Xa Loi Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City, was built in 1956 for worshiping the relics of Buddha and opened to the public in 1958. The altar on the first floor, dedicated to Sakyamauni Buddha, is an excellent work of art made by Le Van Mau.
Xa Loi Pagoda is the first pagoda of the city which was built in a new style of architecture with an altar above and an amphitheater staying lower. The design of the pagoda includes a sanctum worshiping Buddha, an amphitheater a bell tower, a library, monks’ quarters, purifying house, office, a room publishing prayers and bibles, guests’ room and an area for travelers staying.
Xa Loi Pagoda used to be the main headquarters of the Association of Buddhology of Vietnam from 1951 to 1981.