Gia Lam Ancient Pagoda
Hậu Giang(Già Lam Cổ Tự)
Overview & history
Gia Lam Ancient Pagoda is located in Xeo Vong C hamlet, Hiep Loi commune, Nga Bay city, Hau Giang province, on grounds of about 2,376 m². A Northern-school (Mahayana) temple, it features a distinctive Indian-influenced architectural ensemble rare in the Mekong Delta.
History
The pagoda was founded in 1940 by Venerable Thich Hue Duc, initially named Quan Thanh De; in 1970 it was renamed Gia Lam Co Tu. Since 1988 it has been led by Venerable Thich Hue Sanh. Besides Shakyamuni Buddha, it venerates Quan Thanh De (Guan Yu) — a legacy of its original name. Tradition holds that in 1964 a devotee donated a large sum to cast the statue of the red steed Xich Tho that stands before the courtyard.
Architecture and statuary
The grounds display about 145 statues of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and arhats — the most of any pagoda in the Mekong Delta — including a 14 m reclining Buddha, a 12 m Avalokitesvara, and tableaux of the Lumbini and Deer Park gardens. The main hall houses statues of Guan Yu, the eighteen arhats and the ten Kings of Hell, each considered an artistic masterpiece tied to Buddhist lore.
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: