LINH QUANG PAGODA: An attractive spiritual tourist destination on Phu Quy Island

Linh Quang Pagoda - Phu Quy Island (Binh Thuan) - an attractive spiritual tourist destination

• THE OLDEST PAGODA ON PHU QUY ISLAND

Located in Tam Thanh commune, just over 1 km from Phu Quy port, Linh Quang pagoda is the oldest spiritual structure on the island, built in the year of Dinh Mao (1747) under the reign of King Le Hien Tong. After nearly 3 centuries of ups and downs, the pagoda still retains its ancient and majestic appearance, being one of the most important cultural vestiges of the community living on Phu Quy island.

With its special historical and cultural value, Linh Quang Pagoda was recognized as a national scenic relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1996. Up to now, the pagoda is not only a place of pilgrimage and worship but also a spiritual symbol associated with the religious life of the islanders.

Linh Quang Pagoda bears the mark of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with a “T”-shaped structure. The entire structure includes main items such as: the three-door gate, the main hall, the monks’ house, the assembly hall and the watchtower. The carvings and sculptures at the pagoda all exude sophistication and delicacy, demonstrating the aesthetic level and deep religious beliefs of our ancestors.

The highlight of the pagoda is the towering ancient tower, on the roof of which are carved elaborately dragons and phoenixes - symbols of sacredness and authority in Eastern culture. Despite the windy and salty atmosphere of the ocean, the carvings still retain their sharpness, as a testament to the talented hands and devotion of those who built the pagoda.

• SACRED TREASURES AND HISTORICAL MARKS

Not only does it have architectural value, Linh Quang Pagoda also preserves many treasures of great historical and spiritual value. The most prominent of which is the Great Bell cast in 1795 - the time the pagoda was restored after a major fire. This ancient bell weighs nearly 500 kg, each ringing sound from the bell seems to echo from the past, carrying prayers for peace for the islanders.

In addition, the pagoda also preserves a Bat Nha drum made from a piece of wood with a diameter of nearly 1 meter, a rare item in the Buddhist community. More specifically, this place still preserves five royal decrees bestowed upon the pagoda by the Nguyen Dynasty kings, called "Sac Menh Chi Bao". These decrees are not only proof of the pagoda's position in the spiritual life of ancient times but also demonstrate the royal court's concern for the spiritual life of the people in coastal and island areas.

• LEGEND OF THE SPIRITUAL STONE AND THE “BUDDHA POOL”

Associated with Linh Quang Pagoda is a mysterious legend that has been passed down through generations by Phu Quy people - the story of a spirit stone that emerged in Hon Tranh Strait. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lanh - a Buddhist on Phu Quy Island shared: According to legend, after the pagoda was burned down in the late 18th century, a large rock suddenly emerged in the middle of the sea. People believed that this was a good omen sent by Buddha. The rock was brought to the pagoda, artisans carved it into a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni 121 cm high, weighing nearly 300 kg, and placed it solemnly in the main hall. The place where the rock emerged is called "Vung Phat", becoming a sacred place and an important pilgrimage site for Phu Quy people every holiday and New Year.

Not only a place of worship, Linh Quang Pagoda is also the center of cultural and religious activities of the entire community on the island. Every year, the pagoda organizes many big festivals such as: Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan, Full Moon Festival, New Year's Prayer Ceremony... attracting thousands of Buddhists, locals and tourists to attend. These festivals are not only a time for people to show their respect to Buddha, but also a time for the community to gather and pray together for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, safe sailing and full holds of squid.

• UNIQUE SPIRITUAL TOURISM DESTINATION

Nowadays, as sea and island tourism is increasingly developing, Phu Quy Island has become an attractive destination for those who love nature and seek peace of mind. In the journey to explore the majestic landscape of the island, Linh Quang Pagoda is a stop not to be missed.

The quiet and peaceful space of the temple seems to calm the hustle and bustle of daily life when entering the temple hall. From the temple courtyard, visitors can look out to the vast blue sea, feel the vastness of the sky and the earth and the tranquility of their hearts. Many visitors to the temple share that they come not only to enjoy the scenery but also to find balance, connect with traditional values and spiritual beliefs.

Amidst the modern pace of life, Linh Quang Pagoda still retains its ancient, sacred beauty - like a spiritual home for the islanders and a place for each person to find peace of mind. On the journey to explore Phu Quy Island, Linh Quang Pagoda is a place to feel not only the physical beauty but also the spiritual depth of a land in the middle of the vast ocean.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/du-lich/202506/chua-linh-quang-diem-du-lich-tam-linh-hap-dan-tren-dao-phu-quy-fc40476/