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{{Short description|Complex of Gaj temples and shrines in Vietnam}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
| name = Huong Pagoda<br/>Chùa Hương
| name = Hương Temple<br />Chùa Hương
| image = Thiên Trù Pagoda.jpg
| image = Thiên Trù Pagoda.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhism]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhism]]
| caption = Thiên Trù Pagoda, central temple within the Perfume Pagoda complex
| caption = Thiên Trù Temple, central temple within the Hương Temple complex
| map_type =
| map_type =
| native_name = Chùa Hương ({{zh|t=香寺}})
| coordinates = {{coord|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[Vietnam]]
| native_name = Chùa Hương (香寺)
| province = [[Hanoi]]
| country = [[Vietnam]]
| district = [[Mỹ Đức District|Mỹ Đức]]
| province = [[Hanoi]]
| district = [[Mỹ Đức District|Mỹ Đức]]
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Gautama Buddha]]
| deity = [[Gautama Buddha]]<br />[[Quan Âm]]
| architecture = Vietnamese Buddhist temple
| architecture = Vietnamese Buddhist temple
| year_completed = 15th century
| year_completed = 15th century
}}
}}
The '''Perfume Pagoda''' ({{lang-vi|Chùa Hương|loinks=no}}, {{zh|香寺}}) is a vast complex of [[Buddhist temple]]s and shrines built into the limestone [[Huong Tich]] mountains. It is the site of a religious festival which draws large numbers of pilgrims from across [[Vietnam]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh">Do Phuong Quynh. Traditional Festivals in Vietnam. Hanoi: Thế Giới Publishers, 1995.</ref>
The '''Hương Temple''' ({{langx|vi|Chùa Hương|links=no}}, [[Chữ Hán]]: 香寺) is a vast complex of [[Buddhist temple]]s and shrines built into the limestone [[Hương Tích]] mountains. It is the site of a religious festival which draws large numbers of pilgrims from across [[Vietnam]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh">Do Phuong Quynh. Traditional Festivals in Vietnam. Hanoi: Thế Giới Publishers, 1995.</ref>
The centre of the Huong Temple lies in Hương Sơn Commune, [[Mỹ Đức District]], former Hà Tây Province (now [[Hanoi]]). The centre of this complex is the Perfume Temple, also known as '''Chua Trong''' (''Inner Temple''), located in Huong Tich Cave.<ref name="HaVanTan">Ha Van Tan. Buddhist Temples in Vietnam. Hanoi: Social Sciences Publishing House, 1993.</ref>
The centre of the Hương Temple lies in Hương Sơn Commune, [[Mỹ Đức District]], former [[Hà Tây]] Province (now [[Hanoi]]). The centre of this complex is the Hương Temple, also known as '''Chùa Trong''' (''Inner Temple''), located in Hương Tích Cave.<ref name="HaVanTan">Ha Van Tan. Buddhist Temples in Vietnam. Hanoi: Social Sciences Publishing House, 1993.</ref>


==Historical background==
==Historical background==
It is thought that the first temple was a small structure on the current site of Thien Tru which existed during the reign of [[Lê Thánh Tông]] in the 15th century. Legend claims that the site was discovered over 2000 years ago by a monk meditating in the area, who named the site after a Tibetan mountain where [[Buddha]] practiced asceticism.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas">Sieu, Thich Thien. Vietnam's Famous Pagodas. Ho Chi Minh City: My Thuat Publisher, 1995.</ref> A stele at the current temple dates the building of a terrace, stone steps and Kim Dung shrine to 1686, during the reign of [[Le Hy Tong]], at around the same time that Chua Trong was being constructed.
It is thought that the first temple was a small structure on the current site of Thiên Trù which existed during the reign of [[Lê Thánh Tông]] in the 15th century. Legend claims that the site was discovered over 2000 years ago by a monk meditating in the area, who named the site after a Tibetan mountain where [[Buddha]] practiced asceticism.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas">Sieu, Thich Thien. Vietnam's Famous Pagodas. Ho Chi Minh City: My Thuat Publisher, 1995.</ref> A stele at the current temple dates the building of a terrace, stone steps and Kim Dung shrine to 1686, during the reign of [[Lê Hy Tông]], at around the same time that Chùa Trong was being constructed.
Over the years some of the structures were damaged and replaced. The original statues of [[Buddha]] and [[Quan Am]] were cast from bronze in 1767 and replaced with the current statues in 1793.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> More recently, damage was done during both the French and the American wars. Both the gate and the bell tower at Thien Tru Pagoda were destroyed, the bell tower rebuilt in 1986 and the gate completed in 1994.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
Over the years some of the structures were damaged and replaced. The original statues of [[Buddha]] and [[Quan Âm]] were cast from bronze in 1767 and replaced with the current statues in 1793.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> More recently, damage was done during both the French and the American wars. Both the gateway and the bell tower at Thiên Trù Temple were destroyed, the bell tower rebuilt in 1986 and the gateway completed in 1994.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>


