Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
Meo Pagoda
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Introdution

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Phone: 02373874007

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Open Time: 7:00 AM - Close Time: 6:00 PM

Email: ubndthitranlangchanh@gmail.com

Address: thon phong ban, thi tran lang chanh, huyen lang chanh, tinh thanh hoa Thị trấn Lang Chánh, Lang Chanh district,

Mèo Pagoda, also known as Miêu Thiền Tự, is a historical and cultural monument built in the 13th century, located in Chiềng Ban village, Quang Hiến commune (Lang Chánh - Thanh Hóa). This pagoda is associated with the legend of the "Miêu thần" (Cat God) saving the hero Lê Lợi from the fierce pursuit of the Ming invaders.
According to historical sources, Mèo Pagoda was established during the Trần Dynasty and was originally named Chùa Chu (Chu Pagoda). The pagoda was built by Princess Chu Huyền of the Trần family together with the Lang Mường Chếnh people. During the construction and clearing of the land, the locals discovered a stone statue, which they revered and called Buddha.
 

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The Legend of Mèo Pagoda and the Mysterious Story of 'Miêu thần Cứu Chúa' (The Cat God Saves the Lord)

Mèo Pagoda, also known as Miêu Thiền Tự, is a historical and cultural monument built in the 13th century, located in Chiềng Ban village, Quang Hiến commune (Lang Chánh - Thanh Hóa). This pagoda is associated with the legend of the "Miêu thần" (Cat God) saving the hero Lê Lợi from the fierce pursuit of the Ming invaders.

 
Historical Monument of Mèo Pagoda

According to historical sources, Mèo Pagoda was established during the Trần Dynasty and was originally named Chùa Chu (Chu Pagoda). The pagoda was built by Princess Chu Huyền of the Trần family together with the Lang Mường Chếnh people. During the construction and clearing of the land, the locals discovered a stone statue, which they revered and called Buddha.

The pagoda is situated in an ideal location according to ancient Feng Shui, with the left side protected by the Thanh Long (Green Dragon) mountain range of Pù Bằng, the right side by the Bạch Hổ (White Tiger) range of Pù Rinh, and in front flows the peaceful Âm river. Due to its strategic location, the pagoda became famous in the region, praised in the saying: "First Hương, second Hà, third Chu," meaning the pagoda of Hương is the best, followed by Hà, and then Chu.

An old story recounts that in 1418, when Lê Lợi raised his flag for rebellion, he and his troops sought refuge by passing through Chu Pagoda. Upon arriving, they found that only a cat remained in the pagoda. Lê Lợi ordered his soldiers to take the cat along as they fled.

There is another version of the story, in which the Ming forces surrounded Chu Pagoda, where Lê Lợi was hiding, with their soldiers and hunting dogs. Just as Lê Lợi was on the verge of being discovered, a cat suddenly appeared and distracted the dogs, leading them to chase it, allowing Lê Lợi to escape.

Legend has it that this cat was the “Cat God”, who had resided at the pagoda since the time the Trần princess began building it. The Cat God guarded the pagoda to protect it and await the “lord” of the mountains. When Lê Lợi appeared in danger, the Cat God manifested to save him from the claws of the enemy.

The area surrounding Mèo Pagoda is rich in historical sites linked to the resistance against the Ming invaders by the national hero Lê Lợi and his Lam Sơn army, including Chí Linh Mountain (Pù Rinh range), where the Lam Sơn forces retreated three times to regroup, as well as the Láu Cave, Húng Falls, and various rocky hills and stone balls, where key battles took place.

After the successful resistance against the Ming, Lê Lợi ascended to the throne. Feeling a deep connection to the region and the Chu Pagoda, which had been a protective force in his struggle, he issued a decree for his official Lê Khả to lead the locals of Mường Chanh to renovate and upgrade Chu Pagoda, renaming it Mèo Pagoda, in reference to the Cat God legend.

During the war against the Qing Dynasty, Nguyễn Huệ (Emperor Quang Trung) led his troops north and stopped at Mèo Pagoda to offer prayers for divine protection in the battle. After their victory, Nguyễn Huệ ordered the restoration and upgrading of Mèo Pagoda and to honor the kings and deities.

The Scenery of Mèo Pagoda

Throughout the ups and downs of history, Mèo Pagoda in Lang Chánh has experienced periods of decay and loss. However, thanks to the attention of the local community and authorities, the pagoda has been restored and is now a prominent cultural and spiritual tourism destination in Lang Chánh. Mèo Pagoda was officially recognized as a provincial cultural heritage site on October 31, 2005.

The main festival of Mèo Pagoda takes place on the 6th day of the first lunar month every year, not only to honor the spiritual significance but also as an occasion for people from the ethnic groups of Lang Chánh and surrounding areas to gather, interact, and experience traditional cultural activities.

Mèo Pagoda is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature. This sacred place is also considered one of the most famous pagodas in Thanh Hóa, making Mèo Pagoda in Lang Chánh a unique and attractive destination in the Thanh Hóa tourism circuit.

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Mèo Pagoda, also known as Miêu Thiền Tự, is a historical and cultural monument built in the 13th century, located in Chiềng Ban village, Quang Hiến commune (Lang Chánh - Thanh Hóa). This pagoda is associated with the legend of the "Miêu thần" (Cat God) saving the hero Lê Lợi from the fierce pursuit of the Ming invaders.
According to historical sources, Mèo Pagoda was established during the Trần Dynasty and was originally named Chùa Chu (Chu Pagoda). The pagoda was built by Princess Chu Huyền of the Trần family together with the Lang Mường Chếnh people. During the construction and clearing of the land, the locals discovered a stone statue, which they revered and called Buddha.
 

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