TAM QUAN GATE OF HUE PAGODA IN THE NGUYEN DYNASTY

Abstract

The Tam Quan Gate is an indispensable architectural element in traditional Vietnamese religious structures such as temples, pagodas, shrines, and mausoleums. Beyond serving as the main entrance and a focal point along the central axis, the Tam Quan Gate has gradually become a symbol of Buddhism, embodying Buddhist philosophy. It also represents the boundary between secular life and the spiritual realm, while maintaining a close connection to the community.

The Tam Quan gates of Huế pagodas during the Nguyễn Dynasty inherited the traditional structure of Vietnamese temple gates, harmoniously integrating regional architectural characteristics with the distinctive imprint of the Nguyễn dynasty. This article focuses on examining the features of Tam Quan gates in Huế pagodas, classifying them by architectural form and structure, and analyzing selected Buddhist symbolic languages expressed in the gate architecture.