==Physical layout==
==Physical layout==
[[File:VN Chua Huong3 tango7174.JPG|thumb|At the gate of Thien Tru Pagoda]]
[[File:VN Chua Huong3 tango7174.JPG|thumb|At the gateway of Thiên Trù Temple]]
[[File:VN Chua Huong5 tango7174.jpg|thumb|Huong Tich Cave]]
[[File:VN Chua Huong5 tango7174.jpg|thumb|Hương Tích Cave]]
The many Pagodas that make up Chua Huong are spread out among the limestone hills and tropical forests in the area of Huong Mountain.
The many Temples that make up Chùa Hương are spread out among the limestone hills and tropical forests in the area of Hương Mountain.


===Den Trinh===
===Đền Trình===
Approaching from the [[Day River]], one will first come across Den Trinh (Presentation shrine), also known as Den Quan Lon (Shrine of High-ranking Mandarin), built to worship one of the generals of a Hung King.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/><ref name="TuyetNhung">[http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/top-destinations/destination-in-the-north/11-destination-in-the-north/47-perfume-pagoda-chua-hng-the-first-ranking-southern-grotto.html Tuyet Nhung , "Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Huong) – “the first ranking Southern grotto”." Vietnam-beauty.com. 12 Aug 2008] (accessed March 12, 2009)</ref> This large shrine has a gate with two kneeling elephant statues on each side.
Approaching from the [[Đáy River]], one will first come across Đền Trình (Presentation Shrine), also known as Đền Quan Lớn (Shrine of High-ranking Mandarin), built to worship one of the generals of a Hùng King.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/><ref name="TuyetNhung">[http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/top-destinations/destination-in-the-north/11-destination-in-the-north/47-perfume-pagoda-chua-hng-the-first-ranking-southern-grotto.html Tuyet Nhung , "Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) – "the first ranking Southern grotto"." Vietnam-beauty.com. 12 Aug 2008] (accessed March 12, 2009)</ref> This large shrine has a gate with two kneeling elephant statues on each side.


===Thien Tru Pagoda===
===Thiên Trù Temple===
[[File:Chùa Hương.jpg|thumb|right|Bell tower of Thien Tru Pagoda]]
[[File:Chùa Hương.jpg|thumb|right|A building in Thiên Trù Temple]]
Beyond Den Trinh is Thien Tru (Heaven Kitchen) Pagoda, also known as Chua Ngoai (Outer Pagoda). Here one will find Vien Cong Bao Stupa, a brick structure where [[Ch’an]] Master Vien Quang, who led the reconstruction of the pagoda, is buried.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> Thien Thuy stupa, a naturally occurring structure that is the result of the erosion of a rocky hill, is also nearby.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> Thien Tru is also home to a bell tower and Hall of the [[Triple Gem]], last restored in the 1980s. Inside the Pagoda there is a large statue of [[Quan Am]] Nam Hai.<ref name="HaVanTan"/>
Beyond Đền Trình is Thiên Trù (Heaven Kitchen) Temple, also known as Chùa Ngoài (Outer Temple). Here one will find Viên Công Bảo Stupa, a brick structure where Master Trần Đạo Viên Quang, who led the reconstruction of the temple, is buried.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> Thiên Thủy stupa, a naturally occurring structure that is the result of the erosion of a rocky hill, is also nearby.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> Thiên Trù is also home to a bell tower and Hall of the [[Triple Gem]], last restored in the 1980s. Inside the Temple there is a large statue of [[Quan Âm]] Nam Hải.<ref name="HaVanTan"/>
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===Giai Oan Pagoda===
===Giải Oan Temple===
On the route from Thien Tru to Huong Tich cave is Giai Oan Temple, also called ‘Clearing Unjust Charges’ Pagoda. Here there is a pond called Thien Nhien Thanh Tri (Natural Blue Pond), also called Long Tuyen Well, and Giai Oan stream, with its 9 sources.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
On the route from Thiên Trù to Hương Tích cave is Giải Oan Temple, also called 'Clearing Unjust Charges' Pagoda. Here there is a pond called Thiên Nhiên Thanh Trì (Natural Blue Pond), also called Long Tuyền Well, and Giải Oan stream, with its 9 sources.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>


