Cam Ung Pagoda (Nom name is Mang Pagoda) is one of the quite familiar spiritual destinations of Hanoi people. The pagoda has a long history when it was started in the 11th century, during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1023 - 1072).
The pagoda is located on a high dry land, the front of the Tam Bao tower is facing southwest. This place used to have many old muỗm trees, creating a quiet scene along the To Lich River. The pagoda used to belong to Lang Trung village, An Lang commune, now belonging to Lang ward, Hanoi city.
Cam Ung Pagoda both worships Buddha and National Master Tu Dao Hanh and his mother, Mrs. Tang Thi Loan. The pagoda has a large area with many houses. Three-entrance hall, rear house, Mother's house, communal house and shady garden.
Legend has it that after King Ly Thanh Tong ordered the construction of Ung Thien Temple in the next village (ie Lang Ha), he also ordered the construction of Cam Ung Pagoda. A princess, the king's daughter, later practiced at the pagoda until her death. In addition to worshiping Buddha, the pagoda also worships national master Tu Dao Hanh and his mother, Mrs. Tang Thi Loan.
With a total area of up to 3,600m2, Cam Ung Pagoda has the Tam Bao tower, the Ancestral House, the Mother House, and a shrine surrounded by a green garden. Here, some valuable artifacts are also preserved such as 11 pairs of parallel sentences, 12 sets of hammock doors, 13 horizontal lacquered boards, ancestral statues, Mother statues and 7 incense altars...
Not only the people of the Capital, the nearly 1,000-year-old pagoda welcomes many Buddhists and pilgrims from all directions to worship and perform rituals. At the beginning of the new year, Cam Ung Pagoda welcomes many people to burn incense and worship Buddha to pray for a year of health and peace.
Mr. Vo Kim Thanh (80 years old, residing in Thanh Xuan ward, Hanoi) said that his family chose Cam Ung Pagoda as their first spring travel destination: "After New Year's Eves and receiving guests on the 1st day of Tet, every year my wife and I and our children and grandchildren come to the pagoda to burn incense and worship Buddha, praying for a year of health and everything is favorable.
According to Lao Dong's records, during the Binh Ngo Tet holiday, people coming to Cam Ung Pagoda are not too crowded. Some families bring parents and young children to both go to the temple and enjoy the rare peaceful space on the first day of spring.
Offering simple offerings, limiting burning votive paper, or lighting symbolic incense sticks, and maintaining environmental hygiene around are especially aware of by people this year.
Ms. Do Mai Huong (75 years old) said that her house is right near Cam Ung Pagoda, but every year on the 2nd day of Tet she departs to leisurely go to the pagoda and admire the spring scenery.
Cảm Ứng Pagoda is always a place my family visits in the first days of the year. The pagoda is just quiet enough for everyone when coming here to relax and admire the scenery and send wishes for peace..." - Ms. Huong said.
