Vinh Trang Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Tien Giang province, southern Vietnam. The pagoda was built in the early 19th century, with a unique architectural style combining East and West. Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the most famous spiritual tourist destinations in the Southwest region, attracting thousands of tourists each year.
Location and directions to Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda is located on Nguyen Trung Truc street, My An hamlet, My Phong commune, My Tho city, Tien Giang province. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to Vinh Trang Pagoda by many different means, such as bus, car, motorbike or high-speed train.
Take a passenger bus
You can buy tickets at the Western bus station and choose the bus route to My Tho. After arriving in My Tho, you can catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to get to Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Ride a car or motorbike
You can follow National Highway 1A to My Tho city. Then, turn right onto Nguyen Trung Truc Street and go straight to Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Take the high-speed boat
You can buy tickets at Bach Dang wharf in Binh Thanh district, Ho Chi Minh City. After arriving in My Tho, you can catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to get to this place.
Unique architecture of Vinh Trang Pagoda
The architecture is a unique combination of Eastern and Western architecture. The main hall of the pagoda is built in the style of traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture, with a curved tiled roof and intricately carved wooden pillars.
Oriental architecture
this pagoda has many buildings with Eastern architecture, but designed in a more modern style than other pagodas. These buildings include the Main Hall, the Vihara, the Truss House and the Guan Yin Buddha Statue.
Western architecture
Buildings built in Western architectural style often have more elegant and simple designs than Eastern architectural works. One of the typical buildings is the Bell Tower of Vinh Trang Pagoda, built with an elegant and slender design.
History and origin of Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda was built in the early 19th century, with great attention and contributions from monks and Buddhists in the Buddhist community. The temple has gone through many different historical periods, from when it was first built until now.
Origin
According to tradition, this Pagoda was built on a land called “Binh Thuy Duong” in the Mekong Delta. Initially, this was just a 4-level house of a Buddhist family, used for worship. Later, with the support of the local Buddhist community, this house was expanded and became a small temple.
History
During its development, Vinh Trang Pagoda has experienced many historical events. During the war against the Americans, many temple buildings were damaged and had to be repaired. However, thanks to the attention and contributions of the local Buddhist community along with benefactors, Vinh Trang Pagoda was restored and became a large pagoda.
Characteristics of Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the most popular pagodas in Southern Vietnam. In addition to unique architecture, the pagoda also has other unique features.
Statue of Avalokiteshvara Buddha
In the temple grounds, there is a statue of Avalokiteshvara about 7 meters high, carved from monolithic white marble. This Lady Buddha statue is considered one of the most beautiful sculptures of Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Monastery
The monastery is a place for nuns and nuns to gather to practice and teach Buddhism. In the monastery, there are many works of art and ancient objects.
Group of statues at Vinh Trang pagoda
The statue group of Vinh Trang Pagoda includes 18 statues, representing 18 Arhats. These statues are carved from rosewood and placed in a separate chamber.
Spiritual activities at Vinh Trang Pagoda
In addition to visiting and admiring the unique architecture, visitors can also participate in spiritual activities at Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Lotus ceremony
The lotus ceremony is one of the important rituals of this pagoda. According to tradition, on every full moon night of the seventh lunar month every year, Vinh Trang Pagoda will hold a lotus ceremony to commemorate the merits of Buddha and the saints. At the lotus ceremony, people will place the lotus flower on the river to pray for a good new year.
Buddha’s relics
Buddha relics is an activity held every Sunday, for those who want to learn and practice Buddhism. Nuns and head nuns will teach and guide Buddhist practice for participating members.
Vu Lan Ceremony
Vu Lan Festival is one of the major ceremonies of Buddhism, held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month every year. The Vu Lan ceremony is solemnly held with many meaningful activities, such as a boat parade on the river, offerings and Dharma propagation ceremonies.
When visiting, visitors should note the following:
- Photos and dress code
- When entering the temple grounds, visitors should wear polite clothes and respect the spiritual space. In addition, visitors should also ask the advice of the nuns and head nuns when wanting to take photos in the temple grounds.
- Don’t speak loudly and don’t be noisy
- Because it is a spiritual site, visitors should keep the space quiet and avoid making noise or speaking loudly in the temple grounds.
- Respect Buddha statues and sacred objects of the temple
- Visitors should not touch or climb on Buddha statues and holy objects in the temple grounds.
Vinh Trang Pagoda is a unique and famous pagoda in Southern Vietnam, attracting thousands of tourists every year. In addition to unique architecture, the pagoda also has distinct spiritual characteristics and activities. Visitors will experience a peaceful and sacred spiritual space of Buddhism.
Hopefully the above information and travel experiences will help you understand more about Vinh Trang pagoda and Mekong Delta culture in general. If you need any supports or difficulty finding transportation about this place, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help and be a part of your journey.