===Huong Tich Cave===
===Hương Tích Cave===
The center of the Chua Huong complex, Huong Tich Cave houses Chua Trong (Inner Temple). The mouth of the cave has the appearance of an open dragon’s mouth with [[Chu Nho]] characters carved in a wall at the mouth of the cave. The characters (Nam thien de nhat dong) are translated as “the foremost cave under the Southern Heavens” and the carving is dated to 1770. The words are attributed by some to the ruler of that time, Thinh Do Lord [[Trinh Sam]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>
The center of the Chùa Hương complex, Hương Tích Cave houses Chùa Trong (Inner Temple). The mouth of the cave has the appearance of an open dragon's mouth with [[Chữ Nho]] characters carved in a wall at the mouth of the cave. The characters (Nam thiên Đệ nhất Động) are translated as "the foremost cave under the Southern Heavens" and the carving is dated to 1770. The words are attributed by some to the ruler of that time, Tĩnh Đô Vương Lord [[Trịnh Sâm]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>
Inside the cave there are many statues. There is a large statue of [[Buddha]], as well as one of [[Quan Am]], both made of a green stone. [[Quan Am]]'s "left leg is stretched out and the foot lies on a lotus flower, her right leg is bent and is supported by a lotus flower with supple leaves; a hand holds a pearl."<ref name="HaVanTan"/> There are also statues of [[Arhats]] and various other figures. Among the naturally occurring features of the cave are numerous [[stalactites]] and [[stalagmites]], some of which are worn smooth from years of rubbing by visitors to the cave.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="GordonGrant">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7290273.stm Gordon, Grant. "Audio slideshow: Perfume Pagoda Festival." Video. BBC News. Mar. 2008] Accessed February 27, 2009.</ref>
Inside the cave there are many statues. There is a large statue of [[Buddha]], as well as one of [[Quan Âm]], both made of a green stone. [[Quan Âm]]'s "left leg is stretched out and the foot lies on a lotus flower, her right leg is bent and is supported by a lotus flower with supple leaves; a hand holds a pearl."<ref name="HaVanTan"/> There are also statues of [[Arhats]] and various other figures. Among the naturally occurring features of the cave are numerous [[stalactites]] and [[stalagmites]], some of which are worn smooth from years of rubbing by visitors to the cave.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="GordonGrant">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7290273.stm Gordon, Grant. "Audio slideshow: Perfume Pagoda Festival." Video. BBC News. Mar. 2008] Accessed February 27, 2009.</ref>


Other sites included in the Chua Huong complex are Thien Son Pagoda, Thuyet Kinh Grotto, Phat Tich Temple, and Vong Temple.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/>
Other sites included in the Chùa Hương complex are Thiên Sơn Temple, Thuyết Kinh Grotto, Phật Tích Temple, and Cửa Võng Temple.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/>


==Popular practices==
==Popular practices==


There are many practices associated with Chua Huong and its various temples. Some of these are specifically [[Buddhist]], while others are [[animist]] or part of [[popular religion]] in Vietnam.
There are many practices associated with Chùa Hương and its various temples. Some of these are specifically [[Buddhist]], while others are [[animist]] or part of [[popular religion]] in Vietnam.


