Thien Hau Pagoda

Thien Hau Pagoda was built by the Cantonese people in Ho Chi Minh City in the early 19th century. It is one of the most ornate temples in the city. The temple has a fround courtyard which is surrounded by walls, on top of which are delicate friezes and carved tablets. The porch of the temple has intricate gilded woodwork that reaches halfway down to the floor.

In front of the temple is a huge censer billowing incense the whole time. On the walls of the temples are prayer flags on which devotees festooned after writing down their prayers and requests. The devotees believe that whenever a breeze rustles the prayer flags, the prayers waft to Thien Hau.

Within the main sanctuary are three statues of Thien Hau, each flanked by two attendance. Hanging from the ceiling is a wooden boat - common in most Thien Hau temples - a reminder of the deity's relationship with the sea.

Location

Thien Hau Pagoda is on 710 Nguyen Trai Street in Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City.

Figurines depicting a battle scene at Thien Hau Pagoda
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Generals.jpg
DoktorMax