Phật Giáo VNS
Đại Giác Temple
Đại Giác Ancient Temple · Phật Lớn Temple on Cù lao Phố
Đồng Nai
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The courtyard of Đại Giác Temple in an archival photograph.
About
Đại Giác Temple on Cù lao Phố is a Buddhist heritage site connected with the history of Biên Hòa–Đồng Nai. It is also known as Phật Lớn, or Great Buddha Temple, a name associated with a prominent statue in the main hall.
Visitor information
- Founded
- One of the early temples of the Biên Hòa region, restored many times.
- Visiting hours
- Please ask the temple about visiting hours and the practice schedule before coming.
- Fees
- Please consult the guidance and posted information at the destination; services outside the temple may be charged separately.
- Address
- Khu vực Cù lao Phố, Hiệp Hòa cũ, phường Trấn Biên, Đồng Nai.
When finding directions, select Đại Giác Ancient Temple on Cù lao Phố, not Đại Giác Monastery in Sa Pa or a temple of the same name in another province. Follow guidance when entering the hall and avoid touching plaques, statues or ritual objects. For deeper historical information, ask the caretakers about materials available at the temple.
Highlights
- The Buddha hall and the large statue that inspired the temple’s popular name.
- Horizontal and paired inscriptions, and memories of Nguyễn-dynasty patronage.
- A historic temple within the cultural landscape of Cù lao Phố.
History and origins
Local records identify Đại Giác as one of Biên Hòa’s early temples, associated with Zen master Thành Đẳng and the Lâm Tế lineage. Sources do not fully agree on its founding date, so no single year is specified.
Nguyễn emperors supported its restoration. The present architecture has been rebuilt and repaired many times and does not preserve the entire original appearance.
Architecture & surroundings
The main buildings follow a layout resembling the character Nhị (二), with drum and bell towers at the front. The spacious interior contains many statues, horizontal plaques and paired inscriptions. According to local materials, the present Đại Giác Temple plaque is a reconstruction and should be distinguished from the lost original.
Cultural value
Đại Giác helps tell the story of settlement, trade and religious life on Cù lao Phố. Traditional stories around the temple are part of community memory and should be approached respectfully while distinguished from documented facts.
Events & festivals
Please contact the temple for current patriarch memorial ceremonies, festival days and practice schedules. When visiting the heritage site, follow reception times and the temple’s guidance so that worship remains dignified and peaceful.
References & photo sources
Information checked: 2026-10-20. Documentary photographs may differ from current conditions.
Photo 1. The courtyard of Đại Giác Temple in an archival photograph.
Võ Văn Tường · tư liệu Chùa Việt Nam, Ân Phật · Original photo · Documentary photo from the cited source; copyright belongs to its owner.
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 2. The front of Đại Giác Temple.
Võ Văn Tường · tư liệu Chùa Việt Nam, Ân Phật · Original photo · Documentary photo from the cited source; copyright belongs to its owner.
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 3. The temple’s Buddha hall.
Võ Văn Tường · tư liệu Chùa Việt Nam, Ân Phật · Original photo · Documentary photo from the cited source; copyright belongs to its owner.
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 4. An altar to Amitābha Buddha.
Võ Văn Tường · tư liệu Chùa Việt Nam, Ân Phật · Original photo · Documentary photo from the cited source; copyright belongs to its owner.
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 5. Patriarch altar.
Võ Văn Tường · tư liệu Chùa Việt Nam, Ân Phật · Original photo · Documentary photo from the cited source; copyright belongs to its owner.
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