===Pilgrimage===
===Pilgrimage===
[[File:VN Chua Huong1 tango7174.JPG|thumb|Pilgrim boats on the Yen River]]
[[File:VN Chua Huong1 tango7174.JPG|thumb|Pilgrim boats on the Yến River]]
Many Vietnamese people visit Chua Huong on religious [[pilgrimage]]. The standard greetings from one pilgrim to another are "A Di Da Phat"<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> or "Namo Amitabha Buddha".<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> For the purpose of pilgrimage there are various routes that one might take, but the most popular is to take a boat from Yen wharf, stopping at Trinh shrine to ‘present’ themselves at the ‘registration shrine’. The pilgrims then make their way to Hoi bridge and visit Thanh Son temple inside a cave. The next stop is Tro wharf, from which pilgrims travel on foot to Thien Tru Pagoda. After Thien Tru comes Tien temple, followed by Giai Oan temple. It is believed that [[Buddha]] once stopped here to wash himself clean of the dust of humanity, and many pilgrims will wash their face and hands in Long Tuyen Well in hopes of washing away past [[karma]]s. While here, pilgrims may also visit Tuyet Kinh cave and Cua Vong shrine to worship the Goddess of the Mountains, or Phat Tich Shrine where there is a stone believed to be the preserved footprint of the [[Quan Am]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>
Many Vietnamese people visit Chùa Hương on religious [[pilgrimage]]. The standard greetings from one pilgrim to another are "A Di Đà Phật"<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> or "Namo Amitabha Buddha".<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> For the purpose of pilgrimage there are various routes that one might take, but the most popular is to take a boat from Yến wharf, stopping at Trình Shrine to 'present' themselves at the 'registration shrine'. The pilgrims then make their way to Hội bridge and visit Thanh Sơn temple inside a cave. The next stop is Trò wharf, from which pilgrims travel on foot to Thiên Trù Pagoda. After Thiên Trù comes Tiên temple, followed by Giải Oan temple. It is believed that [[Buddha]] once stopped here to wash himself clean of the dust of humanity, and many pilgrims will wash their face and hands in Long Tuyền Well in hopes of washing away past [[karma]]s. While here, pilgrims may also visit Thuyết Kinh cave and Cửa Võng Shrine to worship the Goddess of the Mountains, or Phật Tích Shrine where there is a stone believed to be the preserved footprint of the [[Quan Âm]].<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>
From here pilgrims head toward the final destination: Huong Tich Cave. At Huong Tich there are statues of [[deities]], but many pilgrims come to get blessings from the [[stalactites]] and [[stalagmites]], many of which are named and have special purposes. Many childless pilgrims seek fertility from Nui Co (the girl) and Nui Cau (the boy), while others visit stalactites and stalagmites thought to give prosperity.<ref name="HaVanTan"/> Pilgrims often gather under one particular stalactite, which resembles a breast, to catch drops of water in hopes of being blessed with health from the ‘milk’ of the 'breast'.<ref name="GordonGrant"/> Other names of stalactites and stalagmites include the Heap of Coins (Dun Tien), the Gold Tree, the Silver Tree, the Basket of Silkworms (Buong Tam), the Cocoon (Nong Ken) and the Rice Stack (Dun Gao).<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>
From here pilgrims head toward the final destination: Hương Tích Cave. At Hương Tích there are statues of [[deities]], but many pilgrims come to get blessings from the [[stalactites]] and [[stalagmites]], many of which are named and have special purposes. Many childless pilgrims seek fertility from Núi Cô (the girl) and Núi Cậu (the boy), while others visit stalactites and stalagmites thought to give prosperity.<ref name="HaVanTan"/> Pilgrims often gather under one particular stalactite, which resembles a breast, to catch drops of water in hopes of being blessed with health from the 'milk' of the 'breast'.<ref name="GordonGrant"/> Other names of stalactites and stalagmites include the Heap of Coins (Đụn Tiền), the Gold Tree, the Silver Tree, the Basket of Silkworms (Buồng Tằm), the Cocoon (Nong Kén) and the Rice Stack (Đụn Gạo).<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/><ref name="HaVanTan"/>


===Festival===
===Festival===
The main pilgrimage season at Chua Huong is during the Huong Pagoda [[festival]], when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their way to Huong Tich cave and the other temples.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> The longest lasting festival in Vietnam, it officially begins on February 15 on the [[lunar calendar]], but the peak in visitors lasts from the middle of January to the middle of March.<ref name="HaVanTan"/> The Festival is seen by some as a good opportunity for young people to find romance and begin courtships.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/>
The main pilgrimage season at Chùa Hương is during the Hương Temple [[festival]], when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their way to Hương Tích cave and the other temples.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/> The longest lasting festival in Vietnam, it officially begins on February 15 on the [[lunar calendar]], but the peak in visitors lasts from the middle of January to the middle of March.<ref name="HaVanTan"/> The Festival is seen by some as a good opportunity for young people to find romance and begin courtships.<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/>
Many restaurants in Huong Pagoda kill and butcher wildlife including [[civet]]s, deer, [[porcupine]], wild pig and serve it as special, rare or expensive meat which is particularly popular during the festival period.<ref>http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/Daily_News/Wildlife_meat_is_still_hung_at_Huong_pagoda.html</ref>
Many restaurants in Hương Temple kill and butcher wildlife including [[civet]]s, deer, [[porcupine]], wild pig and serve it as special, rare or expensive meat which is particularly popular during the festival period.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/Daily_News/Wildlife_meat_is_still_hung_at_Huong_pagoda.html |title=Wildlife meat is still hung at Huong pagoda |access-date=2013-03-08 |archive-date=2016-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610061826/http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/Daily_News/Wildlife_meat_is_still_hung_at_Huong_pagoda.html }}</ref>


