Buzz
Situated in the western part of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, in Gia Sinh village, Ninh Binh province, the Bai Dinh Temple complex unfolds. The complex comprises an ancient temple area and a new temple area, becoming a popular destination for Buddhist devotees and travelers from all regions.
Bai Dinh Pagoda – A Sanctuary of Records in Vietnam and Asia
Image: @ovecka_b.
Image: @mr_phong82.
Image: @soliter_na_cestach.
Bai Dinh translates to facing Dinh Mountain, where significant historical events unfolded in Vietnamese history. The mountain at Bai Dinh Pagoda witnessed King Dinh Tien Hoang's prayer for favorable weather and wind harmony. It was also the site of the flag ceremony as King Quang Trung prepared to lead his troops to Thang Long, triumphing over the Qing forces.
Panoramic view of Bai Dinh Pagoda. Image: @victor_mmf_.
Image: @soliter_na_cestach.
Image: @paulonobregaserra.
Image: @soliter_na_cestach.
During the two resistance wars, the area around Bai Dinh Pagoda in the Quynh Luu combat zone served as a hub where leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam propagated the Party's ideals and the revolutionary goals to the people.
Image: @paulonobregaserra.
Image: @kusaenuyen.
The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda is perched on a 187m high mountain, approximately 800m away from the Tam The Palace of the new temple complex. Nestled in a serene mountainous forest, it comprises a central main hall, turning right leads to the illuminated cave for Buddha worship, followed by the shrine for Cao Son deity; turning left takes you to the shrine for Saint Nguyen and then to the dark cave for Mother and Deity worship.
Grand red lake. Photo: @orvencataniag.
Photo: @katynguyenx.
In 1997, the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda was officially recognized as a national historical, cultural, and revolutionary relic. The pagoda is constructed in the style of cave temples, with all Buddha and Mother worship altars placed amidst the mountain caves. The cave ceilings have transformed into sturdy temple roofs, safeguarding the sacred space for centuries. Passing through this area, King Le Thanh Tong was captivated by its beauty, and with his own hands, bestowed the title 'Minh Dinh Scenic Beauty,' signifying 'Perpetuating a famous reputation in the fragrance of beauty.
Photo: @jur.tr.
Bai Dinh New Pagoda (Bai Dinh New Monastery) is a grand structure covering 80 hectares, located in the western part of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. Key features of the pagoda include the Three Realms Hall, Quan Am Hall, Dharma Master Hall, pagoda tower, bell tower, and various auxiliary structures, as well as the Buddhist academy area, and guest reception quarters.
Photo: @ovecka_b.
If the old pagoda humbly concealed itself amidst the mountains and forests, the new pagoda radiates magnificence and prominence. Bai Dinh New Pagoda showcases intricately carved statues leaning against the mountain slopes. The pagoda complex resembles a sparkling gem, vibrant and multicolored, gathering the spiritual essence of millennia. The architecture of the new temple area stands out with large geometric shapes bearing the imprint of Vietnamese architecture.
Photo: @ovecka_b.
Local materials play a crucial role in constructing the new Bai Dinh Pagoda, including Ninh Binh green stone, rare four-sided wood, and dark brown Bat Trang ceramic tiles. The dark brown, gracefully curved roof resembling a phoenix tail is the most distinctive feature of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda's architecture.
Photo: @ovecka_b.
The pagoda was built with contributions from 500 artisans and numerous craftsmen from renowned villages such as Phuc Loc carpentry, Y Yen bronze casting, Ninh Van stone carving, Cat Dang lacquer painting, Van Lam lace embroidery, and Dong Xam silver inlay. Consequently, the pagoda's architecture is authentically Vietnamese, evoking a sense of familiarity.
Photo: @kaselova_rox.
In the present day, Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as a captivating spiritual tourism destination, boasting remarkable records: the widest temple complex in Vietnam (including both old and new temples); the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia (nearly 3 km); the temple with the most Arhat statues in Vietnam (500 stone statues, each approximately 2m tall).
Photo: @soliter_na_cestach.
Moreover, this temple site is home to the largest jade well in Vietnam, the temple with the most Bodhi trees in Vietnam (100 Indian Bodhi trees); the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia (a 100-ton bronze statue); the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia (weighing 100 tons); and the largest bronze bell in Vietnam (Da Hong Chung, weighing 36 tons).
Photo: @soliter_na_cestach.
Posted by: Nguyen Cong Thai Binh
Keywords: Bai Dinh Pagoda – A temple complex setting numerous records in Vietnam and Asia
