Tu Dam Pagoda- The Root Pagoda In Hue

Tu Dam Pagoda Introduction

Tu Dam Pagoda is one of the famous Buddhist temples in Hue city coordinated between the new and old architectural art lines. In addition, this historic pagoda also contributes to the preservation, development of the Vietnamese national and ethical Buddhism.

Where is it?

Tu Dam pagoda is a famous ancient pagoda that lies on Su Lieu Quan street, Truong An ward, Hue city.  It is just 2,2km from Hue city center.

Tu Dam Pagoda History

As a famous pagoda in Hue, Tu Dam becomes the most important Buddhist center in Vietnam. Especially in central, this is a pagoda that has undergone many incidents of Buddhist history.

Built at the end of the 17th century by the zen master Minh Hoang. Tu Dam pagoda had the old name as An Tong (印宗寺, hay Tông). In 1702, Lieu Quan- a high-level monk came to join the pagoda with the zen master Minh Hoang. 

By the year 1938, the temple was ceded to An Nam Buddhist Society and reengineered the architecture of the temple. At the end of the 20 century, the Buddhist Council of Thua Thien Hue has designed more towers; meditation houses, raises, guest houses, kitchens, lectures, and Council department offices. By 2006, the temple was put in to repair on a larger scale to meet the demands for all activities of nuns and Buddhists across the country.

Tu Dam Pagoda’s Architecture

Visit Tu Dam Pagoda, you will see the common structure of the pagoda characteristic of the ancient pagodas. It has simple design, high ground, and spacious area. This is the place to welcome religious leaders, scholars, intellectuals, and tourists; Buddhists in over the World visit and worship the Buddha. In addition, not only to learn about the history, visitors also admire the whole architecture, stunning landscapes in Tu Dam pagoda.

Although it has been renovated many times, it retains many of the ancient architectural features. The temple is built in a spacious, airy space surrounded by greenery. The temple architecture consists of three important parts of the Tam Quan Gate, the main pagoda, and the council office.

The Tam Quan Gate has a tiled roof, which is a three-door gate that is common to other traditional pagodas in Vietnam. Behind the portal, there is a bodhi tree extracted from the Bodhi tree where the Buddha became holy. It is a gift from the French Buddhist association led by Mrs. Karpeies donated and was planted in 1936.

Next up is a large, flat stone-paved courtyard that is spacious enough for thousands of people to join the ceremony. The main pagoda consists of the front yard, main shrine, and houses. The front yard is built on a granite foundation 1.5 m tall and the roof is designed to make the temple look taller.

In the main shrine of Tu Dam pagoda, the Buddha statue sitting on the lotus flower altar, the two sides have reliefs Van Thu bodhisattvas and Hien Pho bodhisattvas. The layout in the main shrine is simple compared to other pagodas in Hue. The right side of the main office is the guest house and the monk rooms.

In front of the guest house, there is a small flower garden. And in the middle of the garden, there is a sculpture of Minh Tam monk (He contributed to the temple and for the renaissance and Buddhist development in Vietnam). Tu Dam pagoda is an important and festival pagoda with 10 monuments and 2 floors. 

How to get there?

It is pretty easy to get to Tu Dam pagoda. You can get there by motorbikes, bikes or by private cars. There is no entrance fee for all pagodas in Vietnam so you can visit Tu Dam pagoda from 7 am to 5 pm every day.

If you would like to maximize your time in Hue, you should book Hue City Tour 1 day or Hue City Tour by private car with us. Booking our service, you will have chances to explore all the must-see attractions in Hue. Moreover, our travel agents are always willing to customize the tours/ private cars following your requests.