==Popular culture==
==Popular culture==


===Legends===
===Legends===
There are many legends about Chua Huong and its various pagodas. Huong Tich cave is an especially sacred place because "the legend says that Bodhisattva ([[Quan Am]]) went South and stayed at Huong Tich Pagoda in order to help save human souls."<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> A stone at Phat Tich temple is said to be her preserved footprint.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
There are many legends about Chùa Hương and its various temples. Hương Tích cave is an especially sacred place because "the legend says that Bodhisattva ([[Quan Âm]]) went South and stayed at Hương Tích Temple in order to help save human souls."<ref name="DoPhuongQuynh"/> A stone at Phật Tích temple is said to be her preserved footprint.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>


===References in literature===
===References in literature===
One particular legend about Chua Huong has been preserved in a poem by Nguyen Nhuoc Phap. The poem tells the story of a girl who accompanied her father on pilgrimage to Chua Huong and found love while there. The following is a translated excerpt from the poem:
One particular legend about Chùa Hương has been preserved in a poem by Nguyễn Nhược Pháp. The poem tells the story of a girl who accompanied her father on pilgrimage to Chùa Hương and found love while there. The following is a translated excerpt from the poem:


:''Oh! Here we are at Trong Pagoda!''
:''Oh! Here we are at Trong Temple!''
:''The grotto is hidden in green vegetation:''
:''The grotto is hidden in green vegetation:''
:''Its ceiling is embroidered with stalactites''
:''Its ceiling is embroidered with stalactites''
:''Which look like pearls imbued with [[aquilaria]] perfume.''<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
:''Which look like pearls imbued with [[aquilaria]] perfume.''<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>


Much Vietnamese literature has made Chua Huong its focus, including the following song, written by Chu Manh Trinh:
Much Vietnamese literature has made Chùa Hương its focus, including the following song, written by Chu Mạnh Trinh:


'''''Delights of Huong Son'''''
'''''Delights of Hương Sơn'''''
:''Standing sky high, in the land of Buddhas''
:''Standing sky high, in the land of Buddhas''
:''Huong Son is a real wonder we have long wished to see''
:''Hương Sơn is a real wonder we have long wished to see''
:''With the sight of mountains covered with clouds''
:''With the sight of mountains covered with clouds''
:''This is undoubtedly "The most beautiful grotto of all"''
:''This is undoubtedly "The most beautiful grotto of all"''
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:''The entrance path with abrupt turns is so high''<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
:''The entrance path with abrupt turns is so high''<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>


Hoang Quy, a popular Vietnamese musician who lived in the early to mid-20th century, sang about the experience of visiting Chua Huong in his song ‘Huong Pagoda’:
Hoàng Quý, a popular Vietnamese musician who lived in the early to mid-20th century, sang about the experience of visiting Chùa Hương in his song 'Hương Temple':


:''Huong Pagoda is filled with incense and aquilaria''
:''Hương Temple is filled with incense and aquilaria''
:''Smoke spiralling up in the dying sun''
:''Smoke spiralling up in the dying sun''
:''It is the moment when one is held in deep reverie''.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
:''It is the moment when one is held in deep reverie''.<ref name="VietnamFamousPagodas"/>
A Very Famous Song By Trung Đức & Lyric By Nguyễn Nhược Pháp Has been a big song in the culture of Chua Huong
A Very Famous Song By Trung Đức & Lyric By Nguyễn Nhược Pháp Has been a big song in the culture of Chùa Hương


'''''Going To Chua Huong (Em Di Chua Huong) – Translated Version'''''
'''''Going To Chùa Hương (Em Đi Chùa Hương) – Translated Version'''''


<nowiki/>''Yesterday I went to Chua Huong''
<nowiki/>''Yesterday I went to Chùa Hương''


''Flowers are translucent mist''
''Flowers are translucent mist''
Line 103: Line 104:
''Pants comfortable, A new shirt''
''Pants comfortable, A new shirt''


''My hands carry Non Quai Thao''
''My hands carry Nón Quai Thao''


''My feet in high shoes.''
''My feet in high shoes.''


