Bau Temple – A thousand-year-old temple in Phu Ly, Ha Nam

Bau Temple, also known as Thien Bao Pagoda, located in Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province, is the ancient sacred place of the vast fertile land with legends passed down over time, becoming a source of pride for the locals.

Bau Temple – A millennium-old temple in Phu Ly, Ha Nam

According to historical records, Bau Temple has a history of over a thousand years, situated within the Bau village and market complex today. The temple has been a cultural and spiritual hub for many generations, past and present. In Chinese, the word 'Bau' originates from 'Bieu,' meaning a land rising amidst water.

Previously, the area around Bau Temple was surrounded by rivers and streams, with a ancient temple perched atop a mound of earth. Hence, all legends in Ha Nam are related to rivers and streams. In the past, Bau Temple even had a vast lake of the same name.

In the middle of the lake stood a majestic tower. The lake had an underground water source connected to the Day River, constantly brimming with water year-round. According to the theory of Yin and Yang, the temple symbolizes Yang, while the lake symbolizes Yin, creating a harmonious balance.

Moreover, the temple precinct is a place of reverence, with the water pond in front of the temple serving as a gentle reminder for people to cleanse themselves of worldly distractions and focus their minds on Buddha's teachings.

Bau Temple is situated on elevated land, accessible via winding paths. Originally a modest three-room house, the temple underwent extensive renovations from 2005 to 2008, emerging in its present majestic state.

Bau Temple boasts a similar architecture to Hanoi's Quan Su Pagoda, featuring a three-tiered roofed entrance, surrounded by long, deep corridors connected by stone bridges, creating a serene and harmonious ambiance.

The temple houses a revered triad altar dedicated to Buddha, meticulously adorned in traditional style. Alongside Buddha's altar, there's also an altar for the Four Heavenly Kings, reflecting the folk beliefs of the Northern region. Legend has it that the area surrounding Bau Temple never floods due to the protection of Dharmakara Buddha, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, and Lady Thuy, the celestial consort.

Within Bau Temple, 28 imperial decrees related to Dharmakara Buddha from the Vinh Thinh dynasty, dating back to the sixth year, equivalent to 1663, are carefully preserved by devoted monks, serving as testament to their divine significance.

Over time, the temple has experienced various upheavals, sometimes ravaged by war. During the resistance, the temple served as a classroom and a refuge alongside the courageous people of Ha Nam. Through the collective efforts of monks and Buddhist devotees, the temple has transformed into a dignified sanctuary as it stands today.

 According to Mytour's findings

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References: Travel handbook by Mytour