Da Lat is not only an ideal resort destination with poetic and beautiful landscapes, but also home to many ancient pagodas with unique architecture. These features give Da Lat a distinct charm found nowhere else. If you appreciate tranquility or are a devout Buddhist, you shouldn't miss this place when visiting Da Lat. This is Linh Son Pagoda. So, what makes Linh Son Pagoda special?
Let's explore the blog post below with HDV Local!
Introduction to Linh Son Pagoda
Linh Son Pagoda Da Lat Contact Information
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Address |
120 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Ward 2, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province |
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Opening hours |
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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Admission fee |
Free |
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Abbot |
Most Venerable Thich Tu Man |
Overview of Linh Son Pagoda in Da Lat
The pagoda is located at 120 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Ward 2, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. It is in the center of Da Lat city, about 1.2 km from Da Lat Market, about 1 km from Xuan Huong Lake via Bui Thi Xuan Street, and about 1.3 km from Da Lat University.
Linh Son Pagoda is situated on a 4-hectare campus and was built around 1940. It is not only one of Da Lat's famous spiritual tourist attractions but also a pagoda with architectural beauty harmonizing with nature.
Directions to Linh Son Pagoda – Google Maps
The way to Linh Son Pagoda is very easy. From the city center of Da Lat, go straight on Bui Thi Xuan Street north for about 1.7 km. Then turn directly onto Nguyen Van Troi Street for 200m, and the pagoda will be on your left.
Basic Information about Linh Son Pagoda in Da Lat
A large and quite ancient Pagoda
Linh Son Pagoda is not only a solemn place but also more appealing due to its unique architecture. Linh Son Pagoda is one of the most famous and sacred pagodas in Da Lat city, Lam Dong province. The pagoda is an unmissable destination for tourists visiting Da Lat, and it is also a familiar pilgrimage site for those who worship Buddha daily.
History of the Pagoda's formation and construction
The pagoda was built in 1938 at the request of Empress Dowager Tu Cung (mother of Emperor Bao Dai) to the Central Sangha from 1936, after her return from Da Lat to the imperial capital of Hue. The pagoda was inaugurated in 1940 (with Most Venerable Thich Tri Thu as abbot). Named after a mountain in India, the pagoda has undergone several renovations and restorations. Linh Son Pagoda is located on a hill spanning nearly 4 hectares, comprising a complex of various Buddhist structures of different sizes.
Abbots of Linh Son Pagoda
- Most Venerable Thich Tri Thu (1940).
- Most Venerable Thich Dieu Hoang (1940 – 1947).
- Most Venerable Thich Tu Man (1947 – 1952).
- Most Venerable Thich Bich Nguyen (1952 – 1964).
- Most Venerable Thich Tu Man (1964 – present).
Linh Son Pagoda Da Lat – A Place Preserving Spiritual Values
What makes Linh Son Pagoda appealing?
From the triple gate to the pagoda, visitors will follow the steps winding through pine forests, eucalyptus trees, and soaring starfruit trees. A statue of Bodhisattva Quan The Am (Avalokiteshvara) seated on a lotus leaf is enshrined before the pagoda gate. To the left is a three-story octagonal stupa with a tiled roof, 4m high. To the right is a large pond with a miniature rock garden and beautiful green trees.
The main hall of the pagoda is designed in an East Asian architectural style, similar to ancient pagodas in the Imperial City of Hue. On the roof of the pagoda is a dragon figure soaring in the posture of "two dragons bowing to the moon." The main hall consists of two adjacent buildings reverently arranged with a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus throne, 1.70 m high and weighing 1,250 kg, made of bronze.
In the center of the main hall, there is a pair of dragons guarding the steps, symbolizing the Dragon gods protecting Buddhism. In the middle, there is a couplet imbued with Zen taste:
Sơn sắc đạm tùy nhân nhập viện
Tùng thanh tĩnh tính khách đàm phiền.
Roughly translated as:
The faded mountain colors follow people into the garden
The quiet pine sounds listen to guests discussing Zen.
A spiritual tourist destination for Buddhists in Da Lat
Inside the main hall, there is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha enthroned, built around 1952. This Buddha statue weighs approximately 1250 kg and was built under the witness of Most Venerable Thich Tinh Khiet – President of the General Buddhist Association of Vietnam.
Linh Son Pagoda is a scenic spot and also a typical historical relic of the Dang Trong region. In Da Lat, the pagoda welcomes thousands of tourists and Buddhists each year for visits, pilgrimages, and worship. The pagoda currently houses the office of the Lam Dong Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Board. If you have the opportunity to visit Da Lat, remember to stop by Linh Son Pagoda, which has endured years of war and has stood firm with the historical milestones of Vietnam. Here, you will immerse yourself in Buddhist melodies and enjoy the fragrance from the trees. Especially, you will discover the unique beauty found only at the Pagoda.
Notes when visiting the pagoda
Linh Son Pagoda is very close to the city center, so there are quite a lot of people passing by regularly. This has a significant impact on the scenery of the sacred place.
Therefore, visitors should pay attention to maintaining cleanliness and especially avoiding making noise when visiting the Pagoda.
We hope this information will be helpful for your exploration. HDV Local wishes you many beautiful memories when visiting the beautiful city of Da Lat.