In 1923, the Giac Nguyen Tu Pagoda, also known as Ba Xam Pagoda, was built on a hill in D'Ran town, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province. At first, the pagoda was just a small hermitage with a thatched roof and earthen walls.
When it was first established, Giac Nguyen Pagoda was considered an ancient pagoda with a structure imbued with traditional Vietnamese art. In 1925, the pagoda was rebuilt with a spacious tiled roof, and the main hall had nine pillars, so it was also called the Nine Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda was granted the royal decree in 1939.
In 1923, Giac Nguyen Tu Pagoda, also known as Ba Xam Pagoda, was built on a hill in D'Ran town, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province.
In 1976, the monk Thich Phap Chieu from Binh Dinh came to preside over the temple and repaired, renovated and built Trung Pagoda, Thuong Palace and many other ancillary works on the large hill opposite Da Nhim Hydropower Plant in D'Ran town. The temple welcomed Buddha relics donated by the Thai royal family in 1999.
The temple gate is located right on the main road, convenient for traveling. Nguyen Tan Sang (25 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), a freelance photographer shared after coming here: "The way to the temple is not too difficult, because the temple is located on the main road, so you can travel by motorbike or car according to the map when passing through Don Duong".
Large yard right in the temple grounds.
Going up the steep slope with shady green trees on both sides will lead to a spacious and airy yard, on one side is the Trung Temple, on the other side is the main hall, in front of the main hall is a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara standing on a high lotus platform.
“With the advantage of being favored by nature, located on a hill overlooking the Da Nhim hydroelectric lake, one of the first hydroelectric dams built in the South, associated with the love legend of K'Lang and Ha Biang. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the town with small houses nestled among the hills and gardens, Giac Nguyen Pagoda is likened to the 'royal garden' of Buddha in the folk world", said Mr. Sang.
When it was first established, Giac Nguyen Pagoda was considered an ancient temple with a structure imbued with traditional Vietnamese art.
After many renovations, the pagoda is considered a combination of Buddhist aesthetics in particular and architecture in general of many places in Vietnam and Asia.
After many renovations, the pagoda is considered a combination of Buddhist aesthetics in particular and architecture in general of many places in Vietnam and Asia. All the shrines in the Sac Tu Giac Nguyen Tu area are elaborately built and meticulously sculpted. The curved roof of the pagoda is carved with elegant and lively dragons, unicorns, lotuses and chrysanthemums, a typical feature of Vietnamese art and fine arts.
Looking up the high steps from the large courtyard, you will see the Upper Palace, built according to the overall architecture of the buildings in Giac Nguyen Pagoda with beautiful decorative patterns. On the side of the Upper Palace is a small path shaded by cool green bamboo trees leading to the stupa and the place where the Thousand-Handed Buddha statue resides.
Elegant and vivid carvings, typical of Vietnamese art.
Adding to the peaceful serenity of the space are the brilliant colors of flowers and the shade of ancient trees. The pagoda also has a majestic Tung Du Sam tree (a species on the list of trees in need of preservation) that is over 1,600 years old.
Standing from the yard, one can see the poetic scenery of the Da Nhim hydroelectric dam. Facing the landscape like a picturesque landscape, anyone who comes here must admire the ingenuity of human hands and the skillful arrangement of nature.
The Da Nhim hydroelectric dam is quite beautiful and impressive because it reminds Sang of scenes he has seen in movies.
Image of houses and gardens in layers of D'Ran town.
“For me, the Da Nhim hydroelectric dam is quite beautiful and impressive because it reminds me of the scenes I saw in the movies. Next are the images of houses and gardens of D'Ran town that come into my eyes. The feeling of standing from the temple yard, taking in those images makes me feel light and peaceful, I really want to 'go back to my hometown to raise fish and grow more vegetables',” Sang shared.
This is a place where people come to worship every year. In addition, the temple is also a place of refuge and practice for many local children.
This is a good place for sightseeing and meditation.
According to Mr. Sang, this is a suitable place for sightseeing and meditation. Therefore, when coming to the temple, people should choose elegant and polite clothes as well as speak softly to suit the peaceful atmosphere of the sacred place.
“If you want to find a peaceful place, immerse yourself in nature with trees, mountains or air to relax yourself, Giac Nguyen Tu Pagoda is a good choice,” Sang added.
