Huong Hai Pagoda

Huong Hai Pagoda, formerly known as Huong Hai Nunnery, is the first Buddhist nunnery in our country, established during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225). Its Sino-Vietnamese name is "Linh Ung Tu".

Huong Hai Pagoda is one of 10 sites belonging to the Phu Dong Temple relic complex, which was ranked as a Special National Relic for the historical and architectural-artistic relic of Phu Dong Temple by the Prime Minister's Decision No. 2383/QĐ-TTg dated December 9, 2013.

Huong Hai Pagoda is associated with the name of Nun Dieu Nhan (1041 - 1113), of the 17th generation of the Vinītaruci Zen lineage, who once served as abbess and passed away here.

The nun, named Ngoc Kieu, was the eldest daughter of Phung Can Vuong. As a child, she was raised by King Ly Thanh Tong in the palace. After her husband died, she shaved her head and became a nun, asked to receive the Bodhisattva precepts from Zen Master Chan Khong, was given the dharma name Dieu Nhan, and was taught to serve as abbess of Huong Hai Nunnery. This place became the first Buddhist nunnery in Vietnam.