1. Why is Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda a popular pilgrimage destination during Tet?
Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda is one of Thanh Hoa's typical ancient pagodas, with a history dating back to the Ly Dynasty, associated with long-standing cultural and spiritual values. At the beginning of the year, many people choose to visit the pagoda to offer incense, worship Buddha, and pray for a peaceful new year, family happiness, and smooth work. Not only is it a place for religious activities, but the pagoda is also seen as a spiritual anchor, helping each person find balance and peace in the early days of spring.
Besides its spiritual significance, Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda during Tet also attracts visitors with its ancient, solemn, and tranquil atmosphere, separate from the usual hustle and bustle during festival days. The ancient architecture, harmonious landscape, and pure atmosphere make visiting the pagoda at the beginning of the year a gentle, profound experience. It is this combination of historical and cultural values and a rare sense of peace that makes Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda a popular pilgrimage destination every time Tet arrives and spring returns.
Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda is one of the typical ancient pagodas of Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)
2. When is the appropriate time to visit Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda for Tet?
The appropriate time to visit Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda for Tet usually falls in the early days of the new year, from the 1st to the 10th day of the first lunar month, when the atmosphere of pagoda visiting is still solemn and carries many meanings of praying for peace and good luck. If you want to fully experience tranquility, visitors should go in the early morning or on days after the 3rd day of Tet, when there are fewer visitors, to avoid crowded scenes. For those who prioritize gentleness and peace, visiting during the middle of the first lunar month is also a suitable choice, as it preserves the spiritual meaning of the beginning of the year while offering a tranquil space for worship and admiring the pagoda scenery.
3. Experience in preparing offerings when visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda on Tet
3.1. Offerings to prepare
When visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Pagoda on Tet , offerings should lean towards simplicity, purity, and show a devout heart. Typically, vegetarian offerings including incense, fresh flowers, candles, seasonal ripe fruits, and candies are sufficient; elaborate feasts are not necessary. Preparing light offerings is not only suitable for the temple space but also helps preserve the spiritual meaning of visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year.
Besides, visitors should avoid bringing meat offerings, votive paper, or ostentatious items. The most important aspect when preparing offerings is not their material value but sincerity, a respectful attitude, and wishes for good things and peace for oneself and family in the new year.
Prepare simple, sincere offerings when visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet. (Source: Collected)
3.2. How to offer sacrifices and pray
When offering sacrifices at Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet, visitors should place offerings in the designated areas, maintain order, and perform rituals gently and solemnly. The order of offering sacrifices usually begins at the Tam Bao altar, then proceeds to other altars in the pagoda, avoiding crowding or placing offerings arbitrarily, which can mar the sacred space.
Prayers should be concise, clear, focusing on praying for peace, health, and good deeds, avoiding excessive requests for wealth or belief in superstitious elements. The act of visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year becomes more meaningful when each person maintains respect for the spiritual space, behaves appropriately, and directs their tâm (mind/heart) towards the good values in life.
4. Important notes when visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet
4.1. Choosing appropriate attire
When visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet, visitors should prioritize modest, polite attire with subtle colors to suit the spiritual space. Clothing should be neat, not too short or revealing, avoiding offensive styles to show respect for the sacred place and maintain a good image when enjoying spring and visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year.
4.2. Behavior and things to avoid when visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year
During visits and pagoda ceremonies at the beginning of the year, everyone should maintain order, speak softly, avoid crowding or pushing, especially on peak days during Tet. Additionally, visitors should limit photography in worship areas, refrain from touching Buddha statues or offerings, and avoid superstitious practices to preserve the solemnity and purity of the pagoda space.
4.3. Visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet combined with a day trip
After visiting Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda during Tet, you can combine it with spring excursions and visits to nearby attractions to make the journey more complete. Some suitable suggestions for the day include strolling, taking photos, enjoying the water music performance at Sam Son beach square, visiting Doc Cuoc Temple, visiting the Truong Le mountain area, or wandering around Sam Son center to enjoy the gentle and relaxing early spring atmosphere.
Enjoy the water music performance at Sam Son beach square. (Source: Collected)
Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Temple is not only a spiritual destination rich in historical value but also a place for everyone to find peace, pray for peace and good luck for a prosperous new year. If you are planning a spring trip at the beginning of the year in Thanh Hoa, don't forget to take time to visit Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh Temple Tet to combine worshipping, sightseeing, and fully experience the pure and meaningful early spring atmosphere.
