Tien Mu Pagoda is the main attraction of Hue City, an informal symbol of the city and the tallest pagoda in Vietnam.
The pagoda is an ancient one, founded in 1601 on the bank of the Fragrant River. The name translates as "heavenly fairy". Both the name and the foundation of the pagoda are linked to an unusual legend. Once on the mountain appeared an old woman in green-red clothes, who declared this place sacred. After that, she flew into the sky. At the top of Ha Khe Mountain, a pagoda was built and named after the fairy who pointed out the place. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Under Emperor Tieu Tri, a seven-tiered building over 20 metres high was erected. This octagonal building has survived to this day. The seven tiers symbolise the seven incarnations of the Buddha.
The recent history of the pagoda also has pathetic pages. In the thirties and forties, the pagoda was a centre of Buddhist resistance to French colonisation. Later, in 1963, one of the monks committed an act of self-immolation in Saigon to protest the French administration's violation of the rights of believers. The act proved to be effective. Images of the act of self-immolation went round all European channels, shocked the public. This event is considered the beginning of the fall of the puppet regime of dictator Ziem.
Today the pagoda is surrounded by a small but very harmonious park - with sculptures, benches, pavilions, bonsai garden, lush flowers and a pond with orchids. Within the pagoda grounds, a small pavilion houses the car of a monk who burned himself in Saigon. Another pavilion houses a giant bell weighing three tonnes. In the same pavilion, antique bronzes are also on display.
The pagoda is located in a beautiful place, it too offers a picturesque view of the much-loved Fragrant River. The atmosphere of the holy place is felt immediately, despite the large number of tourists. Here you can ask for peace of mind, cure from illness, etc. It is claimed that requests are fulfilled.
