such as the main hall, the bell tower, the courtyard, and the gate. The main hall is where the main altar and the Buddha statues are located, and it is decorated with colorful paintings and carvings. The bell tower is where the giant bronze bell is hung, and it is used to announce the time and the ceremonies. The courtyard is where the visitors can relax and enjoy the views of the sea and the mountains. The gate is where the visitors can enter and exit the pagoda, and it is adorned with dragons and lions, the symbols of power and protection.
The best time to visit this pagoda is in the morning or in the evening, when the weather is cooler and the light is softer. The entrance fee is free, but donations are welcome. The dress code is modest and respectful, and shoes should be removed before entering the main hall. The transportation is easy and convenient, as there are buses, taxis, and motorbikes that can take you to the pagoda. The pagoda is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day, and it is especially crowded on weekends and holidays.
Getting There
To get to Linh Ung Pagoda, you have several options depending on your budget and preference. You can either go by car, taxi, motorbike, or bike. Here are some details for each option:
By car:
This is the easiest and most comfortable way, but also the most expensive. You can book a personal car or a taxi to take you to the pagoda, which is about 10 kilometers from the city center of Da Nang. A taxi from the Da Nang Airport to Linh Ung Pagoda would cost about 200,000 VND (about 9 USD). You can also book a private car with a driver and a guide through a travel agency or online platform, which would cost more but also offer more convenience and information.
By motorbike:
This is the most adventurous and flexible way, but also the most challenging. You can rent a motorbike and drive yourself to the pagoda, which is located on a hill in the Son Tra Peninsula. You will need to have a valid driver’s license and some experience in driving in Vietnam, as the traffic can be chaotic and the road can be steep and winding. A motorbike rental would cost about 100,000 VND (about 4 USD) per day.
By bike:
This is the most eco-friendly and healthy way, but also the most time-consuming and exhausting. You can rent a bike and pedal yourself to the pagoda, which is located on a hill in the Son Tra Peninsula. You will need to have a good physical condition and some endurance, as the distance is long and the terrain is hilly. A bike rental would cost about 50,000 VND (about 2 USD) per day.
Linh Ung Pagoda on Marble Mountains
The Linh Ung Pagoda on Marble Mountains is the oldest and most sacred Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, and one of the most important Buddhist sites in Vietnam. It is located on a cave that is carved into the limestone cliffs of the Marble Mountains, a group of five hills that are named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
The history and architecture of this pagoda are ancient and unique. According to the historical records, the pagoda was built in the 9th century by King Indravarman III, the founder of the Cham dynasty, who ruled over central and southern Vietnam. The king was a devout Buddhist, and he wanted to create a place where he could practice his faith and spread his teachings. He chose the Marble Mountains as the site of his pagoda, and he named it Linh Ung, meaning “the miraculous retribution”.
The pagoda was carved into the limestone caves of the Marble Mountains, and it was designed to blend in with the natural environment. The pagoda has a simple and elegant structure, with a wooden roof, a stone wall, and a wooden door. The pagoda has a main chamber, where the main altar and the Buddha statues are located, and a side chamber, where the statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin is located. The pagoda also has a skylight, which allows the natural light to enter and illuminate the interior. The pagoda is a symbol of the harmony and balance between nature and human, and it can create a calm and serene atmosphere.
The main attraction and feature of this pagoda is the Buddha statues, which are made of different materials and styles. The most prominent statue is the one of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of infinite light and life, who is seated on a lotus throne in the main chamber. The statue is made of white marble, and it is 2 meters high and 1.5 meters wide. The statue is a symbol of the purity and compassion of the Buddha, and it can radiate a warm and gentle energy.
Another attraction and feature of this pagoda is the stalactites, which are the mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of the cave. The stalactites have different shapes and sizes, and some of them look like animals, plants, or human figures. The stalactites are a symbol of the creativity and diversity of nature, and they can spark the imagination and curiosity of the visitors.
The pagoda also has other attractions and features, such as the incense, the prayer flags, and the paintings. The incense is the aromatic sticks that are burned to create a fragrant and sacred atmosphere. The prayer flags are the colorful cloths that are hung to spread the blessings and wishes of the visitors. The paintings are the artworks that depict the stories and teachings of the Buddha and the goddess.
The best time to visit this pagoda is in the afternoon, when the sun is shining through the skylight and creating a magical effect. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND (about 2 USD), which includes the access to the other attractions of the Marble Mountains, such as the caves, the temples, the pagodas, and the viewpoints. The dress code is modest and respectful, and shoes should be removed before entering the pagoda. The transportation is easy and convenient, as there are buses, taxis, and motorbikes that can take you to the Marble Mountains. The pagoda is open from 7 am to 5:30 pm every day, and it is especially crowded on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar month, when the Buddhists come to pray and worship.
The Linh Ung Pagoda is a famous spiritual site in Da Nang, Vietnam, that can offer you a unique and memorable experience. By visiting this pagoda, you can learn more about the history, culture, and beauty of this place, as well as enjoy the tranquility and serenity of this place. Whether you are looking for a spiritual journey, a cultural adventure, or a natural escape, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at the Linh Ung Pagoda.
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