US President Barack Obama, who is on a three-day visit to Vietnam, will visit Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City Tuesday afternoon to “pay tribute to and admire the cultural traditions of Vietnam,” according to a White House release.
The 124-year-old pagoda, located on Mai Thi Luu Street in District 1, houses a number of intricate sculptures and woodcarvings.
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda was built between 1892 and 1900 by a Chinese monk. Photos credit: Thanh Tung, Hai An/Zing
The pagoda was renamed Phuoc Hai in 1982. But locals still prefer to call it Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor or King of Heaven).
The pagoda’s main space venerates Ngoc Hoang -- the supreme Taoist God, and the Buddha.
The pagoda also worships Kim Hoa Thanh Mau, the Taoist goddess of childbirth, and her 12 assistants. Not just locals but also people from other parts of the country come here to pray for fertility.
The delicate woodcarvings inside the pagoda.
An idol inside the pagoda
Idols inside the pagoda
People pray with joss sticks at Ngoc Hoang Pagoda.
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A Buddha image inside the pagoda.
The pagoda's roof
The pagoda's front yard
Turtles in a pond at the pagoda.
The pagoda was recognized as a National Architectural Relic in 1994.
Phuoc Hai Pagoda is located at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. It will be closed to the faithful and visitors on May 24 to prepare for US President Barack Obama's visit.
Source Zing News & Thanh Nien News
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