The following article provides some information about Khai Nguyen Son Tay pagoda in Hanoi. Hope it will be useful for travelers in the upcoming trip.
Where is Khai Nguyen Pagoda?
Khai Nguyen Pagoda in Son Tay has a history dating back to the Ly Dynasty in the first half of the 11th century. Experiencing the ravages of time, war, the pagoda was moved many times. At present, the pagoda is embellished at its primitive location, still retaining many of its original features.
Address: Khoang Sau hamlet, Son Dong commune, Son Tay town
About 40km from Hanoi, moving to the temple is not too difficult. Visitors can refer to: Khai Nguyen Pagoda Google maps to move to this place.
History of Khai Nguyen Pagoda in Son Tay
In the past, Khai Nguyen pagoda was called Co Lieu pagoda or Tan Vien Son Quoc pagoda. According to the inscriptions preserved in the campus, Khai Nguyen pagoda was built around the beginning of the sixteenth century. Experiencing many ups and downs in history, the old Khai Nguyen pagoda was completely destroyed. Since 2003, the pagoda has been donated and restored on a large scale by Buddhists from near and far.
Architecture of Khai Nguyen Pagoda, Tay Son, Hanoi
After nearly two decades, up to now, although not yet completed, Khai Nguyen Pagoda has “presented” with a monumental scale and harmonious architectural style of metal and antique. It is a “foreign domestic and foreign” architectural style, the main worship halls are arranged in the style of “before the Buddha after the ancestors”, at the end are the Sangha with the left and right vu, the Bao An tower, the bell tower, the drum attic…
In front of the pagoda is a large rectangular lake with emerald green water all year round. On the lake surface, there is an attic simulating the shape of One Pillar Pagoda. This is the place to worship Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, where there is a precious collection of Ksitigarbha Sutras, attracting the attention of many Buddhists.
What to explore at Khai Nguyen pagoda?
Buddha statue at Khai Nguyen Pagoda – The largest Amitabha Buddha in Southeast Asia
The highlight of the pagoda is the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, 72m high, with a pedestal diameter of up to 1,200m2, built in 2015, still in the process of completion.
Inside the great Buddha statue, there are 13 floors, of which 12 floors are arranged for visitors to worship Bodhisattvas and the negative floor is built into the six paths of reincarnation, including many realms such as asura, hell, ghosts….
Nearly 2,000 statues in the Three Jewels
Besides the great statue, Khai Nguyen Pagoda also attracts visitors by the system of Buddha statues including 1,975 large and small statues in the Three Jewels pavilion, creating a unique architectural form.
In addition, the pagoda also preserves a number of valuable relics such as: two stone steles with the 19th Canh Hung (in 1759) and 14th Gia Long (in 1815) dates, a bronze bell with the 5th Tu Duc date. 22 (in 1870). This is a precious historical source showing the cultural and historical values of Khai Nguyen pagoda.
Notes when coming to Khai Nguyen temple
- The temple is a sacred place, so when you come here, you should not dress too colorful and offensive to lose the inherent solemnity of the temple.
- Going to the temple, you should sincerely pray for peace and enjoy the peaceful and sacred beauty instead of taking pictures.
- Do not arbitrarily touch, touch or take any objects in the temple without the permission of the temple.
- Do not step on trees, flowers or chairs in the temple. Dispose of garbage in the right place to avoid polluting the environment.
- You should ask permission in advance with the temple management to get consent if you want to film or take pictures.
Source: Collected internet.