Long Khanh Pagoda (Photo ST)
According to historical books, Long Khanh Pagoda has existed since 1715 (At Mui) Up to now, it has been dated for over 300 years. It is known that this is a temple built by a Zen master named Duc Son, at that time the temple was built with the purpose of serving the Chinese community living in this place.
The temple is more than 300 years old (Photo ST)
The temple scene is quite quiet (ST)
The temple built by the Chinese, we can see a bit of their architectural direction in it. Viewed from above, you can see that the pagoda is designed in the shape of the word “Kuu”. It is divided into two main areas: Upper and Later palaces, two rows of East rooms and West rooms reserved for monks, nuns and Buddhists to stay at the temple. At the back of the hall, there is a bronze statue of the Buddha, 1.5 meters high, weighing more than 1200 kg. It is noteworthy that when you step through the three gates you will see a 17m high Amitabha statue standing on a lotus made of blue stone placed there.
Amitabha statue is 17m high (Photo ST)
The back gate of the temple (Photo ST)
Existing for more than 300 years, experiencing many events and ups and downs of history, the temple has had to be restored a lot under the reigns of Zen masters Tich, Thien Thanh, Chinh Nguyen, and Chanh Nhon. The biggest restoration can be mentioned in 1956 and it took 6 years to complete (ie 1972). Basically, the architecture of the temple has changed quite a lot compared to the original design. Therefore, the architectural value of the temple is not appreciated, but in terms of history, the temple is still keeping the bell that was cast in the 4th Gia Long year, ie 1805. Inscriptions engraved on the bell. It is said that the old Long Khanh pagoda in Vinh Khanh village, Quy Ninh province, was built by a Zen master with the legal name Tich Tho, whose real name is Nguyen Trinh Tuong. The fact that on the bell was written that Zen master Tich Tho (ie Nguyen Trinh Tuong) started it, misleading a researcher.
The view in the temple (Photo ST)
The temple after many restorations (Photo ST)
After researching and comparing with historical documents, the researchers found that Zen master Duc Son came to Quy Nhon during the period 1651-1742. So Long Khanh Pagoda was built in 1715, and that was the year Zen Master Duc Son cast the Khanh. And 1807 is the year Zen master Tich Tho cast the bell. He was the one who took over and restored the temple.
Until now, every summer every year, Long Khanh Pagoda often organizes retreats for thousands of young people, thereby helping young people have meaningful experiences in the summer and have more peace of mind in the summer. bustling life.
Summer retreat (Photo ST)
Although the temple no longer retains its ancient features compared to its age, it is still a place to store valuable historical-cultural relics. This place is also considered the cultural and religious center of Binh Dinh province, as well as a destination attracting tourists from near and far when coming to this beautiful coastal city.
Source: Collected internet.