Linh Quang Pagoda (Đà Lạt)
Lâm Đồng(Chùa Linh Quang (Đà Lạt))
Overview & history
Linh Quang Pagoda is located at 133 Hai Bà Trưng Street, Cam Ly Ward – Đà Lạt. This is the first pagoda built in this city, and is therefore also known as Linh Quang Tổ đình (ancestral pagoda).
The pagoda was founded by Most Venerable Thích Nhân Thứ in 1931, and was subsequently restored by successive resident abbots, especially in 1958 and 1972 during the tenure of Most Venerable Thích Minh Cảnh. The pagoda was granted a royal decree by King Bảo Đại in 1938.
The pagoda features traditional architecture, with layered curved roofs. The roof is adorned with images of the dragon (long), kylin (lân), tortoise (quy), and phoenix (phụng), all inlaid with colourful porcelain shards. The main hall of Linh Quang Pagoda is 20 metres long and consists of three interconnected compartments. The front hall has four bronze pillars decorated with dragons. Above the main entrance to the inner hall is the inscription "Chùa Linh Quang". The main hall enshrines a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni seated on a lotus throne, flanked by Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Quán Thế Âm) and the Dharma Protector (Hộ pháp). Behind the main hall is the Patriarch Hall (nhà Tổ) dedicated to Bodhidharma (Bồ Đề Đạt ma). Within the pagoda grounds there are also three stupas (bảo tháp) and a statue of Avalokiteśvara (Quan Thế Âm) manifesting upon the body of a long dragon, artistically crafted from reinforced concrete.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit:
Location
Coordinates: 11.95700, 108.42866
🧭 Directions on Google Maps