Quan Am Pagoda – Vietnam Is Awesome

This is a Pagoda built by the Fujian settlers in the 19th Century dedicated to Guanyin, the Ancient Chinese Goddess of mercy. It is widely visited by both Vietnamese and Chinese Buddhists who visit to make donations and make prayers for compassion. The main figure in the outer courtyard of the temple is Guanyin or Quan Am. Other deities are placed throughout the pagoda. 

The Jade Emperor takes a position in the entry hallway. This faces a large incense area, for followers to light incense. There are gilded images of Amitabha Buddha and three female Boddhistavas surround the Jade Emperor. Walking past the entrance will take you to the main altar inside, which is dedicated to the Sea Goddess Mazu, or Thien Hau in Vietnamese. Her face shows peace yet apathy at the carvings surrounding her. The Taoist Immortals or Celestial monuments either side of Mazu will take you to the courtyard where Quan Am stands tall. 

She is positioned upright with a gentle smile. Her left hand is carrying the vase that offers the source or elixir of life and the right is showing her followers various instructions. There dragons swirling around the surrounding pillars either side of Guanyin and images of Boddhistavas on tamed animals. This isn’t just a temple of mercy and compassion for Taoists; this is a temple for Buddhists, Taoists, and many deities of both these cultures. You can see the Monkey King and his compatriots around the courtyard. His story is depicted in the fishpond, where you can see a variety of fish symbolic of different causes. 

On the other side of the main entrance to the pagoda is another courtyard. This has a pond with a small statue of Quan Am. She is holding a small pearl and another small container, holding elixir or the juice of immortality. The pond’s background shows some old Chinese images of stars, Lao-tze, and the Jade Emperor and musicians playing a song. 

The temple is located at 12 Lao Tu, Phuong 11, District 5. It is open all day, from Sunrise to Sunset. For a more articulate look at the temple, look to find a local guide who can show you the different parts. Most of the signs are in Vietnamese or traditional Chinese. The Pagoda is partially gilded and some large donations are made, therefore it is protected by free-roaming guard dogs. Please ask permission to take photos. Be aware of these things before making a visit.