Khánh Quang Pagoda

23/12/2024 42 0
It is an ancient pagoda, built by Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Tú, the daughter of Đoan Quận Duke Nguyễn Hoàng and the official wife (Chính Phí) of Lord Trịnh Tráng. According to historical records, the pagoda was constructed around the 17th century, covering an area of approximately 2 hectares. It is a spiritual complex with unique architecture, featuring solemn Buddha statues, exquisite decorations, and a spacious, airy environment.

Historical and Cultural Site Khánh Quang Pagoda

Khánh Quang Pagoda (also known as Trạch Lâm Pagoda) is located in Quang Trung Ward, Bỉm Sơn Town. It is an ancient pagoda, built by Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Tú, the daughter of Đoan Quận Duke Nguyễn Hoàng and the official wife (Chính Phí) of Lord Trịnh Tráng. According to historical records, the pagoda was constructed around the 17th century, covering an area of approximately 2 hectares. It is a spiritual complex with unique architecture, featuring solemn Buddha statues, exquisite decorations, and a spacious, airy environment. Inside the pagoda, there is a statue of the Princess, which is dedicated to her.

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Entrance Gate of Khánh Quang Pagoda

Khánh Quang Pagoda was built around 1631 by Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Tú, the daughter of Đoan Quận Công Nguyễn Hoàng, and the official wife of Trịnh Tráng, the second son of Trịnh Tùng, the second ruler of the Trịnh dynasty. Khánh Quang Pagoda is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of the deep relationships between powerful families at the time, especially the love story between Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Tú and Lord Trịnh Tráng.

The Worship Area in Khánh Quang Pagoda

Khánh Quang Pagoda is known as the place where Chuyết Công Hòa Thượng (1590 - 1644), also known as Chuyết Chuyết, a monk from the Ming Dynasty in China, and his trusted disciple, Zen Master Minh Hành (1595 - 1659), came to preach in Vietnam. Around 1630, Minh Hành followed his master from Quảng Nam - Thuận Hóa to Thăng Long (Hà Nội) and stopped to take the position of abbot at Khánh Quang Pagoda in Thanh Hóa. Later, Chuyết Chuyết Zen Master moved to become the abbot of Ninh Phúc Pagoda in Bắc Ninh. In 1644, Chuyết Chuyết Hòa Thượng passed away at the age of 55, and his body was placed at Bút Tháp Pagoda. In 1645, his disciples opened the coffin and discovered that his body remained intact, just as it was in life. Due to the continuous civil wars at the time, Zen Master Minh Hành and the disciples secretly moved the body back to Khánh Quang Pagoda (formerly known as Chúa Tạch Lâm) to wait for peace, before bringing the body to Bút Tháp Pagoda.

Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Buddha Statue

Khánh Quang Pagoda is honored to have been the place where the body of Hòa Thượng Chuyết Chuyết was kept for a period, from 1645 to 1672. Over nearly 400 years of history, Khánh Quang Pagoda has left a deep impression in the hearts of many generations. It is a cultural and spiritual monument that brings peace and happiness to the people of the area.

The Spacious and Serene Grounds of the Pagoda

In 2013, thanks to religious policies, Khánh Quang Pagoda was rebuilt with Eastern architectural, artistic, and cultural styles, featuring a "Đinh- 丁" shape with curved roofs and intricate patterns reflecting ancient architecture. A highlight of the pagoda is the design of couplets and decorative gates entirely in Quốc Ngữ script, making them easier for visitors to read and understand.

The stone elephant (17th century) is arranged in the courtyard of Khánh Quang Pagoda.

Khánh Quang Pagoda not only attracts local Buddhists who come to worship and pray for peace, but also draws many visitors from other regions. The pagoda is built in the traditional architectural style, with many notable features:

Main Gate: The pagoda's three-tier gate has curved roofs and is decorated with intricate carvings. Above the gate hangs a plaque with the inscription "Khánh Quang Tự"

 Front Hall: With an area of 220 m², the hall has a roof made of yin-yang tiles, and a plaque reading "Đạo Tràng Thiền Môn".

Ancestor Hall: This hall is dedicated to the worship of the founding masters, including a bronze statue of Zen Master Minh Hành.

Main Hall: The main worship hall of the pagoda, with a plaque reading "Main Hall”, housing a 500 kg bronze statue of the Amitabha Buddha.

In addition, the pagoda has several auxiliary facilities such as the monks' quarters, guest house, kitchen, and lecture hall, forming a vast yet harmonious and refined architectural complex. These structures are meticulously built, with dominant colors of gold, red, and green, creating an ancient, solemn beauty while also being splendid.

The natural surroundings within the Khánh Quang Pagoda

The Khánh Quang Pagoda is not only an architectural and artistic monument that represents the Buddhist culture of the Lê-Trịnh period but also a place that marks the cultural exchange between Vietnam and China. The pagoda is closely linked to the love story between Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Tú, the consort of Trịnh Tráng, reflecting the cultural and religious development of that era.

Incense offerings and Buddhist rituals at the main hall of Khánh Quang Pagoda (Image collected)

Khánh Quang Pagoda is currently one of the significant historical and cultural sites, attracting visitors not only for its unique architectural beauty but also for its deep historical and cultural value. Visiting the pagoda, tourists can admire the ancient beauty of the temple while learning about the rich history and culture associated with the local area.

When visiting the temple, visitors are welcomed into a peaceful and tranquil space. Additionally, tourists can explore several other famous landmarks in the area, such as the Bát Hải Long Vương Temple, Từ Thức Temple, and the ancient Trạch Lâm Tombs. The pagoda was recognized as a Provincial Historical and Cultural Site according to Decision 366/QĐ-SVHTT dated October 26, 1995.

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