Linh Son Pagoda is located on top of a small hill at 120 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Street, in the second ward,approximately 700 m northwest of the centre of Da Lat. The temple was built from 1938 and it was completed and opened in 1940. The building was funded by the general public, but the largest financial donations were from two lay Buddhists by the names of Võ Đình Dung and Nguyễn Văn Tiến.
Upon entering the temple, a visitior is confronted by the rows of pine trees. Directly at the front of the courtyard is a statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, so stands on a lotus seat. On the left of the statues is a stupa, of octagonal stupa, that stands three storeys high for a total of 4 m in height. On the right hand side, in the middle of a green patch of lawn is a pond which is adorned with clear water, flowers and the sight of goldfish swimming. The area is further adorned by other plants. On both sides is a twelve step entrance up into the main ceremonial hall, which is guarded by two statues of dragons, which represent the protection of the dharma, the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
The temple is built in a classical Asian style of architecture, and is of a simple layout and model. At the two corners of the temples, are dragon statues, staring at the roof of the temple. There are various quotations displayed in various places in the temple.
In the centre of the main ceremonial hall, there is statue of Gautama Buddha, made of bronze, seated on a lotus. The statue weighs 1250 kg. The statues was cast in 1952 and was inaugurated by the Buddhist Patriarch of Vietnam, Thích Tịnh Khiết.
Since the opening of the temple, the abbots have been: Thích Trí Thủ (1940), Thích Diệu Hoằng (1940–1947), Thích Từ Mãn (1947–1952), Thích Bích Nguyên (1952–1964), Thích Từ Mãn (1964–).
Currently, the office of the Board of the Buddhist Association of Lam Dong Province is seated at the temple. Although Linh Son Pagoda lacks the historic nature of other temples in that it was only built in the 20th century, its elegant nature and aesthetic appeal has made it one of the main sights in the tourist resort town of Da Lat. The temple is particular popular among visitors, Buddhists and general tourists alike, particular in the spring.
The large bell is reputed to be made from bronze alloyed with gold, that make it too heavy for would be robbers to carry away. The temple also has a variety of tea and coffee plants, which are tended by thesangha. Around 20 monks and around half a dozen novices live at the temple.
2. Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Taking the train to Trai Mat to visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda in the chilly cold of the central highlands city of Da Lat is an exciting adventure for those who seek the sanctuary of a worshipping place and the unique architecture of Asian pagodas.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda, also called Ve Chai Pagoda, was built from debris of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain between 1949 and 1952 in a remote residential area of Da Lat City. The pagoda has been led by many Buddhist monks and was renovated by Monk Thich Tam Vi in 1990.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda, also called Ve Chai Pagoda, was built from debris of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain between 1949 and 1952 in a remote residential area of Da Lat City. The pagoda has been led by many Buddhist monks and was renovated by Monk Thich Tam Vi in 1990.
The front of the pagoda is lined with meticulous sculptured pillars in the shape of flying dragons which were made from glass debris. A 4.8-meter-tall statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni is a striking work of art which sits between 12 glaze works in relief which respectfully illustrate the legend of the Buddha Sakyamuni.
Visitors can contemplate a 49-meter-long winding glaze dragon which stands near a pond. Here, at the Long Hoa Vien (Dragon Flower Park), tourists can sense the tranquility and the poetry of the nature and talent of human beings.
Da Bao Tower, under construction, is a seven-tiered-27-meter-tall-tower made from thousands of pieces of broken bowls. This is really the ideal place for visitors to learn more about Buddhism as each floor of the tower is for the worship of each of the gods and goddesses.
The second floor of the tower holds the largest bell in Central Vietnam, named Dai Hong Chung. The bell, 4.38 meters in height and 8,500 kilograms in weight, is carved in meticulous detail and includes the four words “Linh Phuoc Tu Chung”, statues of Buddha and sceneries of One Pillar Pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, Linh Phuoc Pagoda and Bo De Dao Trang Tower (India).
The second floor of the tower holds the largest bell in Central Vietnam, named Dai Hong Chung. The bell, 4.38 meters in height and 8,500 kilograms in weight, is carved in meticulous detail and includes the four words “Linh Phuoc Tu Chung”, statues of Buddha and sceneries of One Pillar Pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, Linh Phuoc Pagoda and Bo De Dao Trang Tower (India).
As the bell turns, it presents images of the four seasons. Tourists are advised to turn the bell to the season they are in, write their wishes on a piece of yellow paper, stick the piece of paper onto the bell and then chime the bell three times to send their prayers the Buddha. This is a sacred experience that should not be missed in the flower city.
3. Linh Phong Pagoda
It is 6km from Dalat, and it is located on the high hill at the end of the quiet Hoang Hoa Tham street. It was built in 1944, it used to be the prayers place led by Thich Bich Nguyen Monk. From 1948 to 1962, Thich Nu Tu Huong Nun renovated it to become Linh Phong Pagoda.The Pagoda has architecture like temple, it has 2 floors, a 3 part gate, tiled roof, below is a rolling gate, above is a rectangular gate with the sign “Linh Son Pagoda” the main building Worships Buddha, a statue covered with gold, 1.8high and it was made in 1949. On both sides, there are the statue of the goddess of Mercy and the Intelligent Buddha. Behind is the worshipped place of the great Buddha and Thich Quang Duc Monk. Outside is the place for activities, for guests and the lecture hall.
