Do wishes really come true here at Lang Co pagoda? Let’s find out. Lang Co pagoda stands as a testament to both spiritual solace and the beauty of Da Nang. It offers visitors a chance to ease their minds amid tranquil surroundings.
Da Nang is home to not just one but three Linh Ung Pagodas. We will focus on two: Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula.
Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula is located on Son Tra Peninsula. It stands 639 meters above sea level. It is 10 kilometers away from Da Nang City center. The pagoda faces the peninsula. It overlooks the East Sea. Cu Lao Cham Island is to the left. A spectacular view of Hai Van Mountain is to the right.
There is a local myth about the history of Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula. During Emperor Minh Mang’s reign, a Buddha statue drifted to the sandbank of Son Tra Peninsula. Locals believed this was auspicious. Fishermen built a shrine to worship Buddha. The sea waves became calmer. Fishing became easier. The sandbank became known as Bai But. It means “The land of Buddha.” Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang was built here in 2004. It officially opened after 6 years. It highlighted the rise of Buddhism in Vietnam in the 21st century.
The pagoda covers 20 hectares. It includes the main hall, ancestor’s house, lecture hall, library, cafeteria, and Arhat statue garden. It is the largest pagoda in Da Nang. The architecture blends contemporary and traditional Vietnamese styles.
After passing the main gate, you see the main hall. Sturdy pillars support the hall. A curved dragon-shaped roof shows a traditional Vietnamese style. The center of the main hall features 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 4 Guardians and 18 Arhat statues. They are arranged based on spiritual importance. Each Arhat statue shows a human emotion: joy, anger, love, or hate.
The most striking feature of Linh Ung Da Nang Pagoda is the Lady Buddha statue. It is the tallest in Vietnam. It reaches 67 meters high. That equals a 30-floor building. The Lady Buddha statue stands on a lotus-shaped foundation with a 35-meter diameter. Inside the statue, there is a 17-meter-wide area with 17 floors. Each floor holds 21 Buddha statues. Many tourists visit to see the Lady Buddha statue. They pray for good fortune. The pagoda is a blend of sacred architecture and natural beauty.
Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains is on the eastern side of Water Mountain. It is the most majestic mountain of the Marble Mountains. The pagoda is 10 kilometers southeast of the city center. It attracts visitors with its nostalgic beauty. They come to sightsee and pray for a good life.
Linh Ung Da Nang Pagoda Marble Mountains is the oldest of the three. It was built in 1825. It has been renovated many times. It was originally named Duong Chon Duong. Emperor Minh Mang renamed it Ung Chon Tu in 1825. In 1841, Emperor Thanh Thai renamed it Linh Ung Pagoda.
Linh Ung Pagoda is surrounded by mountains and trees. The air feels fresh. The most striking feature is a 10-meter tall white Buddha statue. Its back faces the mountain. Its front faces the pagoda.
The Xa Loi Tower was built in 1997. It is 28 meters tall. It has 7 floors. It houses 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statues. The tower is known for having the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains shows ancient Vietnamese-style architecture. The main hall resembles the letter “Nhat”. The nave worships three Buddhas: Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha. It also worships two Bodhisattvas: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Manjusri Bodhisattva. The side worships Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Linh Ung Pagoda preserves two golden boards. One recognizes the pagoda as a national pagoda. The other marks its name “Linh Ung Pagoda.” In 1980, it became a National Historical Cultural Heritage Site.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting. Choose polite clothing. Avoid shorts, crop tops, and short skirts. Walk quietly. Avoid touching public property. Wear walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, hats, and drinks. Consider taking a taxi for convenient travel.
Whether you seek spiritual insight or cultural enrichment, Lang Co pagoda offers a profound experience. It is a place where wishes and history intertwine.