An Long Temple - Small and Compact @ Da Nang in Vietnam

This was an unexpected, chanced visit. We were just walking across the road when I noticed this seemingly small temple that caught our attention with its over-the-top, excessive display of statues! 

Known as An Long temple according to Google Maps, I lost count of the number of dragons at the perimeter of the temple; so many there were that a pair was almost blocking the main signage. 

The temple was said to have been at the location since 1657 but its present design was from 1961, with renovations continuing over the years; last of which was in 2016.

Stepping in, it was a common temple compound.

However, the intricate designs and dedicated effort to stand out were obvious. The above building, with a drum on the second level, felt more like a Japanese shrine, and it was a nice touch to hang lotus-shaped lights that looked like bells from far.

Another thing that drew our attention was the above. The two large Bodhisattva statues in front of gigantic, intricately designed stone panels that made us mouthed "wow"! 

Did you notice that there were nine dragons protecting the Bodhisattva ?! 

In the short period I was there, there was absolutely no one around, not even a caretaker. I did hear some knocking sounds, like from renovation or something, but we didn't see anyone. 

Honestly, I couldn't fathom how they managed to squeeze in so many things! Maybe the main aim was to draw customers from being over excessive, despite the small compound occupied.

 

Mahavira Hall - the main hall for most Buddhist temples, where the main imposing statue would belong to Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Instead of a plain wall behind, it was again a dazzling display.

Six of the famous eighteen arhats.

In spite of the oriental designs of the temple, it's interesting to find a spot of Western influence in this temple; the above decorative lights would appear more at home in a palace! 

Lastly, view of the compound of An Long temple from the second level. Yes, it's indeed quite strange to have the Mahavira Hall on the second level, and not a standalone building. 

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Address

4 Đ. 2 Tháng 9, Bình Hiên, 

Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, 

Vietnam

Map

As above. 

Click here for my 8 Days' Itinerary to Danang (The City of Bridges) & Hoi An (The City of Lanterns) in Vietnam