Legendary story.The name of the pagoda derives from a special legend. Long time ago, anold woman appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands today, tellinglocal people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for thecountry's prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang therefore ordered theconstruction of the pagoda the "Heaven Fairy Lady" or Thiên Mụ inVietnamese (also called Linh Mụ). Thanks to such a mysterious history,the pagoda has attracted a great number of tourists from both insideand outside of the nation to come and explore the legend themselves.

Formation and growth. Thebeautiful pagoda was built in 1601. Later on, several kings of theNguyen Dynasty such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Thanh Thai,all had the pagoda restored. At this very initial time, Hoang was thegovernor of the province of Thuan Hoa (now known as Hue), yet, startedruling his independent state in central Vietnam. According to the royalannals, Hoang was on a sightseeing trip and holiday to contemplate theseas and mountains of the local area when he passed by the hill, whichis now the site of the Thien Mu Pagoda. On hearing the mentioned locallegend, he had the pagoda constructed. The initial temple was in a verysimple form of construction, but as time went by, it has beenredeveloped and expanded with more intricate features.

A special architectured site. Themost striking feature of the pagoda, Phuoc Duyen tower (initiallycalled Tu Nhan tower), was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri, and hasbecome the unofficial symbol of Hue. This octagonal tower has sevenstoreys (2m high), which is dedicated to a Buddha who appeared in humanform. It is the highest stupa in Vietnam, and is often the subject offolk rhymes and cadao about Hue, such is its iconicstatus and association with the city. More importantly, it is regardedas the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital.

Tothe left of the tower is a pavilion sheltering an enormous bell. Thebell, called Dai Hong Chung, was cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu.It is famous for the great size, which is 2.5m high and 3,285 kg weigh.It is considered to be an outstanding achievement of 18^th century bronze casting.

Tothe right of the tower is a pavillion containing a stela dated from1715. It is set on the back of a massive marble turtle, a symbol oflongevity, and is 2.58 m high.

Besides,there are several popular works of art inside the pagoda, which are ofgreat captivation to tourists. For instance, Dai Hung shrine, themain-hall, which presents a magnificent architecture. As bronze caststatues, it shelters some precious antiques: the bronze gong cast in1677, the wooden gilded board with Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu's inscriptions(1714).

A historical role.Besides the architectural value, Thien Mu pagoda features a greathistorical role, which is also of absorption to visitors. During thesummer of 1963, Thien Mu Pagoda, like many in South Vietnam, became ahotbed of anti-government protest. South Vietnam's Buddhist majorityhad long been discontented with the rule of President Ngo Dinh Diemsince his rise to power in 1955. Diem had shown strong favouritismtowards Catholics and discrimination against Buddhists in the army,public service and distribution of government aid. Discontent with Diemexploded into mass protest in Hue during the summer of 1963 when nineBuddhists died at the hand of Diem's army and police on Vesak, thebirthday of Gautama Buddha. Accordingly, Buddhist protests were heldacross the country and steadily grew in size. In those historical days,Thien Mu Pagoda was a major organising point for the Buddhist movementand was often the location of hunger strikes, barricades and protests.

Today,the pagoda is surrounded by flowers and ornamental plants. At the farend of the garden stretches a calm and romantic pine-tree forest. It ismuch well-maintained and very welcoming to all visitors.

Note: Thien Mu Pagoda can be reached either by car or by boat. Entrance is free.