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As part of the Khmer pagoda network in Soc Trang, Chen Kieu Pagoda leaves a distinctive cultural mark on the land and its people, featuring a truly unparalleled architectural style.
Chen Kieu Pagoda – Khmer Cultural Impression in Soc Trang
Chen Kieu Pagoda, also known as 'Sa Lon Pagoda,' is one of the ancient temples with a unique architectural style, situated in Dai Tam commune, My Xuyen district, Soc Trang province.
A characteristic feature of this temple lies in its walls, not uniformly coated with cement or adorned with ceramic tiles or paint like other temples. The walls of this temple are adorned with pieces of bowls, plates, and porcelain, creating a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Observers will sense a particularly beautiful and artistic touch.
Previously known as the Khmer name 'Wath Sro Loun,' for ease of pronunciation, 'Sro Loun' was pronounced as 'Sa Lon.' 'Sro Loun' originates from the term 'Chro Luong,' the name of a stream running along the village road near the temple, and this name was also used to christen the temple.
To apply the pieces of chen bowls to walls and other surfaces is no simple task; it demands precision and patience. The Khmer artisans ingeniously utilize these bowls and plates to adorn walls, pillars, creating a harmonious and impressive architectural masterpiece. New items are directly applied to walls or made into fences around corridors or handrails of stairs, while broken or cracked items are arranged and assembled into eye-catching decorative patterns. Visitors not only light incense to pray but also witness an artistic masterpiece bearing the cultural imprint of Soc Trang.
The decorative walls here depict the Apsara nymphs dancing, symbolizing peace and prosperity. On either side of the entrance are two stone lion statues facing the national highway. Above are three towers carved and decorated in the traditional architecture of the Khmer people of Southern Vietnam. Along the temple entrance are two rows of Keynor deities - statues with the faces of Apsara nymphs, symbolizing eternal beauty, and the bodies of Garuda birds, symbolizing strength.
Another distinctive highlight of Chen Kieu Pagoda is the exquisitely beautiful roof, where the curved ends resemble a spiritual connection with the savior of souls, providing protection and tranquility to all beings.
The most prominent and striking architectural feature on the main facade of the temple is the statues of winged goddesses, Kâyno, adorning the tops of columns. These Kâyno goddess statues are posed lifting the eaves, creating a transition between the vertical orientation of the columns and the horizontal orientation of the roof.
The altar is a community of 20 Buddha statues in various postures, skillfully and artistically arranged. In the courtyard of Chen Kieu Pagoda, there is a flagpole with a vivid depiction of the Nagar serpent with 5 heads, reminding of the tale of the serpent spreading its heads to shield the meditating Buddha from rain. Behind the temple is the garden of Buddha Shakyamuni's preaching and entering Nirvana. This architectural ensemble features numerous statues depicting the vivid journey of Buddha's life, seeking enlightenment until entering Nirvana.
The small pieces of the chen kieu bowl come together to form a unique and meaningful work of art. It is not just a source of pride for the people of Soc Trang but also a beautiful aspect of the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people.
As per Mytour
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Explore: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 15, 2022