'''''Going To Chua Huong (Em Di Chua Huong) – Un-Translated Version'''''
'''''Going To Chùa Hương (Em Đi Chùa Hương) – Untranslated Version'''''


''Hôm nay em đi chùa Hương''
''Hôm nay em đi chùa Hương''
Line 117: Line 118:
''Khăn nhỏ, đuôi gà cao''
''Khăn nhỏ, đuôi gà cao''


''Em đeo giải yếm đào Quần lãnh, áo the mới''
''Em đeo dải yếm đào quần lãnh, áo the mới''


''Tay em cầm chiếc nón quai thao''
''Tay em cầm chiếc nón quai thao''
Line 125: Line 126:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Chua Huong 059.jpg|Pilgrim boats on the Yen River
File:Chua Huong 059.jpg|Pilgrim boats on the Yến River
File:Bến Đục-Chùa Hương.jpg|Đục wharf, the starting point of pilgrim boats
File:Bến Đục-Chùa Hương.jpg|Đục wharf, the starting point of pilgrim boats
File:Chua Huong 069.jpg|Trình temple and Ngũ Nhạc mountain
File:Chua Huong 069.jpg|Trình temple and Ngũ Nhạc mountain
File:Chua Huong 561.JPG|Thiên Trù temple during a Buddhist festival
File:Chua Huong 561.JPG|Thiên Trù temple during a Buddhist festival
File:Perfume Pagoda cableway.jpg|Perfume Pagoda gondola
File:Perfume Pagoda cableway.jpg|Hương Temple gondola
File:Một tự viện bên suối Hổ Khê.jpg|A Buddhist monastery near the Hổ Khê stream
File:Một tự viện bên suối Hổ Khê.jpg|A Buddhist monastery near the Hổ Khê stream
</gallery>
</gallery>
Line 137: Line 138:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Coord missing|Vietnam}}
{{Hanoi Tourism}}
{{Hanoi Tourism}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 20:33, 8 December 2024

Hương Temple
Chùa Hương
Chùa Hương (香寺)
Thiên Trù Temple, central temple within the Hương Temple complex
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
DistrictMỹ Đức
ProvinceHanoi
DeityGautama Buddha
Quan Âm
Location
CountryVietnam
Geographic coordinates20°37′N 105°45′E / 20.62°N 105.75°E / 20.62; 105.75
Architecture
Completed15th century

The Hương Temple (Vietnamese: Chùa Hương, Chữ Hán: 香寺) is a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Hương Tích mountains. It is the site of a religious festival which draws large numbers of pilgrims from across Vietnam.[1] The centre of the Hương Temple lies in Hương Sơn Commune, Mỹ Đức District, former Hà Tây Province (now Hanoi). The centre of this complex is the Hương Temple, also known as Chùa Trong (Inner Temple), located in Hương Tích Cave.[2]

Historical background

[edit]

It is thought that the first temple was a small structure on the current site of Thiên Trù which existed during the reign of Lê Thánh Tông in the 15th century. Legend claims that the site was discovered over 2000 years ago by a monk meditating in the area, who named the site after a Tibetan mountain where Buddha practiced asceticism.[3] A stele at the current temple dates the building of a terrace, stone steps and Kim Dung shrine to 1686, during the reign of Lê Hy Tông, at around the same time that Chùa Trong was being constructed. Over the years some of the structures were damaged and replaced. The original statues of Buddha and Quan Âm were cast from bronze in 1767 and replaced with the current statues in 1793.[1][2][3] More recently, damage was done during both the French and the American wars. Both the gateway and the bell tower at Thiên Trù Temple were destroyed, the bell tower rebuilt in 1986 and the gateway completed in 1994.[1][3]

Physical layout

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At the gateway of Thiên Trù Temple
Hương Tích Cave

The many Temples that make up Chùa Hương are spread out among the limestone hills and tropical forests in the area of Hương Mountain.

