Hoa Nghiem Cave, Da Nang

From the relaxation area, we walk towards Hoa Nghiem Cave which is located in Thuong Thai and is the highest peak of Thuy Son. A path goes to the highest peak, Vong Giang Dai.

Very close in the same area is Tam Thai and Huyen Khong Cave which is next to this cave.

entrance to Hoa Nghiem cave

Nghe guarding the entrance

The arched gate to cave is called Huyen Khong Quan. "Huyen" means magnificent, "Khong" is space and "Quan" is a gate. So the name means "gate to magnificent space" inside Hoa Nghiem cave.

A smaller version of Guanyin which is at the main altar inside, stands on top of gate

She holds a pot in her left hand and her right hand is raised to bless everyone

cave entrance

altar of Guanyin

The image of Boddhisattva was added to the cave in 1960. With time, it has become moss laden due to water dropping leading to humidity. She has a gentle expression and stands on clouds. It is supposed to be built by craftsmen of Non Nuoc village. This village is at the base of marble mountains. Most of the marble images have been made in this village.

Ancient stele:

There are many stele and inscriptions around the image.

inscriptions in Chinese and Vietnamese

 

On the right side of Guanyin, is an ancient stone stele, "Pho Da Son Linh Trung Phat". It is oldest stele built in 1640 by Hue Dao Minh Monk and is decorated with lotus flowers with a sun at top. The script is Chinese and mentions the names of people who donated to build Hoa Nghiem Cave.

Behind the image, can be seen more inscription on stone which is partially visible

stalactite on the wall

Moving ahead on the left side is a passage to Huyen Khong Cave.