Kim Sơn Pagoda (Khánh Hòa)
Khánh Hòa(Chùa Kim Sơn (Khánh Hòa))
Overview & history
Kim Sơn Pagoda is located in Tây Nha Trang ward, Khánh Hòa province. The pagoda was built by Zen Master Pháp Ấn during the Later Lê dynasty on a rocky hill situated in the middle of a plain, commonly called Gành Mountain, which was later renamed Kim Sơn due to a legend that, during the construction of the pagoda, some gold was found buried there. In 1740, Nguyễn Phúc Khoát changed the pagoda's name to Quy Tôn Tự and bestowed a vermilion lacquered and gilded plaque inscribed with the three large characters "Quy Tôn Tự" along with eight smaller characters "Quốc Chủ Từ Tế Đạo Nhân ngự đề" (meaning "Inscribed by the Compassionate Sovereign, the Daoist"). In 1845, King Thiệu Trị decreed that the pagoda revert to its former name. During the Khải Định reign, the pagoda was also known as Bà Nghè Pagoda because the wife of a mandarin became a nun and contributed to the restoration of the pagoda.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit:
Location
Coordinates: 12.26221, 109.17070
🧭 Directions on Google MapsReferences
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