Tu Hieu Pagoda
Pagoda of Filial Responsibility
In Hue, one of Vietnam's most sacred lands of Buddhism, Tu Hieu Pagoda is recognized as one of the largest and oldest pagodas in the region, as well as a prominent sightseeing destination with significant historical and cultural value.
Tu Hieu Pagoda - Hue - Photo: tapchinghiencuuphathoc.com
History
The pagoda was named by King Tu Duc after he learned about the story of Most Venerable Nhat Dinh, the founder of Tu Hieu Pagoda. Nhat Dinh demonstrated immense filial piety, following the physician’s advice to prepare meat and fish for his ailing mother, despite the societal views regarding his status as a monk.
The name “Tu Hieu” translates to “Filial Piety,” which embodies two of Buddhism's most essential virtues. This name was derived from the official title “Sac tu Tu Hieu tu” that Emperor Tu Duc bestowed upon the pagoda in recognition of Nhat Dinh's dedication to his mother, reflecting Tu Duc’s own strong sense of duty to his parents—King Thieu Tri and Queen Tu Du.
Location and Worship
Located just 5 kilometers southwest of Hue's city center, this pagoda is surrounded by a picturesque setting of pine forests and a gentle stream, complemented by its elegant architectural style. The layout of Tu Hieu Pagoda is based on the Chinese character "Khau" (mouth), featuring a central building with three rooms and two wings. The main sanctuary is dedicated to the worship of the Buddha. In front of the pagoda, a three-story tower was built to house books and sculptures related to Buddhism. Notably, there is an altar honoring Le Van Duyet, a prominent mandarin during the Gia Long reign, as well as traditional altars for local Buddhist devotees and Quan Cong. The land and construction of the pagoda were largely made possible through donations from eunuchs, who are also interred in the graveyard beside the pagoda.
With its solemn yet splendid ambiance, Tu Hieu Pagoda features a grand entrance gate with a two-level curve-domed design, meticulously decorated and adorned. The statue of the Dharma guardian (Ho Phap) stands at the center of the upper level, overlooking the crescent-shaped lotus pond. Visitors can find stele houses on both sides of the courtyard, inscribed with the history of the pagoda.
Moreover, the pagoda is renowned for its connection to The Most Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, a globally respected Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, and peace activist, whose root temple is Tu Hieu Pagoda. He has contributed significantly to the spread of mindfulness practices around the world.
Today, Tu Hieu Pagoda attracts visitors seeking not only to appreciate its natural beauty and the historic ambiance but also to reflect on their responsibilities toward their parents and family. It is highly recommended for tourists to include the pagoda in their itinerary when visiting the nearby Tu Duc’s Tomb. For those interested in experiencing the monks' chanting, the rituals typically occur at 10 AM and 4 PM.
Useful Information
- Location: Chua Tu Hieu, Hue, Vietnam
- Best for: All visitors
- Entrance: N/A
- Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Distance to city center: 3.3km (2.1 mi)
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