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Xiêm Cán Pagoda stands as one of the grand and dazzling Khmer pagodas in the Southern region. Situated in Hiệp Thành commune, Bạc Liêu City, Xiêm Cán Pagoda impresses visitors with its majestic presence and exquisite architecture, leaving an unforgettable impression on every traveler's heart.
Panoramic view of Xiêm Cán Pagoda (photo by st)
Xiêm Cán Pagoda Information
- Address: DT31, Vinh Trach Dong, Bac Lieu
- Directions.
Built in the early 20th century, covering an expansive area of 50,000 square meters. This place embodies the Angkor architecture of the Cambodian people, evident in the patterns on the roofs, walls, columns, and staircases. In Khmer pagodas, the main hall usually faces East as they believe that the Buddha's path of enlightenment goes from West to East.
photo by st
photo by st
From a distance, the image of the pagoda emerges vividly in the eyes of travelers with vibrant colors under the light of the 'land of bridges.' Surrounding the pagoda is a sturdy built fence adorned with impressive patterns. Within the premises, numerous tall green trees line the straight path, providing refreshing shade. The entrance gate of Xiêm Cán Pagoda is intricately decorated with meticulous, prominent patterns, exuding the Khmer essence.
surrounding fence of the pagoda (photo by st)
Architecture of the Pagoda
Entering through the main gate, passing between two rows of cool, swaying star trees, there is another gate. Stepping through this gate, you officially set foot into the premises of the pagoda with impressive architectural structures.
Xiêm Cán Pagoda forms an architectural ensemble consisting of the main hall, meditation hall, residences for the monks, stupa for relics, meditation hall, and crematorium...
the pagoda gate bearing the Khmer mark (photo by st)
the second gate (photo by st)
the spacious grounds of Xiêm Cán Pagoda (photo by st)
Standing right at this gate, you'll see on the left a golden Buddha statue lying in a small vibrant chamber.
(photo by st)
The main hall of Xiêm Cán Pagoda, located on the right, was built in 1887. This structure has weathered over a century, displaying the hues of time, yet its architecture remains robust within the pagoda premises, symbolizing resilience and endurance.
The main hall is situated on elevated ground of about 2 meters, surrounded by a corridor. The area around the main hall is shaded by many green trees. Inside the main hall, unique patterns adorn the walls. In the center of the main hall is the altar dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni.
Notably, the four walls surrounding the main hall are adorned with numerous paintings depicting the Buddha's ascetic practices. The ceiling and columns are embellished with vibrant patterns and intricate reliefs. The reliefs narrate the life of the Buddha and the story of Rama, creating a captivating visual narrative.
(photo by st)
inside the main hall (photo by st)
On both sides of the main hall are numerous relic stupas and a crematorium nestled under the cool shade of trees. These stupas are adorned with beautiful paintings, some exuding a timeless charm with their aged colors and moss-covered surfaces, creating a lively and serene atmosphere for the tomb towers within the pagoda.
area of tomb towers within Xiêm Cán Pagoda premises (photo by st)
On the roofs, walls, and staircases of the pagoda, intricate patterns depict five-headed snakes, as the Khmer people believe that the compassionate heart of the Buddha has tamed this dangerous creature. Additionally, there are reliefs featuring celestial nymphs and other mythical creatures, serving as challenges for Buddhists on their spiritual journey.
(photo by st)
(photo by st)
The roof of Xiêm Cán Pagoda is structured into multiple layers stacked upon each other, forming a pointed pinnacle resembling a tower.
Xiêm Cán Pagoda roof (photo by st)
relief of a goddess on the house columns (photo by st)
Xiêm Cán Pagoda has a hall called the lecture hall, a newly constructed assembly hall in 1997 funded by contributions from devotees. On the hall, there is a carving depicting Xanac leading the white horse, carrying Prince Sidatta across the river in search of enlightenment. Inside the hall, there is an altar for Buddha and seating for worshippers to discuss and rest before heading to the main hall.
The ceiling of the sala is adorned with intricate and skillfully crafted patterns. At the central position on the sala's roof, there is a depiction of the Angkor Wat temple – the birthplace of Khmer architectural style.
The sala building (photo by st)
Opposite the sala are the pagoda towers of merit and the ancestral Buddha tower with a black-faced Buddha statue. The four corners of the towers of merit feature images of white elephants.
corner of the towers of merit (photo by st)
(photo by st)
The four walls of the main hall are adorned with numerous paintings explaining the Buddha's ascetic practices from birth to enlightenment. Opposite the main hall stands a symbolic column with a five-headed snake, used for lighting candles on festive days, symbolizing that the principles of Buddhist teachings illuminate humanity, helping people live virtuously like the tamed and benevolent snake.
(photo by st)
(photo by st)
Xiêm Cán Pagoda, specifically, and Khmer pagodas in general, serve as cultural hubs for the Khmer people. They are not only places of worship and spiritual practice but also centers for teaching the Khmer language and organizing major ethnic festivals. Consequently, the Khmer people hold great reverence and pride in their pagodas, continually striving to build larger and more beautiful structures.
Xiêm Cán Pagoda is the cultural center of the Khmer people (photo by st)
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