Visit the temple without monks in a million-year-old cave in Ly Son

(NLDO)- Hang Pagoda in Ly Son is located entirely in a cave. This place used to be a place of worship for the Champa people, but now it has become a place of worship for Buddha but without monks.

Hang Pagoda is located at the foot of Thoi Loi volcano (Ly Son island district, Quang Ngai province) - a volcano that has been "sleeping" on Ly Son island for millions of years.

Hang Pagoda is also known as Thien Khong Thach Tu. Hang Pagoda originated as a Cham temple. Later, when the Vietnamese came to explore Ly Son in the early 17th century, the pagoda became a place for practicing Taoism and later a place to worship Buddha.

Hang Pagoda seen from above

Hang Pagoda is 24m deep, 20m wide, 3.2m high, and has an area of 480m2. In the pagoda, there are many altars made of Cham stone pedestals, used to worship Buddha, Quan Thanh, the Twelve Kings of Hell, and the Tran ancestors who founded Hang Pagoda, along with the seven ancestors of An Hai village.

Hang Pagoda in a million-year-old cave in Ly Son

The special thing about Hang Pagoda is that it is different from many other pagodas because there are absolutely no monks in the pagoda, only the people and Buddhist followers on the island take turns burning incense and taking care of the pagoda.

Hang Pagoda is a typical scenic spot of Ly Son. In 1994, it was recognized as a national scenic spot.

Entrance to Hang Pagoda

Every year, Hang Pagoda is the place to hold major ceremonies such as Lunar New Year, Vu Lan, Buddha's Birthday and the death anniversaries of ancestors, attracting a large number of people to come and worship.

Because of the unique features of the temple, tourists coming to Ly Son all come to visit, worship and enjoy the scenery here.

Along with other famous attractions such as To Vo gate, Cau cave, Thoi Loi peak, Duc pagoda..., Hang pagoda is contributing to promoting tourism in Ly Son.

The courtyard in front of Hang Pagoda

Hang Pagoda overlooking the sea

Tourists visit Hang Pagoda

Hang Pagoda is located in a cave at the foot of Thoi Loi volcano. This is the largest cave in the cave system on Ly Son island.

In the main hall, there are many altars to Buddha and the ancestors of An Hai village (Ly Son district). Because it is located in a cave, the air in the temple is cool all year round.

Monument stele in front of Hang Pagoda

The hundreds of years old banyan trees in front of Hang Pagoda

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chiem-bai-ngoi-chua-khong-su-trong-hang-da-trieu-nam-o-ly-son-196250501113617775.htm