Đền Trình

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Approaching from the Đáy River, one will first come across Đền Trình (Presentation Shrine), also known as Đền Quan Lớn (Shrine of High-ranking Mandarin), built to worship one of the generals of a Hùng King.[1][3][4] This large shrine has a gate with two kneeling elephant statues on each side.

Thiên Trù Temple

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A building in Thiên Trù Temple

Beyond Đền Trình is Thiên Trù (Heaven Kitchen) Temple, also known as Chùa Ngoài (Outer Temple). Here one will find Viên Công Bảo Stupa, a brick structure where Master Trần Đạo Viên Quang, who led the reconstruction of the temple, is buried.[3] Thiên Thủy stupa, a naturally occurring structure that is the result of the erosion of a rocky hill, is also nearby.[1] Thiên Trù is also home to a bell tower and Hall of the Triple Gem, last restored in the 1980s. Inside the Temple there is a large statue of Quan Âm Nam Hải.[2]

Giải Oan Temple

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On the route from Thiên Trù to Hương Tích cave is Giải Oan Temple, also called 'Clearing Unjust Charges' Pagoda. Here there is a pond called Thiên Nhiên Thanh Trì (Natural Blue Pond), also called Long Tuyền Well, and Giải Oan stream, with its 9 sources.[3]

Hương Tích Cave

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The center of the Chùa Hương complex, Hương Tích Cave houses Chùa Trong (Inner Temple). The mouth of the cave has the appearance of an open dragon's mouth with Chữ Nho characters carved in a wall at the mouth of the cave. The characters (Nam thiên Đệ nhất Động) are translated as "the foremost cave under the Southern Heavens" and the carving is dated to 1770. The words are attributed by some to the ruler of that time, Tĩnh Đô Vương Lord Trịnh Sâm.[1][2] Inside the cave there are many statues. There is a large statue of Buddha, as well as one of Quan Âm, both made of a green stone. Quan Âm's "left leg is stretched out and the foot lies on a lotus flower, her right leg is bent and is supported by a lotus flower with supple leaves; a hand holds a pearl."[2] There are also statues of Arhats and various other figures. Among the naturally occurring features of the cave are numerous stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are worn smooth from years of rubbing by visitors to the cave.[1][5]

Other sites included in the Chùa Hương complex are Thiên Sơn Temple, Thuyết Kinh Grotto, Phật Tích Temple, and Cửa Võng Temple.[1]

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There are many practices associated with Chùa Hương and its various temples. Some of these are specifically Buddhist, while others are animist or part of popular religion in Vietnam.

Pilgrimage

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Pilgrim boats on the Yến River

Many Vietnamese people visit Chùa Hương on religious pilgrimage. The standard greetings from one pilgrim to another are "A Di Đà Phật"[1] or "Namo Amitabha Buddha".[3] For the purpose of pilgrimage there are various routes that one might take, but the most popular is to take a boat from Yến wharf, stopping at Trình Shrine to 'present' themselves at the 'registration shrine'. The pilgrims then make their way to Hội bridge and visit Thanh Sơn temple inside a cave. The next stop is Trò wharf, from which pilgrims travel on foot to Thiên Trù Pagoda. After Thiên Trù comes Tiên temple, followed by Giải Oan temple. It is believed that Buddha once stopped here to wash himself clean of the dust of humanity, and many pilgrims will wash their face and hands in Long Tuyền Well in hopes of washing away past karmas. While here, pilgrims may also visit Thuyết Kinh cave and Cửa Võng Shrine to worship the Goddess of the Mountains, or Phật Tích Shrine where there is a stone believed to be the preserved footprint of the Quan Âm.[1][2] From here pilgrims head toward the final destination: Hương Tích Cave. At Hương Tích there are statues of deities, but many pilgrims come to get blessings from the stalactites and stalagmites, many of which are named and have special purposes. Many childless pilgrims seek fertility from Núi Cô (the girl) and Núi Cậu (the boy), while others visit stalactites and stalagmites thought to give prosperity.[2] Pilgrims often gather under one particular stalactite, which resembles a breast, to catch drops of water in hopes of being blessed with health from the 'milk' of the 'breast'.[5] Other names of stalactites and stalagmites include the Heap of Coins (Đụn Tiền), the Gold Tree, the Silver Tree, the Basket of Silkworms (Buồng Tằm), the Cocoon (Nong Kén) and the Rice Stack (Đụn Gạo).[1][2]

