Situated on Nam Giao slope, Tu Dam is a well-known pagoda in Hue city. It was the place of worship established by monk Minh Hoang Tu Dung when he moved from Guang Dong to Thuan Hoa. It was later expanded and upgraded into a pagoda. In 1703, title “Sac tu An Tong Tu” was conferred on Tu Dam pagoda by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. At the pagoda, monk Lieu Quan was instructed by monk Minh Hoang and established Vietnamese meditation in Dang Trong (the south Vietnam).
As the pagoda was severely damaged under Tay Son dynasty, it was renovated in 1804. A new bell was cast. In 1841, the pagoda was renamed “Tu Dam”. During Buddhist revival movement and the call for establishing Annam Buddhist Studies Association, the pagoda was reconstructed on the basic of artist Nguyen Khoa Toan's project.
In 1951, fifty-five representatives country-wide gathered at the pagoda and decided to unite Vietnamese Buddhism. In 1960, Tu Dam pagoda became the headquarters of provincial Buddhism Association. During the struggle against Ngo Dinh Diem's dictatorship, Tu Dam pagoda became the headquarters of activities organized by local Buddhism.
Tu Dam pagoda (source: internet)
The pagoda was about 15.000m2 large. Its three-entrance gate is high, yet simple. All sides were surrounded by wall. In the pagoda's yard, there is a large Bodhi tree marcotted from the Bodhi tree under which Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment. It was the gift presented by Ms. Karpeies, the head of France Buddhism Association in 1936. To the west of the pagoda, there is a seven-story tower built in the early 21st century. A two-story building which serves as the lecture room and the office of Thua Thien Hue Buddhism Association is to the east. The front hall and central hall were reconstructed similar to those of the former pagoda. However, they are much larger. Flower and ornamental trees were planted by householder Tam Minh Le Dinh Tham, who made great contribution to Buddhist revival movement taking place in Hue and had a close connection with Tu Dam pagoda.
"Sac tu An Tong Tu" lacquered horizontal board granted by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in "Thien van Quy Mui so xuan cat dan" (1703), the "Tu Dam Tu" lacquered horizontal board conferred in "Thieu Tri nguyen nien" (1841) and a giant bell on which "Gia Long tue thu Quy Dau nien manh ha tam thap nhat Mui thoi chu" was carved still can be found at the pagoda.
The seven-story tower in Tu Dam pagoda (source: internet)
(Source: Geography book - Culture chapter - 2020)