HCM CITY — Giác Lâm Pagoda on Lạc Long Quân Street in Tân Binh District is the oldest pagoda in HCM City.

Built in 1744 by a hermit, Lý Thụy Long, who raised money to build the temple to worship the Buddha, the pagoda was originally called “Cẩm Sơn”, “Cẩm Đệm” or “Sơn Can”.  In 1774 it was renamed “Giác Lâm” during the time of Venerable Monk Viên Quang.

Hundreds of precious Buddhist idols, artefacts and old documents on Buddhist philosophy are still preserved in the pagoda.

The highlights at the 274-year-old pagoda though are the architecture, sculptures and cultural facets of Buddhism in southern Việt Nam.

Gíác Lâm was acknowledged as a national relic in 1988 by the Government.

It is frequented by not only local pilgrims but also foreign tourists interested in exploring Vietnamese history and culture.— VNS