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Legend of the founder of the sacred temple
Ta Cu Mountain is known to many tourists as a national scenic spot in Binh Thuan province and is home to a 49-meter-long reclining Buddha statue on its summit. At the same time, it also holds legends about the founder of the sacred temple that attracts numerous visitors from all over the country…
The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni entering Nirvana stands peacefully and serenely on the summit of Ta Cu Mountain.
In the late 19th century, there was a great master who lived in seclusion, practicing meditation on Ta Cu Mountain. That master was Patriarch Tran Huu Duc, whose Dharma name was Thong An and Dharma title was Huu Duc. Patriarch Tran Huu Duc (1812 - 1887) was born into an aristocratic family in Bac Ma village, Dong Xuan, Phu Yen (now Tuy An district, Phu Yen province). His parents were both virtuous and compassionate people.
From a young age, he displayed extraordinary intelligence and insightful, compassionate thoughts. At the age of 10, his parents enrolled him in Confucian studies, where he quickly gained a deep understanding of etiquette and rituals. At 17, after fulfilling his filial duties and performing the funeral rites for his parents, he resolved to leave home and pursue his aspiration of renunciation of worldly life.
Statue of Patriarch Tran Huu Duc at Linh Son Long Doan on Ta Cu Mountain
In 1872, he quietly made his way up Ta Cu Mountain – at that time a sacred, wild forest teeming with ferocious animals, untouched by human footsteps. The Venerable Master Huu Duc ascended the mountain peak, over 400 meters high, where the mountain's face turned towards the sea. There were many large rocks piled on top of each other. He found a small, narrow cave just wide enough for one person to squeeze through. Descending more than three meters, he found a flat, spacious, and secluded area, a large stone slab, which served as his shelter from the rain and sun.
Beneath the cave lies a year-round flowing, crystal-clear underground stream with many deep, winding passages. Above the cave entrance are large, lush green trees, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere, ideal for deep meditation. He vowed to live a life of seclusion, never to descend the mountain. This place later became known as the Ancestor's Cave.
From the cable car up Ta Cu Mountain, visitors can admire the pristine forest with its rich flora and fauna.
In the stone hermitage, he drank spring water, gathered wild vegetables, picked edible fruits, and befriended plants, birds, and animals. From there, countless legends about Patriarch Huu Duc throughout the years of his founding have made Ta Cu Mountain even more sacred and mysterious.
Two sacred temples on the sacred mountain peak
The two temples on Ta Cu Mountain, Linh Son Truong Tho (upper temple) and Linh Son Long Doan (lower temple), are familiar destinations for pilgrims from near and far.
The Three Buddha statues on Ta Cu Mountain
Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda was bestowed the title of "Temple of the Buddha" by Emperor Tu Duc after its founder, Master Tran Huu Duc, prescribed medicine that cured Empress Dowager Tu Du of her illness. Therefore, this pagoda is often associated with the legend of healing that is still passed down among the people today.
Over time, the Linh Son Truong Tho pagoda has undergone significant restoration, almost completely transforming its appearance. However, the pagoda's roof, viewed from the mountaintop, retains its original shape, with its undulating red tiled roof standing out against the mountainside, further enhancing the beautiful natural landscape of Ta Cu seen from above.
The atmosphere at Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda becomes even more mystical on rainy days.
Linh Son Long Doan Pagoda is located on the eastern slope of Linh Son Truong Tho mountain, built from a thatched hut by Venerable Tam Hien, one of the successor disciples of Patriarch Huu Duc. Within the pagoda grounds are notable structures such as the Ancestor's Tower and the Ancestor's attendants' tower, and the Buddha shrine…
The ancient Linh Son Long Doan Pagoda stands majestically amidst the lush greenery on Ta Cu Mountain.
The time-worn steps at Linh Son Long Doan
On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, numerous visitors flock to TTC World – Ta Cu to admire the reclining Buddha statue – a 49-meter-long statue that holds the Asian record for the longest reclining Buddha statue on a mountaintop. Additionally, the giant wind chime tower at TTC World – Ta Cu, completed at the end of 2023, is also a suitable spot for visitors to explore, find inner peace, and pray for tranquility with its rare "healing" sounds.
Giant wind chimes at TTC World – Ta Cu emit “healing” sounds.
Every year on the 5th day of the 10th lunar month, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over come to Ta Cu to offer incense, pray, and pay their respects before the memorial tablet of Patriarch Tran Huu Duc on the anniversary of his death. This year, TTC World – Ta Cu is also offering many special promotions for visitors:
- Free cable car tickets for monks, nuns, and people over 80 years old.
- People in Binh Thuan now only have 175,000 VND/adult | 120,000 VND/child
- Senior citizens, associations, and students only pay 125,000 VND per ticket.
- Individual customers only pay 200,000 VND/adult | 120,000 VND/child
Specifically, buy 6 tickets and get 1 free. This promotion is valid for 2 days, November 5th and 6th, 2024 (5th and 6th of the 10th lunar month).
TTC World – Ta Cu is part of the TTC Hospitality ecosystem: Accommodation, entertainment, dining, and travel. In Binh Thuan, TTC Hospitality also owns three other destinations: TTC Hotel – Phan Thiet – the tallest 4-star hotel in Phan Thiet city; TTC Resort – Ke Ga on the pristine Ke Ga beach; and TTC Palace – Binh Thuan – a conference and wedding center with a prime location in the city center. Guests staying at TTC Hospitality destinations in Binh Thuan receive a 50% discount on cable car tickets to visit Ta Cu.
Contact information:
TTC World – Ta Cu
No. 18 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Nam Thanh Ward, Thuan Nam Town, Ham Thuan Nam District, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam
Phone: 083 886 7484
Email: contacts@tacutourist.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ttcworldtacu
government:https://ttchospitality.vn/
