Huyền Không Sơn Thượng: Lost in a "Fairyland Paradise"

TCCT Huyền Không Sơn Thượng is far more than just a tranquil sanctuary; it also boasts breathtaking natural beauty, truly reminiscent of a 'celestial fairyland'.
About 15km from Hue City, Huyen Khong Son Thuong is famous for its serene beauty, tinged with the colors of time, nestled deep in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vast pine forests known as Van Tung Son, with a small stream full of water lilies cutting through.
Nestled deep within the pine forest, Huyen Khong Son Thuong is not only a tranquil sanctuary but also boasts stunning natural scenery, truly a 'fairyland paradise'.
The winding path leading to Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple feels like something out of a fairytale. The area around the temple is adorned with orchids, frangipani trees, and ancient trees hundreds of years old, attracting visitors from all over to explore and offer prayers.
Where is Huyen Khong Son Thuong Located?
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple is situated in Cham Village, Huong Ho Ward, Huong Ha Town, Thua Thien Hue Province. Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple belongs to the Theravada Buddhist sect and is nestled halfway up a mountain in Cham Village, Huong Ho Commune, Huong Tra District, Hue City.
In 1976, the Secretary-General of Ky Vien Pagoda, Venerable Vien Minh, nominated Venerable Gioi Duc to be the abbot of Huyen Khong Temple. By 1978, the temple was relocated from Hai Van – Lang Co to Nham Bieu Village, Huong Ho Commune. Leveraging its advantageous location, Master Duc Gioi designed the temple to be close to nature, imbued with a strong meditative spirit. It has since become a peaceful sanctuary for Buddhist devotees and travelers seeking an escape from worries.
Stepping into this ancient temple, you'll be struck by its authentic solitude and tranquility, characteristic of old pagodas. Situated at an altitude of 300m above sea level, surrounded by vast forests and a tranquil lake, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple enjoys an uncommonly fresh and pleasant atmosphere. A visit here allows travelers to find peace and serenity, forgetting the stresses of daily life.

The mountainous landscape encircling the temple creates a sacred and ancient ambiance rarely found elsewhere.
Like many century-old temples in the ancient capital, Huyen Khong Son Thuong also carries the weight of time within its walls. The mountainous landscape surrounding the temple creates a sacred and ancient atmosphere rarely found elsewhere.
Following the path leading to the temple, you'll witness a harmonious landscape firsthand. Everything evokes a serene ink wash painting, so quiet you can hear the faint chirping of insects.
The Architecture of Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple
Most of the architectural structures at the temple primarily utilize wood, with simple designs that blend harmoniously with nature. Exploring the Main Sanctuary, you'll discover architectural elements inspired by a traditional Hue 'ruong' house. Built predominantly with wood and roofed with fish-scale tiles, it truly embodies the spirit of Hue and the Vietnamese soul.

Most of the architectural structures at Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple primarily use wood
The Main Sanctuary area is referred to as the outer temple. It's a simple, small house featuring a mahogany-colored tiled roof, wooden pillars, walls, partitions, and an altar designed in the ancient Vietnamese architectural style. The floor is laid with red 'tàu' bricks, and other details predominantly use wood, tiles, and fish-scale tiles. All elements retain their original, natural colors, without paint or varnish, creating a rustic space that truly embodies the soul of Hue.

Reclining Buddha statue inside Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple
The essence of Vietnamese culture and the distinctive features of the Hue imperial court are subtly showcased, giving Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple a familiar and intimate appearance. This is evident in the bas-reliefs and carved details on the crossbeams and columns.
Visitors are welcome to the temple any day of the week. If you wish to capture the temple's mystical scenery and admire the surrounding landscape, be sure to arrive early in the morning! At this time, the lingering dew drops create an ethereal atmosphere, like a 'fairyland paradise,' perfectly embodying a journey to quietude.
Chung Hoa Duong: Designed as living quarters for monks and practitioners. Right at the entrance, there's a couplet: "Clean and beautiful gardens for diligent practice / Virtuous people for moral cultivation."
Am May Tia (Purple Cloud Hermitage): Known as the abbot's residence, study, reception area, and calligraphy studio. If you appreciate literature, poetry, and calligraphy, this is the place to admire these arts. Additionally, visitors have the delightful opportunity to converse, discuss poetry, and showcase their calligraphy skills.
Nghinh Luong Dinh (Cool Breeze Pavilion): Stands out with its open-plan design, leaving three sides exposed. This structure was built using hook tiles and miscellaneous timber sourced from cultivated forests. Around it are numerous pots of frangipani, orchids, and magnolias, some hundreds of years old. This is the perfect spot for weary travelers to rest, enjoy tea, and engage in conversation.
Tinh Trai Duong (Quiet Dining Hall): Comprises adjacent houses designed over a total area of approximately 120m2. This structure is located behind the temple and is specifically for the monks' cooking. Its spacious layout allows for easily serving hundreds of Buddhist devotees attending ceremonies.
Thanh Tam Vien (Clear Heart Garden): A wooden bridge spanning a lotus and water lily pond. Standing here, you can gaze at the clear, ripple-free blue water. It's also an excellent spot to capture many beautiful photos!

The rock garden within the grounds of Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple

Huyen Khong Son Thuong in the early morning, beautiful as a "fairyland paradise"
For travelers looking to 'seek quietude' and rebalance their lives, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Temple offers an ideal destination on their journey to find peace.
Hue 3381 view
Update day : 14/08/2023
Source : Tạp chí Công Thương Affiliate links
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