Discover the Historic Hue Nghiem Pagoda

Located on Dang Van Bi Street in Thu Duc City, Hue Nghiem Pagoda stands out with its striking emerald green roof, making it one of the city’s historical treasures.

Founded in 1721 by Zen Master Thiet Thoai – Tanh Tuong, this pagoda was established after the Zen Master fell in love with the area’s natural beauty and chose to promote Buddhism from a humble grass hut.

After his death, Zen Master Te Ly – Quang Duc took over. Recognizing that the pagoda’s original site was prone to flooding, he decided to move it to a higher location.

A prominent local benefactor, Nguyen Thi Hien, contributed land for this new site, enabling the successful relocation of the pagoda.

Hue Nghiem Pagoda has seen various renovations throughout its 300-year history but continues to showcase the classic architectural style of Southern Vietnamese pagodas, featuring distinctive yin-yang roof tiles with elegant curves.

The roof displays intricate lotus patterns and stylized wheels of reincarnation, with golden motifs against a vivid red backdrop.

Visitors are greeted by a large courtyard filled with lush greenery, alongside thoughtfully arranged miniatures depicting significant Buddhist scenes, including Buddha Shakyamuni meditating beneath the Bodhi tree, and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva worship tower.

A hidden stupa garden within the lush surroundings pays homage to the old stupas of the Zen masters who played a key role in establishing the pagoda.

The pagoda is also tied to the intriguing legend of Lady Hien, who after her death was believed to be reborn as a princess of the Qing Dynasty in China.

Monks at the pagoda clarify that Lady Ho Hien refers to Nguyen Thi Hien, remembered for her wealth and charity. A devoted Buddhist, she was honored with the name Lieu Dao.

Historical accounts from Nguyen Hien Duc reveal that during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1821-1850) in China, a princess was born with tightly clenched fists. When monks recited chants, the princess opened her hands to reveal red letters inscribed with “Lieu Dao, Hue Nghiem, Gia Dinh.”