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Visiting Huong Pagoda, one can marvel at and light incense at various Buddha worship halls, shrines, and ancient temples, all of which exude a solemn and serene atmosphere.
Historical Background of Huong Pagoda: Huong Pagoda has a history dating back to the 15th century, with its main construction taking place in the late 17th century. Unfortunately, it suffered damage during the Indochina War in 1947 but was later reconstructed in 1989 under the guidance of Venerable Thich Vien Thanh, following the teachings of the late Venerable Thich Thanh Chan.
Legend has it that during the 15th-century royal tour of King Le Thanh Tong, the area was named Thiên Trù (Heavenly Kitchen) due to the observation of the constellation Thiên Trù, associated with food and changes. Three venerables during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong discovered Huong Tich Cave and established the Thien Tru Meditation Hall. From then on, Huong Tich Cave became known as the inner pagoda, Thien Tru as the outer pagoda, and collectively, the area was referred to as Huong Pagoda or "Huong Thien Bao Sai."
After the enlightening period of the three venerables, Huong Pagoda experienced a period of hiatus in the leadership, only to be revitalized during the reign of King Le Trung Hung in 1686. Venerable Tran Dao Vien Quang, a reputed scholar and, as the legend has it, a former royal official turned monk, resumed the reconstruction efforts. Over the centuries, with the contributions of various generations of monks, by the early 20th century, Huong Pagoda had become a praised architectural marvel, often likened to a splendid castle in the southern sky.
Regrettably, on February 11, 1947, during the First Indochina War, French colonial forces entered the area, causing extensive destruction and reducing Thien Tru to rubble. In 1948, the invaders returned to cause further damage, and in 1950, French forces bombed the site, leaving the towering structures of Thien Tru in ruins. The remnants of Thien Tru today consist mainly of the Tower Garden, including the Precious Tower Garden, a 17th-century earthen art structure, and the Celestial Water Tower tree.
In 1951, Venerable Thich Thanh Chan reconstructed six makeshift huts from the ashes for meditation and incense-burning. In 1989, under the leadership of the late Abbot Thich Vien Thanh, the Huong Pagoda Construction Committee commenced the reconstruction of Thien Tru, completing it in 1991. In 1994, the South Heavenly Gate was also completed, standing proudly amidst the Hương Sơn mountains.
In the subsequent years, following the tradition of Huong Tich, Abbot Thich Minh Hien - the 12th generation abbot - expanded and constructed various new buildings. Today, visitors can marvel at the majestic and beautiful architectural ensemble of Huong Pagoda. According to the book 'Huong Son Thien Tru Thien Pha,' a venerable monk, instructed by Lord Trinh, identified the location and built Huong Tich Pagoda in Hanoi during the reign of King Le Huy Tong under the Chinh Hoa era (1680 - 1704).
However, according to the 'Huong Son Precious Collection' book, Huong Tich Pagoda in Ha Tinh is a lofty and secluded cave, often shrouded in mist.
So why is there another 'version' of Huong Tich Pagoda in the North? The answer lies in the era of the Le - Trinh dynasty, where most of the Le kings and Lord Trinh had their origins in the Thanh region. Therefore, the royal concubines and beauties were mostly selected from the Hoan Chau region. Annually, the concubines and ladies from Thanh - Nghe - Tinh regions would gather at Huong Pagoda on the Hong Linh Mountain on the 18th of the 2nd lunar month via waterways through the Hoi Thong Gate (near the current Cua Lo).
The opening ceremony, or forest opening ceremony, usually takes place on January 6 every year. This ritual includes offering creatures such as lamps, flowers, candles, incense, vegetarian food, fruits... Two monks and nuns will wear robes and carry offerings when they run to the palace. Then, they perform unique movements according to tradition. Outside the hall, there are also gods worshiped with many rituals imbued with Taoist beliefs.
Cultural and artistic performances are performed at the Perfume Pagoda festival
Tourists and people will perform the incense offering ceremony with self-prepared offerings. Huong Pagoda, famous for its sacredness, attracts a large number of participants to pray for good things for the new year, health and peace for all families.
In addition to the formal rituals, the festival at Huong Pagoda also attracts exciting festivals such as rowing boats, singing adoration songs, singing cheo songs, climbing mountains... The special thing is sitting on a boat to enjoy the charming river scene at the temple. Huong Pagoda scenic spot.
When participating in temple ceremonies, people often pray for peace and health.
At the sacred Huong Pagoda, people often pray for fame, career, wealth and happiness. One of the most prayed for is the blessing of aunts and uncles, where infertile people come to pray, hoping to be blessed with children.
Huong Pagoda has long been famous for its prayer rituals, especially for infertile couples who wish to have more children and ensure happiness in old age.
Traveling to Huong Pagoda, in addition to attending ceremonies and experiencing unique cultural features, visitors should not forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery at some of the following famous locations:
Yen Stream: With a length of about 4km, Yen Stream is the only waterway leading to Huong Pagoda. You can take a boat across the stream to reach the temple and admire the different beauty here.
Trinh Temple: In the grounds of Trinh Temple, there are many temples built in the sophisticated triangle style (including the harem and the great front hall), combined with the majestic and majestic scenery of Ngu Nhac Mountain, creating The scenery is as beautiful as paradise."
Tien Son Cave: This is a small cave with many stalactites with different beautiful shapes such as heart shape, Buddha hand shape, white ivory shape.
Yen Vy Village: Tourists can visit Yen Vy village to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of an ancient Northern village.
Thien Tru Pagoda: After going through Yen Stream, Thien Tru Pagoda appears before visitors with ancient architecture of the Le - Nguyen Dynasty and a peaceful, pure, fresh scene.
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