Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple attracts many Buddhists and pilgrims in Vietnam and other countries thanks to its sacredness. Many tourists seek out this temple when they are satiated with Ho Chi Minh City's bustle and hustle atmosphere and crave peacefulness and serenity. Thus, visiting this site is a great way to further enhance your trip to Ho Chi Minh City!
1. About Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
1.1. Where is Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple?
- Address: Tan Thoi 3 Hamlet, Tan Hiep Ward, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City
1.2. The history of Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple was founded by the monk Ngo Chan Tu in 1957, in an area that used to be a young offshoot forest. Initially, the temple was a building with only two storeys and a tiled roof.
In 1965, the war raged on. At the temple, monk Ngo Chan Tu sheltered 60 families for 8 months. In 1968, he adopted 365 children who lost their parents due to the war and established an institution where orphans could be raised and educated. For more space, he decided to expand the temple area by building a new hall.
After the Reunification Day in 1975, the relatives of the children came to the temple and picked them up. As a result, the institution had to close, but Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple still provided shelter for the homeless elderly and low-income families.
In 1988, Ngo Chan Tu passed away. His disciple, Thich Chan Tinh, inherited his will and took care of the temple until now.
To bring Buddhism closer to the people, Hoang Phap Temple held a 7-day course to practice dharma in 1996. Six years later, there was a summer course for students. These courses are still available these days and are actively recruiting new students.
2. How to get to Hoang Phap Temple?
Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple is 20 kilometers north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City. You can rent a scooter and ride there. The price for renting a scooter is quite reasonable, just from 50,000 to 180,000 VND per day.
Taking a bus is also an economical option, but it may take more time. To get to this site, you can hop on buses number 04, 13, 74, or 94. If you are not confident with your riding skills, you can use a ride-hailing application.
3. Best things to do at Hoang Phap Temple Vietnam
3.1. Exploring the architecture of Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
- Tam Quan Gate
Right after you arrive at the temple, you will be astonished by the unique architecture of the Tam Quan Gate - the main entrance. This three-arch gate is a combination of modern and oriental architectural features, covered by a red tiled curved roof.
On top of the gate is the name of the temple. Next to the name, there are the words "Tu bi" and "Tri tue," which in English means "compassion" and "wisdom," respectively.
- Buddha Hall
The Buddha Hall is a building of 756 square meters. The hall has brick walls decorated with mosaic tiles on the outside, painted with white water paint on the inside, and granite tiles cover the floor.
On both sides of the stairs leading to the hall are two fierce lion figures. The front door of the Buddha Hall has two Vajrapani Bodhisattvas engraved on it. Opposite the hall is a sculpture of Shakyamuni Buddha meditating on a lotus under the Bodhi tree.
On the left side of the Buddha Hall is Nhi Nghiem Tower, where this temple's founder, abbot Ngo Chan Tu, was laid to rest. Meanwhile, a rockery is on the right side of the hall, by a small pond. In the middle of the pond is a 5-meter-tall Bodhisattva statue.
Behind the rockery is Pho Do Tower, a place to store the ashes of deceased people after cremation. Behind the hall is a lecture room with a capacity of up to 300 people.
3.2. Contemplating the unique Nhi Nghiem Tower
Nhi Nghiem Tower, the tomb of Ngo Chan Tu, has a very distinctive shape, unlike other constructions in the temple grounds. This tower has a cylindrical shape with a dome-like cap. There are ceramic tiles surrounding the cap, and on top of the tower is the word “Van,” a Buddhist symbol of infinity.
3.3. Praying under the ashoka tree
Another highlight of Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple is an ashoka tree. The tree has wide foliage and aromatic flowers, which grow in dense, luscious clusters. They have a vibrant orange-yellow tint that will turn crimson before fading.
According to folklore, Shakyamuni Buddha was born under the canopy of the ashoka tree. For that reason, many people believe that praying under the tree will bring luck, peace, and wealth for their families.
3.4. Attending the Buddhist retreats at Hoang Phap Temple
If you want to learn more about Buddhism and find inner peace, consider attending a Buddhist retreat at Hoang Phap Pagoda Vietnam. Many Buddhist training courses are held each year for students to improve their body and mind.
You will learn how to worship, meditate, and pray properly during the course. The monks here will correct your posture and teach you about the doctrines, so you can practice yourself after finishing the course.
Currently, Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple is regarded as Vietnam's largest Buddhist training and study center.
4. TOP tips for visiting Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple
In order to have a flawless trip to this sacred site, there are some tips that you should take note of:
- Look up the address and directions to the temple in advance
- The temple is open for visitors from 5 am to 8:30 pm
- Avoid making loud noises in the temple grounds
- Dress politely, avoid revealing clothes
Apart from Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple, there are many other spiritual sites in Ho Chi Minh City that are worth a visit, such as Jade Emperor Pagoda, Mariamman Hindu Temple, Thien Hau Pagoda, etc.
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Hoang Phap Buddhist Temple, with beautiful landscape and architecture, will surely bring calmness and peacefulness to your soul. Enrolling in a training course is also a great option if you are interested in Buddhism and truly want to experience the sacred ambiance here. Be sure to mark this site for your upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh City!
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