Fascinating Things About Temple In Vietnam

Our discussions on religion in Vietnam frequently bring up temples and pagodas. Our visitors frequently inquire, "Aren't they exactly the same thing?" They are not, though. In actuality, they are two wholly distinct centers of worship for many religions and beliefs. What exactly are temples and pagodas, and how can you tell them apart? For Vietnamese people, it is rather simple, but it might be difficult to tell at first look for tourists.

Except for Vietnam, most nations refer to places of worship as temples, regardless of the deity being worshiped there. However, Vietnam temples and pagodas are two separate locations, where people frequently practice many religions and worship a variety of saints, gods, and Buddha just in case. Visitors may assume that both of them are identical despite the fact that they serve different functions and worship separate deities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEMPLES AND PAGODAS IN VIETNAM?

A pagoda, or "Chùa" in Vietnam, is a Buddhist temple that was constructed to honor Buddha. Buddhists go there to pray at Buddha statues, study the Buddha's teachings, or interact with Buddhist monks. Mother Goddess worship is also conducted inside a pagoda complex in various parts of northern Vietnam.

In Vietnam, there are pagodas for both Mahayana Buddhism (the Great Vehicle) and Theravada Buddhism (the Small Vehicle). Buddhists in northern Vietnam adhere to the Chinese Pure Land tradition of the Mahayana school, which is based on the forgiving Amida Buddha, as a result of the historical Chinese dominances. While Theravada School Buddhism is followed by Buddhists in southern Vietnam, it is also prevalent in Laos and Cambodia.

You might notice that local ladies are more likely than males to kneel and offer prayers at Buddha statues at pagodas. It is stated that Vietnamese women are more willing to suffer and make sacrifices for the protection of their families and communities than Vietnamese males, hence the women often spend more time singing at pagodas. In contrast, more males are seen at temples because of a long-standing custom that restricts visitors to men only (or communal houses).

Vietnam temple is referred to as "Đền”. It is a location where one can worship a historical figure in the country, which may be a large, elaborate structure or just a few plain rooms. The individual is a national hero of Vietnam, such as a monarch, queen, general, accomplished Confucian scholar, or national liberator (Ho Chi Minh). Vietnam temple was created in recognition of regular Vietnamese citizens who protected the populace from Chinese invasion or a natural calamity (typhoon, floods).

In a Vietnam temple, you'll find one (or more) sculptures of the person being worshiped rather than Buddha statues. There are also publications concerning the deities that are worshiped to assist educate the younger generations about the practice. Books, handwritten notes, wood sculptures, stone steles, and other types of documents may be on exhibit someplace in the temple.

Pagoda, communal house and temple in Vietnam are three separate sites of worship that are influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, respectively. People visit temples and community buildings to pay respect and homage to the national heroes or saints who are venerated there, while they visit pagodas to pray to Buddha as an expression of gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha.

HOW TO SHOW RESPECT AT A VIETNAM TEMPLE?

You can go to a nearby house of worship to take in the serene ambiance, stunning landscape, or a local religious activity. You are welcome to bring tea, flowers, and incense. In temples and community homes, you can bring meat, alcoholic beverages, and other forms of offerings. But since serving meat and alcoholic beverages in pagodas is completely banned in Buddhism, you should never do so.

No matter if you visit a pagoda (Chua), temple (Den), or communal home (Dinh), to show respect to the local culture, please:

1. Take off your shoes when necessary; most pagodas and temples require people to enter the worship space barefoot.

2. Enter the temples and pagodas by the right-hand gate, and exit through the left-hand gate. Only prominent people, such as the abbot or the head of a pagoda or temple, are allowed through the wider middle gate.

3. Avoid using your fingers to gesture towards the sculptures on the altars.

4. Show respect for the locals who are praying by being silent and avoiding moving about excessively while they are praying. Don't obstruct the view between the altars or sculptures and the prayers.

5. There are times when photographing the sculptures and worshippers is inappropriate. To find out if taking pictures is permitted, ask your tour guides.

6. Don modest attire. Never dress too short so that your knees and shoulders are exposed. Also make sure your chest is completely covered.

7. Don't shake hands or otherwise make physical contact with monks.

8. Be very careful not to touch the sculptures.

9. Be respectful to regional customs. Being that it is not your faith, just observe.

10. When praying or conversing with a monk, clasp your hands together to form the shape of a lotus flower.

Don't miss these top ancient temples in Vietnam if you wish to visit a temple to pray for peace or find a quiet location to soothe the mind and spirit. With its numerous stunning and revered temples, Vietnam is a popular destination for spiritual travelers. Let's find out more about these Vietnamese temples.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda, with its 1500-year history and reputation as one of Vietnam's top temples, was the first structure erected on the banks of the Hong River during the reign of King Ly Nam De (541–547). The pagoda's name after completion was Khai Quoc pagoda. By the end of the 17th century, the pagoda had undergone several renovations and relocations and was finally given the name Tran Quoc by King Tran Hy Tong. It was then situated on a solitary island east of West Lake, in the modern Tay Ho area.

The pagoda's entryway is the first distinctive aspect of Tran Quoc Pagoda. The walkway leading to the temple is gently curved. Visitors can access the interior buildings, including the great hall in the center, by entering the temple through the gate and then along the single red-tiled road.

