Is it possible for a pagoda to be both a sanctuary and a headquarters? Tu Quang Buddhist Temple embodies this duality. It stands as a testament to Vietnamese Buddhism’s enduring spirit. We are standing before Tu Quang Buddhist Temple.
Tu Quang Buddhist Temple has played a vital role in Vietnamese Buddhism’s development. It has witnessed many ups and downs. It now serves as the headquarters of Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha. The temple also houses the Institute for Dharma Propagation.
In 1948 a small pagoda was built by Buddhist monk Thich Thien Tri. It was initially named Ung Quang Tu. It functioned as a Buddhist school. In 1950 Buddhist monk Thich Thien Hoa managed Ung Quang Pagoda. He built the Main Hall in the style of Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue. Ung Quang Pagoda was renamed An Quang Pagoda in 1953. It then became the headquarters of Nam Viet Buddhist School.
The Ancestral House and dining room were built in 1955. Later constructions included the Golden Lotus Printing House and a library. Restorations occurred throughout the 1960s and later in the 2000s. The tower was built on the left of the main gate in 2009.
Thich Thien Hoa enlisted Nguyen Huu Thien to design the building. The design blends Vietnamese Indian Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. Artist Truong Van Thanh oversaw the interior design. He was a professor at Gia Dinh Arts Practice School.
Tu Quang Buddhist Temple features two gates on Su Van Hanh Street. Each gate has two pillars. Yellow dharma wheels and green lions decorate the pillars.
The main building has two floors and three arched entrances. Red and green dragons adorn the entrances. The green-tiled roofs curve upwards. Red dragon ornaments decorate the eaves.
From 1965 to 1980 the ground floor served as the headquarters of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. Since 1981 it has been the headquarters of Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha City. A wooden statue of Maitreya Buddha stands in the back of the ground floor.
The Main Hall is on the first floor. A concrete statue of Gautama Buddha is worshiped here. The walls feature reliefs depicting Buddha’s life. Statues of Dharmapala and lacquer paintings also adorn the hall.
The Ancestral House is behind the main building. It is a place to worship ancestors. Altars panels and doors are made of wood.
The stupa was built in 2009. It honors the wisdom of Gautama Buddha. The square stupa has seven floors. Green and brown colors dominate.
Thien Hoa Lecture Hall has two floors. The windows are painted five colors. A dharma wheel is on the facade.
The Reception Room blends Vietnamese and Japanese architecture. It welcomes visitors. The Cultural Store sells Buddhist books and statues.
The Guanyin Stupa is on the left of the cultural store. Visitors can relax in a peaceful space here. You can also enjoy a view of the pagoda.
Tu Quang Buddhist Temple is a religious place with beautiful architecture. Its delicate interior was designed by famous Vietnamese artists. It provides an escape from bustling Saigon. It is a place to find peace. Its history and continued importance make it a significant landmark.