Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located 8 kilometers from the city of Dalat. One of the most unusual complexes in Vietnam is called the "bottle pagoda" due to the fact that its facade, columns, railings, sculptures and other elements are decorated with a mosaic of glass bottle fragments, porcelain and ceramics. Another alternative name is the Temple of a Thousand Dragons. In Eastern culture, they represent nobility, strength, luck and protection.
History
The Linh Phuoc Pagoda was built in 1949-1952. The Buddhists decided to build a small temple so that they could come and pray, take part in ceremonies that help believers pay homage to the Buddha, his teachings and the community of followers.
At first it was a modest bamboo prayer hut, the first monastery complex with gardens and monastic buildings was gradually formed with donations from parishioners. For several decades, it was an ordinary provincial monastery, but over time, the Lin Phuoc Pagoda became a world-famous site.
Description
The striking appearance of the Lin Phuoc Pagoda began to take shape in the 1990s. Abbot Thit Tham Vi decided to carry out a large-scale reconstruction. He was inspired by the idea of creating something special, symbolizing rebirth. The complex was decorated with a mosaic of fragments. People from all over Vietnam brought broken dishes, glass bottles and porcelain sets. The craftsmen put the patterns together by hand.
The image of a dragon is found in many elements of the Lin Phuoc Pagoda. In Buddhism, they are considered guardians of temples and sacred texts, protectors of believers from evil spirits. This is not just an ornament, but a symbol that protects the entire complex.
The walls of the main hall are decorated with murals depicting the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Inside, there are 324 gilded statues of Bodhisattvas who achieved full enlightenment, but deliberately postponed going to nirvana in order to help others free themselves from the suffering of the cycle of rebirth (samsara). You can also see a realistic statue of the great monk Min Ha Duc here. Special attention is paid to the 7-tiered bell tower of Linh Thap. It was completed in 1999, and the bronze Dai Hong Chung bell, weighing about 8.5 tons, was cast in the same year.
How to get
Lin Phuoc Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery, open to the public. Besides the locals, pilgrims and tourists come here. You can go to the complex on a retro train that departs from the Railway Station and goes to the pagoda, you need to get off at Trai Mat station. Bus number 6 runs from the Central Market of Dalat to the village of Trai Mat. You can also get there by taxi or rented car. Before traveling, it is recommended to study the schedule of the complex.
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