JADE EMPEROR PAGODA SAIGON
Jade Emperor Pagoda Saigon. The Jade Emperor Pagoda in Vietnam is a must-see when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to its spiritual significance, this pagoda exudes the elegance of old Chinese architecture.
Jade Emperor Pagoda Saigon Information:
Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The opening hours: From 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has long been known for its dynamic and modern beauty, but you'll be surprised by its hidden jewel, the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This is a very ancient pagoda nestled among tall buildings in the bustling commercial city core. It will undoubtedly be one of the most recommended tourist places anytime you get the opportunity to visit the city.
We recommend taking a motorcycle or cab to Jade Emperor Pagoda because it is located in Binh Thanh District, which is fairly far from the city center. If you depart from Independence Palace, the cab journey will take about 10 minutes and cost roughly 50,000 VND.
The history of Jade Emperor Pagoda Saigon:
Saigon Emperor Jade Pagoda's worth is determined by a variety of variables. Let's take a look at some of the most essential reasons why this pagoda is a famous religious spot in Saigon.
This temple, built in 1909 to honor the ultimate Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), is one of the most atmospheric in Ho Chi Minh City, with statues of phantasmal divinities and monstrous heroes.
The strong haze of incense (huong) permeates the air, hiding the magnificent woodcarvings. Its ceiling is adorned with intricate tile work, and the temple's sculptures, which portray characters from Buddhist and Taoist legends, are crafted of reinforced papier mâché.
The temple's alternate name, Phuoc Hai Tu (福海寺; Sea of Blessing Temple), reflects its multifaith orientation and conveys a distinct Buddhist message. The Chinese letters (佛光普照; Phat Quang Pho Chieu) on the main temple hall also signify 'The light of Buddha beams on all'.
Who is the Jade Emperor?
The Jade Emperor is a prominent and well-known divinity in Vietnamese mythology. He has the ability to rule the sky, land, and sea, as well as create humanity and all that exists on Earth. Other gods, goddesses, and angels help the emperor create and guard everything on Earth. According to Jade Emperor folklore, they live in a sky castle. Vietnamese believers revere the Jade Emperor as the greatest god, "Ngoc Hoang," and pray to him for salvation and good fortune.
The pagoda was constructed in the early twentieth century by a Chinese immigrant named Luu Minh, who left China to live and do business in Vietnam. He was a Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist, thus he wished to construct a pagoda to honor Buddha and the Jade Emperor.
Thich Vinh Khuong, a renowned Buddhist monk, took over the pagoda in 1982. As a consequence, the pagoda has been allocated to the Vietnam Buddhist Association.
The Architecture of Jade Emperor Pagoda:
Inside the main edifice, there are two very ferocious and intimidating Taoist statues. On the right (as you approach the altar), there is a 4m-high monument of the general who fought the Green Dragon (seen below). On the left is the general who beat the White Tiger, which is likewise being trampled on.
Worshippers gather before the ineffable Jade Emperor, who rules over the main sanctuary while dressed in magnificent garments and covered in a dense fug of incense smoke. He is surrounded by his guardians, the Four Big Diamonds (Tu Dai Kim Cuong), so named because they are thought to be as tough as diamonds.
Another room may be found behind the entrance on the left side of the Jade Emperor's Chamber. Thanh Hoang, the Chief of Hell, rules over the semi-enclosed space to the right (as you enter), while his red horse is to the left. Other figures depict gods who punish evil and reward good deeds.
The chamber also houses the well-known Hall of the Ten Hells, which features carved wooden panels depicting the many torments that await bad individuals in each of Hell's ten regions. Women line up around the sitting image of the City God, who wears a headdress emblazoned with Chinese letters that read 'At one glance, money is bestowed'. In a fascinating ceremony, worshipers first place money in a box, then rub a piece of red paper against his palm before wrapping it around a candle flame.
On the opposite side of the wall is a beautiful tiny chamber filled with clay figures of 12 ladies surrounded by children and dressed in bright colors. They are arranged in two rows of six. Each of the ladies illustrates a human quality, good or evil (for example, the lady drinking from a jug). Each figure indicates a year on the 12-year Chinese astrological calendar. The chamber is presided over by Kim Hoa Thanh Mau, the Chief of All Women. Upstairs is a hall dedicated to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, alongside a painting of Dat Ma, the bearded Indian founder of Zen Buddhism.
Outside, a tiny pond is teeming with turtles, some of which have shells engraved with fortunate symbols.
The pagoda covers an area of 2,300 square meters. An outdoor courtyard connects the main entrance and building. The yard has a motorcycle parking space, a Dharmapala Shrine, a lotus-filled fish pond, an incense burner and candle-lighting area, a turtle pond, and several trees.
The pagoda is accented by dozens of big oak trees that give plenty of shade. Despite the scorching heat in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors will welcome the fresh, cold air as they approach the pagoda courtyard. It is a world apart from the rest of Saigon, which is densely populated with buildings and towers.
Many people who seek perfection in love are familiar with the pagoda. Young couples planning to marry soon might come here to seriously pray for their love. After burning incense and saying their names, worshipers just touch the Statues of To and Nguyet to ask for their love, and the Holy Mother will grant their request.
Aside from praying for offspring and love, the pagoda is also known for its ability to fulfill wishes for health and serenity. You can pray at the Statue of Hoa Da Fairy Monk to wish for a healthy and happy life.
Travel Tips to visit Jade Emperor Pagoda Saigon:
Entrance fee: While entering the pagoda is free, guests are welcome to make offerings to demonstrate their devotion to the gods.
Best time to visit: Every year on the ninth day of the first lunar month, the pagoda hosts a ritual in honor of the Jade Emperor. This is a lovely occasion that is supposed to bring many blessings. On this day, a great number of people visit the pagoda. You may do the same to pray while enjoying the joyful environment here.
Costume: When visiting the pagoda, you should dress appropriately. You must stroll silently and wear long, high-necked clothing. Avoid wearing exposing clothes, such as shorts and skirts. Buddhists must wear ceremonial robes when visiting the Buddha shrine at the pagoda.
Visitors frequently present the Gods with incense sticks and rings, glass candles, and flowers as offerings. Buying a bottle of oil and pouring it on candle holders while reciting their name and the things they pray for is a common habit among visitors to the yard or Main Hall.
Despite its lengthy history, Jade Emperor Pagoda Vietnam still exudes timeless charm. It has become one of Saigon's most outstanding tourist destinations, because of its exceptional and unusual beauty combined with a sacred mythology. This pagoda is a great site to learn about Vietnamese and Asian culture.
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