Brian Jeffrey
Tucked away in the midst of verdant surroundings lies Thien Mu Pagoda in Long An Province, distinguished by its imposing 40-meter statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, making it the tallest Buddha statue in the province. This ancient temple is a magnet for countless visitors and devotees who are captivated by its grandeur and the historical tales of Lord Nguyen Anh, the inaugural emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Founded in 1726, Thien Mu Pagoda started as a modest hermitage with a thatched roof. Its current abbot shared that the name “Thien Mu” is entwined with the stories of Lord Nguyen Anh prior to his ascent to the throne as Emperor Gia Long.
During his journey to Phu Quoc, Lord Nguyen Anh and his troops found sanctuary at the hermitage in Tan Trach Village, now Tan Trach Commune. Welcomed warmly by the hermitage’s abbot and aided by Mai Van Hien, the village chief, Nguyen Anh stayed until a prophetic dream prompted his departure towards the Vam Co Dong River, marking the birth of Thien Mu Pagoda.
Nguyen Tan Quoc mentioned that Lord Nguyen Anh not only bestowed the name Thien Mu Pagoda but also gifted several artifacts, including bronze Buddha statues, wooden drums, and couplets. The pagoda also received memorial tablets and preserved a wooden bed, believed to be used by Lord Nguyen Anh himself.
These treasures harken back to Lord Nguyen Anh’s lordship before he ascended as the first Nguyen Dynasty emperor. Despite the loss of certain artifacts over two centuries, efforts have been made to restore and protect what remains, such as Mai Van Hien’s tablet enshrined at Trach An Temple.
The wooden fish drum and thunder drum, ancient relics from Lord Nguyen, are meticulously preserved at the pagoda, showcasing intricate carvings and historical significance. The wear and tear on these items after 200 years is evidence of their storied past.
The abbot mentioned, “Although the drum is no longer in use, we maintain it as a relic and a testament to Lord Nguyen’s legacy. Our commitment lies in safeguarding these precious gifts through generations.”
