Báo Quốc Temple

Báo Quốc Temple (Vietnamese: Chùa Báo Quốc) is a historically significant Buddhist temple situated in the ancient city of Huế, Vietnam. Established in 1670, it held the distinguished status of one of the city's three national temples during the era of the Nguyễn dynasty. Its location on Báo Quốc Street, in the Phường Đúc ward, places it on the southern bank of the Perfume River, a short distance west of the city center, on a hill known as Hàm Long.

History and Royal Patronage

The temple was originally founded by the Chinese Thiền master Thích Giác Phong and was first named Hàm Long Sơn Thiên Thọ Tự. Over the centuries, it received substantial patronage from the Nguyễn lords and emperors, leading to frequent renovations and expansions. In 1747, Nguyễn Phúc Khoát bestowed upon it a plaque, renaming it Sắc Tứ Báo Quốc Tự. Emperor Gia Long's reign saw further imperial involvement, with Empress Hiếu Khương sponsoring construction projects in 1808, including a triple gate and a large bell. Emperor Minh Mạng later renamed the pagoda to its present title, Chùa Báo Quốc, in 1824 and even celebrated his 40th birthday there in 1830. The temple's decay in later years prompted extensive renovation efforts initiated by Emperor Tự Đức in 1858, which were directly funded by the royal family.

Revival and Educational Role

In the 1930s, Báo Quốc Temple became a focal point for the revival of Buddhist education in Vietnam. A school dedicated to teaching Buddhism was established within its grounds in 1935, followed by the creation of a monastery for training monks in 1940, which continues to operate. The most recent major phase of construction and renovation took place in 1957, overseen by the provincial Buddhist association and the temple's abbot. In 1959, the Ham Long Primary School was opened on the temple grounds, which later expanded to offer secondary education before its closure in 1975.

Architecture and Features

Spanning two hectares, Báo Quốc Temple welcomes visitors through its triple gates into a courtyard surrounded by balconied buildings. To the left are stupas dedicated to Buddhist patriarchs, with the oldest dating back to 1714. The main temple building is characterized by four pillars adorned with dragon figures. Among its significant religious artifacts is a triple statue of the Buddha, accompanied by Mahayana sutras. A small stupa within the temple enshrines relics of Gautama Buddha. Another altar features a statue of Gautama Buddha between his attendant Ananda and the first patriarch, Mahakassapa. The temple also houses a copy of the Lotus Sutra, alongside a ceremonial bell and a wooden fish gong.