Ancient temple on Cao Cat mountain

On the mountain, under the water, green all year round.

These are two verses carved on a stone block in front of the ancient Linh Son pagoda on Cao Cat mountain, Phu Quy island. Surrounding the pagoda are hundreds of ancient green trees, providing shade. The vast forest on Cao Cat mountain creates a strange serenity and peace in the hearts of pilgrims.

Different architecture at Linh Son Pagoda, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue on top of Cao Cat mountain

Linh Son Pagoda was built more than 100 years ago on the side of Cao Cat Mountain, more than 106m above sea level. The pagoda has a unique architectural style, its back against the cliff, its sloping roof, and its round roof are suitable for the natural beauty of the place. Moreover, on the top of Cao Cat Mountain, there are many beautiful landscapes. Tourists and pilgrims come here to burn incense and pray to Buddha for favorable weather, bountiful crops and a peaceful life, while also admiring the majestic scenery of the sky and mountains from the highest point of Cao Cat Mountain. To reach the main hall of the pagoda, pilgrims must climb nearly one hundred stone steps. The people serving at Linh Son Pagoda are mostly middle-aged and elderly people who are dedicated to cleaning and managing the pagoda, keeping the landscape of the pagoda and the environment here always clean and beautiful. Buddhists hold worship ceremonies on important occasions and take turns on duty, welcoming visitors and pilgrims to visit, burn incense and worship Buddha in a joyful welcome... Mr. Le Van Long, a resident of Ngu Phung commune who has been attached to the pagoda for many years, said: "Cao Cat Mountain is considered one of the two highest mountains in Phu Quy, people often call it "Sacred Mountain". Linh Son Pagoda located on the sacred mountain plays an important role in the spiritual life of the people of Phu Quy island and is a spiritual support for fishermen to worship Buddha and pray for good things before going out to sea to catch seafood".

After offering incense to Buddha at the main hall and visiting the temple's delicate and artistic architecture, pilgrims continue to climb the mountain to admire the beautiful view of Phu Quy from above. Here, Buddhists have erected a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on a giant rock. This is a unique highlight, adding to the beauty and solemnity of the Linh Son Tu - Cao Cat mountain scenic complex. Surrounding the statue of Avalokitesvara are strangely shaped rocks; spiral cliffs due to the erosion of rain and sun, the weathering of time, look very strange, as if created by human hands.

Standing from the top of the sacred Cao Cat mountain, looking out into the distance is a spectacular scene with the vast sky and sea, villages, and architectural works stretching out one after another; below the sea, boats are like leaves gliding on the blue sea; in the distance is a bustling harbor with ships anchored... All like a landscape painting. The most beautiful is still in the early morning, the morning sunlight spreads out, on both sides of the path to the temple, the chirping of birds; the sound of wind, the murmuring sound of sea waves blends with the sound of temple bells ringing in the quiet space.

As the sun sets, pilgrims gather their belongings and prepare to descend the mountain. The temple bells ring as if to slow down the pilgrims. Many travelers regret that their time is too short to visit and learn more about the unique architecture of Linh Son Pagoda, nestled against the cliff and the strange spiral rocks eroded by rain and sun and weathered by time.

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