Jan 30 -- VietNamNet Bridge: To pray for a good new year, you should go to the Ngoc Hoang temple on Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1. To enjoy a view and pray for peace, you should visit the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.
Going to temples in the early days of the year is tradition of Vietnamese, expressing their faith in the original point. The southern land is the home to many sacred temples, which are the spiritual destination of pilgrims.
1. Giac Lam Pagoda
As an ancient and famous temple in HCM City, Giac Lam Pagoda in District 11 attracts a lot of visitors. The architecture of the temple is considered typical in the south, with three interconnected blocks. The main hall is in the traditional folk style, with four main pillars.
The whole scenery is quite large and very quiet, suitable for Buddhists and pilgrims. Coming here visitors can learn more about the cultural, historical, architectural and sculptural values that have been preserved in the temple until today.
2. Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda
In the past the temple was called Ngoc Hoang Shrine, worshipping the Jade Emperor of the Chinese people in Saigon. Therefore, the architecture of the temple features Chinese characteristics. The temple has beautiful and rare wooden sculptures.
Entering the temple visitors will enjoy the lotus lake, the smoke spiraling up around the yard. There is a pond with thousands of turtles, released by pilgrims.
3. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
The temple is located on an open campus, with the typical architectural style of the temples in the north. Both the name and the architecture of the temple are similar to a wooden pagoda in Bac Giang province, the center of the Truc Lam Yen Tu school.
The unique feature of the temple is a 14 m high stone tower with 7 floors, built and carved with patterns of the Ly - Tran dynasties.
Located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in the city center, visiting the temple is always crowded with visitors and pilgrims.
4. Xa Loi Pagoda
Located on Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3, the ancient tamarind trees along the way make the space inside the temple more subtle.
The pagoda was built by the contributions of people of the southern provinces to worship Buddha remains.
The special feature of the temple is a 7-storey tower of 32 meters high. The top floor has a great bell of 2 tons, which is cast in the form of the famous bell at the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue City.
5. Viet Nam Quoc Tu (Vietnam National Pagoda)
In a pure space, with the shade of ancient trees, Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda on 3/2 Road is a beautiful architecture with historical significance.
The temple is known for its typical Vietnamese architecture. It is one of the most famous pagodas in HCM City.