Huong Pagoda which is also called the Perfume Pagoda is a wide complex of various Buddhist shrines and temples which were built by the limestone taken from Huong Tich mountains. Now it has been turned into a religious site of great importance where a large number of pilgrims come from across Vietnam on a daily basis. Huong Son Commune is the center of Huong Temples in My Duc district. The central temple of this huge complex is Perfume Pagoda which is also described by many as Chua Trong, lies inside Huong Tich Cave.
It is believed that the very first temple which was built over here was a small structure on the present site of Thien Tru. It is built in the 15th century during the rule of Le Thanh Tong. Some say that the site was discovered and inhabited some 2000 years ago by a monk. He settled in this area and started meditating. The place was named after him by a Tibetan. Some of the structures built at this place have been destroyed over the years. Statue of Quan Am & Lord Buddha were cast in bronze in 1767. However, they were replicated with the present ones in 1793.
Great damage to the location was done only recently during the American and French wars. Tower and gate at of the Thien Tru pagoda were demolished which were rebuilt in 1986 by the Vietnamese government. Entrance to this pagoda is mysterious and vast and resembles the open mouth of a dragon. The mouth is decorated with Chinese letters dating back to 1770.
It is worth walking on the road leading to the Perfume Pagoda as the scenery is not only interesting but dotted with blossomed fruit trees which include medicinal herbs and apricots. Some other temples to see are Thuyet Kinh Cave, Vong Temple, and Thien Son Pagoda.
Most of the locals visit Chua Huong on religious events. Greetings that are exchanged among pilgrims are “A Di Da Phat”. A large number of pilgrims rush to this place, therefore, there are multiple routes which could be taken but most famous among all is by boat from Yen wharf to Trinh shrine. From this place, you will have to cross Hoi Bridge to pay a visit to the Thanh Son pagoda. Pilgrims travel on foot from Tro wharf to Thien Tru Pagoda. It is widely believed among the pilgrims that Buddha once stopped at this place to wash, to clean the dust of humanity. Pilgrims can also visit Cua Vong shrine and Tuyet Kinh cave. It is to worship the goddess of mountains living at this place. Main pilgrimage festival at Chua Huong is Huong Pagoda festival. It officially held on 15 February every year. This festival is seen by many as the best opportunity to have romance and start a courtship.
In short, the journey to this amazing place is full of fun but still do not try to go there without a guide as he will let you know about all the details regarding the Perfume Pagoda.
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