Thiên Mụ Temple, Buddhist temple on Hà Khê hill, Huế, Vietnam
Thiên Mụ is a Buddhist temple on Hà Khê hill along the northern bank of the Perfume River in Huế, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The seven-story Phước Duyên tower rises 21 meters (69 feet) above the entrance to the complex and serves as a landmark for the region.
Nguyễn Hoàng ordered this temple built in 1601 to secure prosperity for his ruling line. Later rulers expanded the complex over the centuries with additional buildings and religious objects.
The temple's name means Celestial Lady and refers to a legend about an old woman who appeared at this site. Visitors today see monks performing daily rituals and can hear the bell ringing across the river.
The complex can be reached from central Huế using different forms of transport, with guided tours offered regularly throughout the day. The site sits on a hill, so visitors need to climb some steps to explore all areas.
A side building houses the Austin automobile that monk Thích Quảng Đức used in 1963 for his journey to Saigon, where he protested against religious persecution. This vehicle recalls an event that drew worldwide attention and led to political changes in Vietnam.
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