The bell tower was beyond the incense burner, which was extending the hallway together with the top palace. The unusual tomb tower of the pagoda behind the pagoda with several antique towers, which was constructed in the 18th century, is the focal point of Tran Quoc Pagoda. The tower of a 15m-tall, 11-floor lotus flower tower is possibly the most notable of them. Developed in 1998. Each tower contains six doorcells per story. There is a magnificent stone statue of Amitabha Buddha in each cubicle. A stone figure of Cuu Pham Lien Hoa is located atop the tower. Hanoi's Tran Quoc Pagoda

Location: Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Temple of Literature, Hanoi

To revere and instruct Confucius and the accomplished Confucian academics, the Temple of Literature was constructed. King Ly Thanh Tong constructed this location around 1070. This work aims to inspire individuals to pursue knowledge and to identify their abilities in order to benefit the nation. After its construction, instruction here started in 1076. It is regarded as one of Vietnam's most well-known and outstanding temples.

Within a 55,027m2 space, the Temple of Literature is situated south of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. It is separated into 5 different sections. The Temple of Literature's main gate, Dai Trung Mon, Khue Van Cac, Dai Thanh, and Thai Hoc courtyard can all be seen from the entry in the Temple of Literature's overall architecture.

The first sector stretches from the Temple of Literature's main gate to Dai Trung Mon's gate. On the left and right of Dai Trung Mon are two little doors; the left gate is known as Thanh Duc gate, while the right door is known as Dat Tai door.

The second region is an architectural representation of Vietnamese literature and education that extends from Dai Trung Mon to Khue Van Cac. In 1805, Khue Van Cac was constructed using timber construction to resemble a blazing Khue star.

The Temple of Literature's general relics and two rows of stele with the names of accomplished academics are housed in the third part, which is made up of a sizable Thien Quang square well. In each row, a tortoise with 41 steles on it represents immortality. The most priceless relic that represents the love of the Vietnamese people through 82 inspections is a set of 82 stone steles.

Location: No 58, Van Mieu street, Dong Da district, Ha Noi. 

Opening hours:

- Summer (from 15/4 to 15/10): 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

- Winter season (remaining time): 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cao Dai Temple, Tay Ninh

The Cao Dai Temple's construction was completed in 1955. All religions, according to Caodists, are the same and aim to spread tolerance across the world. At this temple, people venerate the Lord Buddha, Muhammad and Confucius, Jesus Christ, Joan of Arc, and Julius Caesar.

One of the biggest attractions of visiting this temple is seeing Caodiasts worship. For lay followers, they must wear long, flowing white robes; for priests, they must wear garments in yellow, blue, or red. When worship is conducted, males sit on the right, women on the left, and all followers sit in neat rows. The building combines elements of Neo-Gothic, Baroque, and Oriental architecture. Sky blue ceilings, pillars draped in dragons, and seven-headed cobras are just a few of the elaborate decorations.

Location: Hoa Thanh Town, Hoa Thanh District, Tay Ninh.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi

For every visitor, the One Pillar Pagoda is a must-see location. According to Vietnamese history, King Ly Thai Tong constructed one of the country's greatest temples during the winter of 1049.

The One Pillar Pagoda's architecture is "unique." The temple is designed to resemble a lotus flower growing on the river, a flower that represents Buddhism's dignity and purity. As a result, Lien Hoa Dai is still used to refer to it. Under Linh Chieu Lake, the entire temple complex is supported by a stone pillar. The pillar is made of two stone blocks but is deftly positioned as a single unit to produce a distinctive architectural design for the temple. The pagoda is constructed from a variety of expensive woods. The ceiling tiles of the temple have intricately curved shapes and incredibly fine patterns. Dragons have been a crucial emblem in temple building since antiquity. This represents the omnipotent might of God and the audacious human values that represent human desire and intelligence.

You will need to climb 13 brick stairs in order to reach the temple's upper level. Stone steles that briefly describe the temple's history may be seen on the steps.

An elaborately decorated statue of Quan Am Buddha may be found inside the temple. The Buddha statue is made to resemble the Quan Am Buddha seated on a sparkling lotus blossom that the King Ly Thai Tong saw in a dream. Linh Chieu lake is encircled by low brick walls and is located close to the temple.

One Pillar Pagoda is the highest point of Eastern philosophy in addition to having distinctive architectural qualities. According to several academics, the yin and yang principle was taken into consideration while designing the temple area. To represent the yin, the pagoda was constructed in the shape of a square. The temple's pillar is supported by a circle of yang symbols. That is the balance of yin and yang, birth and death, heaven and earth.

Location: One Pillar Pagoda, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh

The largest bronze Buddha figure in Southeast Asia, the largest bronze bell in Southeast Asia, and other records make Bai Dinh Pagoda one of the top temples in Vietnam. The temple has been standing for almost a thousand years as evidence of Buddhism's continued vitality in Vietnamese people's spiritual lives. Another national historical and cultural landmark of spiritual and aesthetic importance in the former capital is the old Bai Dinh pagoda.

Many important native resources, including Ninh Binh green stone, Tu Thiet wood, and Bat Trang glazed tiles, are combined to create the huge cube-shaped temple building that is one of Vietnam's most imposing architectural styles. The Tam Quan gate, bell tower, Quan Am, Phap Chu, and Tam The palaces are the Bai Dinh Pagoda's primary draws. You have to go quite a distance, primarily up and down stairs, to get to an attraction. This is a means for us to demonstrate our endurance and willingness to enter the unpolluted territory of people.

Location: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM