Chùa Ông - Miếu Quan Đế
Lâm Đồng(formerly Bình Thuận)
Overview & history
Chùa Ông (also known as Quan Đế Miếu) is the oldest and largest miếu (Chinese-style temple or shrine) of the Hoa (Chinese) people in Lâm Đồng, located in Tiến Thành ward, Lâm Đồng province. Many people mistakenly refer to it as a chùa (Buddhist pagoda).
History
On the main roof beam is inscribed a line of Chinese characters: "Thiên kiến Canh Dần niên trọng đông kiết tạo", which means "The temple was established in the eleventh month of the year Canh Dần" (1770).
Architecture
Situated on a fairly large area, this temple features the distinctive architectural style and artistic decoration of the Hoa people:
The rows of buildings are connected to form the shape of the Chinese character Kim (金, meaning 'gold').
The system of columns and beams is intricately and meticulously carved, somewhat resembling the carving techniques found in Vietnamese đình (communal houses) and pagodas.
All the main columns are adorned with couplets that are carved, lacquered in red, and gilded in splendid gold.
Inside, there are wooden relief paintings depicting ancient Chinese stories dating back to the 18th century. Many large horizontal boards (hoành phi) were brought from China in the 19th century.
Chùa Ông currently preserves many ancient bells of historical and artistic value, most of which were cast in Guangdong province, China, and brought over during the Qing dynasty. Their style and materials are similar to the Đại hồng chung (great bells) of the Vietnamese, but the decoration on the bell bodies is more complex and elaborate. Chùa Ông is one of the temples with a beautiful temple garden.
Function
The Hoa people built it to worship Quan Công (Guan Yu, also known as Quan Vân Trường). The book Đại Nam Nhất Thống Chí, volume 12, refers to it as Đền Quan Công (Quan Công Temple), which is the correct name for the miếu. Notably, the worship inside is dedicated solely to the statue of Quan Thánh Đế Quân (Emperor Guan), along with other statues, but not to the Buddha. Right in front of the temple gate, there is still a sign reading "Quan Thánh miếu" (Temple of Emperor Guan). The temple does not have resident monks. However, from past to present, both Vietnamese and Hoa people have commonly called it Chùa Ông.
Religious Activities
During Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year), Chùa Ông is a place where many people come to pray for a prosperous, happy life and good fortune in business. Chùa Ông is also the centre of the Nghinh Ông Quan Thánh Đế Quân Festival of the Hoa community in Phan Thiết city.
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: 10.92729, 108.09628
🧭 Directions on Google Maps