Vạn Linh Khánh Pagoda
Quảng Ninh(Chùa Vạn Linh Khánh)
Overview & history
Vạn Linh Khánh Pagoda, located in the Nam Thọ area of Trà Cổ ward, is one of the most outstanding heritage sites of Móng Cái city and was classified as a National Artistic Monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1999.
The date of construction of Vạn Linh Khánh Pagoda has not been clearly determined. According to the inscription on the bronze bell recast in the 3rd year of Thiệu Trị (1843), it is mentioned that in the 15th year of Cảnh Thịnh during the reign of King Lê Hiển Tông (1754), there already existed Linh Khánh Tự. In the summer of 2018, the main pagoda, of large scale, was being rebuilt with large concrete pillars.
Vạn Linh Khánh Pagoda was constructed with the main structures: Tam quan (three-entrance gate), Tổ House (ancestral hall), Mẫu House (Mother Goddess hall), and Guest House. Over time, the pagoda has undergone many restorations, and traces from the Lê dynasty no longer remain. However, the pagoda still preserves quite a full collection of worship objects and Dharma statues: a system of 53 ancient statues supplemented over many periods. Most notable are four statues of the newborn Śākyamuni, two statues of Quan Âm Tống tử (Child-bestowing Avalokiteśvara), and two small statues of the Three Buddhas of the Three Times.
Every year, at the Nam Thọ pagoda heritage site, there are also many festivals that attract a large number of Buddhists and visitors to participate, such as the Śākyamuni Buddha Festival (8th day of the 4th lunar month), Vu Lan Festival (7th lunar month), Amitābha Buddha Festival (17th day of the 11th lunar month), and so on.
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: 21.47682, 108.01279
🧭 Directions on Google Maps