Linh Ung Pagoda is located in an area known locally as Bai But or
Buddha’s Sanctuary on Son Tra peninsula. It is rated as the most
magnificent work of this kind in the central city of Da Nang , in
terms of architectural and artistic value.
Local
residents on Son Tra peninsula recalled stories relating to the
existence of the pagoda. Accordingly, under the reign of King Minh Mang
in the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century, a Buddhist statue drifted
downstream to the area and ran aground at a sandy embankment.
Local villagers thought it was a good omen, so they built a small
pagoda to worship the statue. From that day on, the whole coastal region
enjoyed good weather, with no big storms and rough seas, while local
fishermen caught plenty of fish.
The embankment where the statue
drifted was then named Bai But, meaning “Buddha’s sanctuary in the real
life”, where the present-day Linh Ung Pagoda is located.
The
pagoda was built with a perfect harmony of modern and traditional
features typical of a Vietnamese pagoda. It has become an attractive
tourist site in the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang .
Situated on an area of about 20 hectares on the side of a mountain, the
pagoda is a magnificent artwork. It looks to the sea while leaning on a
vast primitive forest of Son Tra peninsula.
From every corner of Da Nang city, visitors can see the Guanyin
statue placed in the pagoda courtyard. It is the highest statue in
Vietnam , measuring 67 metres in height and 35 metres in diameter at
its base. It is as high as a 30-storey building.
Along the two sides of the path leading to the main chamber are statues
of 18 Arhats, each describing different human emotions – joy, anger and
sadness, and sculptured skilfully.
The main chamber, the ancestors’ house, hall and monks’ house are all built and arranged magnificently.
Linh Ung Pagoda is not only a religious site, but also a spiritual tourist attraction for visitors to Da Nang.-VNA