Modern Buddhist pagoda featuring a large concrete Buddha statue atop a hill, offering city views.

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Long Son Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang's largest pagoda, distinguishes itself not merely by its scale, but by the colossal white Buddha statue perched atop Trai Thuy mountain, visible from nearly every vantage point in the city. This statue, a relatively recent addition, commemorates the monks and nuns who died protesting against the Diem government. The pagoda's construction, initiated in 1886, has seen multiple relocations due to storms and expansions, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles reflecting different eras. Intricate dragon mosaics adorn the roof, showcasing the artistry of local craftsmen. Less known is the story of the pagoda's bell, cast in Hue, renowned for its unique tone and the complex process involved in its creation, a testament to the enduring traditions of Vietnamese metalworking. The lower levels house a school for monks, contributing to the pagoda's role as a vital center for Buddhist education in the region.

Introduction

Long Son Pagoda, originally built on a mountain in 1886 and relocated in 1900, showcases a synthesis of Asian architectural elements across its 3,000m² grounds. The temple's design integrates spiritual and functional spaces, evidenced by the adjacent lecture halls of the Khanh Hoa Buddhist Intermediate School and the headquarters of the Khanh Hoa Buddhist Association. The main hall features a large bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, weighing 700kg and standing 1.6 meters tall, complemented by a large mirror symbolizing the Buddha’s radiant aura and a multi-armed statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

The pagoda's architectural layout includes specific dimensions of 44.5 meters in width and over 72 meters in length. Ascending to the Great Buddha Statue (Kim Than Phat To) requires climbing 193 stone steps, integrating the ascent as part of the spiritual experience. The reconstruction in 1971, led by Venerable Thich Thien Binh, followed the architectural designs of architect Vo Dinh Diep, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary influences. The intricate carvings and meticulous construction exemplify a dedication to Asian-inspired aesthetics, making Long Son Pagoda a notable example of architectural synthesis in Nha Trang.

Architectural Synthesis

Long Son Pagoda, also known as the White Buddha Pagoda, embodies significant cultural symbolism within Nha Trang. The pagoda's architecture, reflecting Eastern Asian design principles, harmonizes human construction with the natural landscape, a core tenet of Vietnamese Buddhist temples. Dragon figures, crafted from glass and ceramic tiles, adorn the entrances and roofs, mirroring common motifs in Vietnamese Buddhist architecture and symbolizing power, nobility, and good fortune.

The towering 24-meter white Buddha statue, Kim Than Phat To, perched atop Trai Thuy hill, represents enlightenment and peace, dominating the skyline and serving as a visual emblem of Nha Trang's spiritual identity. The Reclining Buddha statue symbolizes the Buddha's entry into Nirvana, surrounded by carvings of 49 disciples, illustrating a pivotal moment in Buddhist history. The presence of statues commemorating the self-immolation of seven arahants protesting the mistreatment of Buddhists in the 1960s adds a layer of socio-political symbolism, reflecting the pagoda's role in the region's history and the resilience of Buddhist faith.

The pagoda's bell tower, housing the 1900kg Dai Hong Chung bell, gifted by Hue Buddhists, symbolizes the dissemination of Buddhist teachings and the call to mindfulness. The act of offering incense and merit-making during religious festivals underscores the importance of karma and spiritual growth within the community. The Main Hall, adorned with paintings and Buddhist symbols, serves as a focal point for meditation and prayer, reinforcing the pagoda's central role in the spiritual lives of locals and visitors alike.

Cultural Symbolism

Long Son Pagoda is renowned for its massive 24-meter-tall white Gautama Buddha statue, an iconic symbol of Nha Trang, visible from afar as one enters the city. Erected on the site of the original temple, the statue was sculpted by Kim Điền, cast in 1964, and installed the following year under the guidance of Thích Đức Minh, head of the Buddhist Association of Khánh Hòa Province. Climbing 193 steps to the summit of Trai Thuy mountain rewards visitors with a close view of the Buddha, seated atop a lotus pedestal, preaching with a serene smile against the backdrop of the sky.

The statue itself measures 14 meters, with the lotus blossom comprising 7 meters of its height. Surrounding the Gautama Buddha are statues of seven arahants. In front of the statue are a pair of 7.20-meter-long dragons. This prominent statue not only serves as a religious icon but also offers panoramic views of Nha Trang, encompassing the city, ocean, islands, and mountains. The presence of the Gautama Buddha statue contributes to the pagoda's role as a place for spiritual solace, inviting visitors to experience inner peace amidst the city's hustle.

Gautama Buddha Statue

Long Son Pagoda, a significant spiritual site in Nha Trang, draws pilgrims seeking both enlightenment and tranquility. The ascent up Trai Thuy Mountain, with nearly 200 stairs, is itself a symbolic journey, offering pilgrims a chance to connect with the sacred while leaving behind the bustling city. Reaching the 44th stair reveals a serene marble statue of Buddha entering Nirvana, accompanied by a bas-relief of 49 disciples, a powerful scene for contemplation. Further up, a massive bell, donated in 2002, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Buddhists.

The ultimate destination is the hilltop, accessible after climbing 152 steps from the pagoda's entrance, where a 24-meter-high white Buddha statue, constructed in 1963, inspires serenity. This statue, set against the sky, symbolizes peace and offers a panoramic view of Nha Trang, blending the spiritual with the earthly. Pilgrims visit daily, seeking blessings and a tranquil escape from daily life. The pagoda's history, dating back to 1886, adds depth to the pilgrimage, reflecting resilience through natural disasters and war. Long Son Pagoda provides a profound experience, inviting pilgrims to discover inner peace amidst its architecture and sacred atmosphere.

Spiritual Pilgrimage

Long Son Pagoda, initially known as Đăng Long Tự, was established in 1886 by abbot Thích Ngộ Chí on a high hill in the Hon Rua area, currently the site of the Gautama Buddha statue. Thích Ngộ Chí, before joining the sangha, participated in anti-French resistance. The original structure was a small cottage atop Trai Thuy hill.

A significant turning point occurred in 1900 when a large cyclone destroyed the temple, necessitating its relocation to the foot of the hill, its present location. Following this, a new white stone Buddha statue, standing 24 meters tall, replaced the old wooden one, becoming an iconic symbol.

In 1936, the Buddhist Studies Association designated Long Sơn Temple as the headquarters of the Buddhist Association in Khánh Hòa Province, fulfilling the will of Thich Ngo Chi. The temple underwent renovation and expansion in 1940 under the leadership of Thích Tôn Thất Quyền and Võ Đình Thụy. Heavily damaged during the Vietnam War in 1968, particularly its tiled roof, restoration efforts began in 1971 under Thích Thiện Bình, with architect Võ Đình Diệp. These efforts were approximately 60% complete when interrupted by the Fall of Saigon.

Since its construction, Long Sơn Temple has maintained stable leadership, with only three abbots in over 120 years: Thích Ngộ Chí (1886–1935), Thích Chánh Hóa (1936–1957) and Thích Chí Tín (1957–).

Long Son Pagoda

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