Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda is famous in Ho Chi Minh City for a set of about 100 statues made from cardboard that depicts a meeting of genies with the Jade Emperor. It has now become a favorite destination of tourists. During his recent official visit to Vietnam, US President Barack Obama visited this pagoda.
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda covers a total area of 2,300m2 at No.73, Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It is the only place where the Jade Emperor is worshipped in Vietnam. The pagoda was built in 1892 by a Chinese man called Liu Ming with the aim of praying for luck in his business. In 1984, the pagoda name was changed to Phuoc Hai Tu and since then it has been managed by the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
There are many artworks in the pagoda such as worshipping paintings, statues, parallel sentences and altars made from wood, ceramic and cardboard. The pagoda boasts a set of about 300 ancient statues, including 100 made from cardboard, presenting a meeting of genies with the Jade Emperor. Using only paper and bamboo laths, artisans created lively statues with an august nuance.
The pagoda’s worshipping space consists of three parts, a main chamber and two other departments. The main chamber worships the Jade Emperor, the Buddha and genies. The largest statue in the pagoda is the Jade Emperor in a meeting with genies.
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda was built in 1892 by Liu Ming, a Chinese man, with the aim of praying or luck in business.
The solemn space inside the main chamber of Ngoc Hoang Pagoda.
Ancient statues made form cardboard depict the genies attending the Jade Emperor’s audience.
Delicate details on an ancient statue in the pagoda.
A statue at the entrance to the pagoda.
Genies at Ngoc Hoang Pagoda.
The statue of Guan Yin Buddha (Buddha with one Thousand Eyes and one thousand hands).
One of the genies are worshipped in the pagoda.
Offerings to the Jade Emperor.
The pagoda attracts many visitors and Buddhist followers nationwide.
Tam quan (three-entrance) Gate with two dragons struggling for jade.
Delicate ceramic patterns on the pagoda’s roof.
Skillful carvings on the door of the pagoda.
Sophisticated carvings inside the pagoda. |
At Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, people also worships Kim Hoa Thanh Mau (a goddess taking responsibility for giving birth), Twelve Midwives and wet nurses taking care of children. Thereby many people go to the pagoda to pray for having a baby and luck for pregnant women.
With its serene landscape and cultural and historical values, the pagoda has attracted a large number of visitors nationwide, especially on the birth anniversary of the Jade Emperor on January 9 of the lunar calendar.
Story: Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: Dang Kim Phuong