Festival

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The main pilgrimage season at Chùa Hương is during the Hương Temple festival, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their way to Hương Tích cave and the other temples.[3] The longest lasting festival in Vietnam, it officially begins on February 15 on the lunar calendar, but the peak in visitors lasts from the middle of January to the middle of March.[2] The Festival is seen by some as a good opportunity for young people to find romance and begin courtships.[1] Many restaurants in Hương Temple kill and butcher wildlife including civets, deer, porcupine, wild pig and serve it as special, rare or expensive meat which is particularly popular during the festival period.[6]

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Legends

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There are many legends about Chùa Hương and its various temples. Hương Tích cave is an especially sacred place because "the legend says that Bodhisattva (Quan Âm) went South and stayed at Hương Tích Temple in order to help save human souls."[1] A stone at Phật Tích temple is said to be her preserved footprint.[3]

References in literature

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One particular legend about Chùa Hương has been preserved in a poem by Nguyễn Nhược Pháp. The poem tells the story of a girl who accompanied her father on pilgrimage to Chùa Hương and found love while there. The following is a translated excerpt from the poem:

Oh! Here we are at Trong Temple!
The grotto is hidden in green vegetation:
Its ceiling is embroidered with stalactites
Which look like pearls imbued with aquilaria perfume.[3]

Much Vietnamese literature has made Chùa Hương its focus, including the following song, written by Chu Mạnh Trinh:

Delights of Hương Sơn

Standing sky high, in the land of Buddhas
Hương Sơn is a real wonder we have long wished to see
With the sight of mountains covered with clouds
This is undoubtedly "The most beautiful grotto of all"
Looking up, we can notice a beautiful picture
Brocaded with sparkling stones rich in colours
The cave is so deep, glittering in the moonlight
The entrance path with abrupt turns is so high[3]

Hoàng Quý, a popular Vietnamese musician who lived in the early to mid-20th century, sang about the experience of visiting Chùa Hương in his song 'Hương Temple':

Hương Temple is filled with incense and aquilaria
Smoke spiralling up in the dying sun
It is the moment when one is held in deep reverie.[3]

A Very Famous Song By Trung Đức & Lyric By Nguyễn Nhược Pháp Has been a big song in the culture of Chùa Hương

Going To Chùa Hương (Em Đi Chùa Hương) – Translated Version

Yesterday I went to Chùa Hương

Flowers are translucent mist

Also I see myself in the mirror

Small towel, high ponytail

I wear a silk undergarment

Pants comfortable, A new shirt

My hands carry Nón Quai Thao

My feet in high shoes.

Going To Chùa Hương (Em Đi Chùa Hương) – Untranslated Version

Hôm nay em đi chùa Hương

Hoa cỏ còn mờ hơi sương

Cùng thầy me em vấn đầu soi gương

Khăn nhỏ, đuôi gà cao

Em đeo dải yếm đào quần lãnh, áo the mới

Tay em cầm chiếc nón quai thao

Chân em di đôi guốc cao cao

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  • Pilgrim boats on the Yến River
    Pilgrim boats on the Yến River
  • Đục wharf, the starting point of pilgrim boats
    Đục wharf, the starting point of pilgrim boats
  • Trình temple and Ngũ Nhạc mountain
    Trình temple and Ngũ Nhạc mountain
  • Thiên Trù temple during a Buddhist festival
    Thiên Trù temple during a Buddhist festival
  • Hương Temple gondola
    Hương Temple gondola
  • A Buddhist monastery near the Hổ Khê stream
    A Buddhist monastery near the Hổ Khê stream

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Perfume Pagoda.
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Do Phuong Quynh. Traditional Festivals in Vietnam. Hanoi: Thế Giới Publishers, 1995.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ha Van Tan. Buddhist Temples in Vietnam. Hanoi: Social Sciences Publishing House, 1993.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Sieu, Thich Thien. Vietnam's Famous Pagodas. Ho Chi Minh City: My Thuat Publisher, 1995.
  4. ^ Tuyet Nhung , "Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) – "the first ranking Southern grotto"." Vietnam-beauty.com. 12 Aug 2008 (accessed March 12, 2009)
  5. ^ a b Gordon, Grant. "Audio slideshow: Perfume Pagoda Festival." Video. BBC News. Mar. 2008 Accessed February 27, 2009.
  6. ^ "Wildlife meat is still hung at Huong pagoda". Archived from the original on 2016-06-10. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
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