Chapter 57 of 72 in Hà Nội: Renowned Historic Buddhist Temples · pages 554–566
Tây Phương Temple
Sùng Phúc Temple
Chùa Tây Phương
The temple on Tây Phương Mountain is known for about 80 jackfruit-wood statues, including the set of eighteen arhats regarded as a masterpiece. Its origin is uncertain; a major restoration took place in 1794.
Key facts
- Address
- Tây Phương Mountain, Thạch Xá Commune · Open in Google Maps
- Founded
- Legend dates it to the 3rd century; not firmly established (according to tradition)
- Heritage status
- Special National Heritage Site (2014); national-level since 1962
- Book pages
- 554–566
Highlights
- About 80 jackfruit-wood statues, a peak of folk sculpture
- The eighteen arhat statues are regarded as masterpieces
- The “nội công ngoại quốc” layout took shape in 1794
Milestones
- 1554 Mạc Phúc Nguyên had the temple rebuilt on its old site
- 1639 The Quảng Phúc stele was set up, the oldest surviving record
- 1690 Novice monk Lê Huệ led a major renovation
- 1794 Major restoration set the lower, middle and upper halls
- 1798 The Sùng Phúc bronze bell was cast, inscribed by Phan Huy Ích
- 2014 Ranked as a Special National Heritage Site
From the book
Tây Phương Temple, officially known as Sùng Phúc Temple, also referred to as Hoằng Sơn Thiếu Lâm Temple, is located on the summit of Tây Phương Mountain. The mountain, which has a curved shape resembling a fishhook, was historically known as Câu Lậu Mountain and is part of the Ngưu Lĩnh (Buffalo Mountain) range. The mountain stands approximately 50 meters high.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tây Phương Temple?
Tây Phương Temple is located at Tây Phương Mountain, Thạch Xá Commune, Hà Nội, Vietnam.
When was Tây Phương Temple founded?
Legend dates it to the 3rd century; not firmly established (according to tradition)
Is Tây Phương Temple a ranked heritage site?
Special National Heritage Site (2014); national-level since 1962
What is the formal name of Tây Phương Temple?
Its formal (literary) name is Sùng Phúc Temple.