Giac Lam Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and houses one of the oldest Pagoda’s in Vietnam – Giac Lam. Originally built in 1744 it was a thatched roof and wooden structure and was for the religious purposes of the couple who built it. Following the visit of a disciple of Lam Te, a monk who continued to stay on as the abbot of the temple, the Pagoda was given its current name. Under the new monk’s guidance the temple went through extensive renovations in the 18th century. A second renovation was carried out during the 20th century.

Set amidst a lush forest of exotic flowers and foliage, the temple is surrounded by walls and is completely worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the busy life within the city. On entering the premises one is greeted by a massive Bodhi tree which was a gift from Narada – a monk from Sri Lanka who played an important role in the propagation of the Buddhist dharma. It is the type of tree under which the Gautama Buddha sat and attained enlightenment. Under its shade sits a statue of Avalokitheshrava.

Another gift brought by the monk from Sri Lanka was some relics of the Buddha. In order to store these relics and other important Buddhist artefacts, a seven storey stupa was completed in 1994. Although construction initially began in 1970, it was halted due to various situations. The stupa is built in a hexagonal shape and comprises a tiled roof and doors.

The main building of Giac Lam Pagoda houses many statuettes, some dating back to over 200 years. There are 112 statues in total – all of historic value and made with wood coated in gold as well as bronze statues. The oldest of these is a Gautama Buddha on a lotus seat. It dates back to the 18th century. A nine dragon alter depicts the story of Prince Siddartha’s birth.

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