Have you spotted the serene pagoda nestled amidst Da Nang’s vibrant landscape? It is the Xa Loi Pagoda. This pagoda offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage. The Xa Loi Pagoda is more than just a temple. It is a place of worship. It is also a space for meditation. Its natural beauty enhances the sense of peace.
Dominating the skyline near the Xa Loi Pagoda is the Lady Buddha statue. It stands impressively tall. The Lady Buddha is visible from many points in Da Nang. The statue is part of the Linh Ung Pagoda complex. She is one of the tallest statues in Vietnam. She represents the Bodhisattva of Mercy. She is known as Quan Am in Vietnamese. The Lady Buddha symbolizes protection for fishermen. She is also a beacon of peace. She attracts visitors from far and wide.
Legend says that during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang a Buddha statue drifted to Son Tra Peninsula. Fishermen saw this as a good omen. They built a shrine to worship the Buddha. Since then, the waves became calmer. This made fishing easier. The sandbank became known as Bai But. This means “The land of Buddha”. Linh Ung Pagoda was built here in 2004. It officially opened after six years. It highlights the rise of Buddhism in Vietnam.
The Linh Ung Pagoda covers 20 hectares. It includes a main hall. It also has an ancestor’s house and a lecture hall. There is also a library and a cafeteria. A garden displays Arhat statues. The pagoda blends contemporary and traditional Vietnamese styles.
Passing through the main gate, you will see the main hall. Sturdy pillars support it. A curved dragon-shaped roof decorates it. This highlights the traditional Vietnamese pagoda style. Inside the main hall, you will find a Sakyamuni Buddha statue. To the right is an Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue. To the left is a Buddha Tripitaka statue.
Along the path to the main hall, there are four Guardians. You can see 18 Arhat statues. They are arranged based on their spiritual meaning. Each Arhat statue represents a human emotion. These include joy, anger, love, and hate.
The Lady Buddha statue is a prominent feature. It is the tallest in Vietnam. It stands 67 meters high. That is equal to a 30-floor building. The statue rests on a lotus-shaped base. This base has a diameter of 35 meters. Inside the statue are 17 floors. Each floor contains 21 Buddha statues.
Many visitors come to admire the Lady Buddha. They pray for good fortune. The pagoda combines sacred architecture and natural beauty. Locals believe the Lady Buddha protects them from disasters. Since her arrival, typhoons rarely hit Da Nang.
The Xa Loi tower was built in 1997. It stands 28 meters tall. It features seven floors. Inside are 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statues. This tower has the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
When you visit Xa Loi Pagoda, remember to dress respectfully. Avoid shorts and revealing tops. Please maintain silence inside the temple. The Xa Loi Pagoda is more than a destination. It offers an unforgettable cultural experience.