The Soul of the Countryside at the Buddhist Sanctuary

07/09/2026
In Ngoc Tra Village, Quang Chinh Commune, Bong Hinh Pagoda, also known as Ngoc Tra Pagoda, nestles quietly amid the peaceful surroundings of the countryside. The pagoda exudes a serene and contemplative beauty, blending harmoniously with the landscape and the simple rhythm of village life. For generations, it has been a familiar place for local residents to come and pay their respects, worship Buddha, pray for peace, and find a few moments of tranquility and relief from the cares and burdens of everyday life.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay]: Hồn quê nơi cửa Phật

Bong Hinh Pagoda was built in the traditional architectural style of northern Vietnam, featuring a front hall and a rear hall. Its old architectural features have been preserved, contributing to the pagoda’s ancient and solemn character.

The pagoda still preserves two ancient stone steles dating back hundreds of years. Their inscriptions praise the merits of those who contributed to the construction of the pagoda.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay]: Hồn quê nơi cửa Phật

According to historical records and local oral traditions, the land of Ngoc Tra was formed by alluvial deposits from the Yen River. Local people came here at an early time to reclaim uncultivated land and establish their livelihoods.

Legend has it that after a heavy rainstorm, the river rose and carried a tree trunk to the front of the village. When villagers retrieved it, the wood gave off a strong, pleasant fragrance. Its rough bark resembled dragon scales, while the trunk was a deep golden color. The villagers called it Huong Long wood. Inspired by this precious timber, the people of Ngoc Tra made a vow to build a pagoda.

During the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans, Bong Hinh Pagoda became a place where classes were held, meetings were organized, and rice and grain were stored.

In particular, during the resistance war against the Americans, Bong Hinh Pagoda served as the headquarters of the Ghep Ferry Command and was also used to provide medical care for wounded soldiers.

[Thanh Hóa xưa và nay]: Hồn quê nơi cửa Phật

Through successive periods of construction and reconstruction, the pagoda gradually came to bear the imprints of different historical eras. Today, it still preserves tangible traces of a journey spanning more than seven centuries.

Despite the passage of time and countless historical ups and downs, the values of Bong Hinh Pagoda have continued to be passed down and preserved to this day.

Source: vhds.baothanhhoa.vn

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