Co Le Temple – The Myth of Monks Shedding Robes to Join the Battle

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Co Le Temple – The Legend of Monks Shedding Robes to Join the Battle

Co Le Temple, located in Co Le town, Truc Ninh district, Nam Dinh province, features architecture that harmoniously blends Eastern and Western styles. Visitors here also get to hear the tale of monks shedding their robes and donning battle armor in ancient battles of the nation.

Co Le Temple – The Legend of Monks Shedding Robes to Join the Battle

Dating back to the Ly Dynasty with the self-name of Thien Quang, Co Le Temple is a unique Buddhist architectural complex in Vietnam. According to the inscriptions at the temple, it was built during the reign of Ly Than Tong on a square plot of land, nearly 10 hectares in the North, surrounded by picturesque landscapes with rivers and lakes.

Co Le Temple. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

This sacred temple not only venerates Buddha but also reveres Duc Thanh To Nguyen Minh Khong, a significant figure of the temple. In 1902, Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen, a venerable Zen master with expertise in temple architecture and leadership, rallied devotees to contribute their efforts and resources to reconstruct the temple.

Asian architecture. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

Subsequently, Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen meticulously reconstructed the entire temple into a masterpiece of architectural artistry, harmoniously blending with the overall landscape. It embodies a fusion of Zen gate style with indigenous cultural heritage, Eastern classical architecture intertwined with Western Gothic elements.

Gothic Architecture. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

Legend has it that Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen needed no formal blueprints, nor did he require cement or steel; only bricks, lime, mortar, honey, salt, parchment... along with the labor of numerous believers and devotees to erect this sacred temple as it stands today.

Nine-story Lotus Tower. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

In front of the temple stands a nine-story lotus tower perched atop the back of a giant tortoise, its head facing towards the temple. The tortoise rests in the center of a square-shaped water pond, with four artificial mountain peaks at each corner, each adorned with large elephant sculptures. Following the tower is a triple-arched bridge spanning across Lake Chu Tich. The Rolling Bridge leads to the Trinh Temple, also known as the Assembly Hall of the Path, where the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed Bodhisattva Guan Yin is venerated.

Tower perched on a stone tortoise. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

Additionally, flanking the Assembly Hall of the Path are the Linh Quang Tu Temple, dedicated to National Hero Thiet Che Hung Dao King Tran Quoc Tuan, and the Holy Mother Temple, honoring Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of the four 'Immortal Ladies' of Vietnamese culture.

Ancient stone bridge. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

In 1936, Venerable Abbot Pham The Long, along with the people and Buddhist followers, cast a bronze bell weighing 9 tons, standing 4.2 meters tall with a diameter of 2.2 meters, known as the Great Hong Chung Bell. It became one of the largest bells in Vietnam at that time.

Stone tablet. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

Notably, during the resistance against the French colonialists, at Co Le Temple, 27 monks 'shed their monastic robes and donned military uniforms' to defend the homeland on February 27, 1947. These 27 monks hailed from various provinces including Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh.

Great Hong Chung. Photo: dangcongsan.vn.

During the ceremony of shedding monastic robes, immediately after their prayers, the 27 monks formally 'shed their monastic robes' and enlisted to join the resistance:

“Shedding monastic robes, donning battle attire

Who says soldiers cannot endure hardship?

The meditation staff sweeps away the invasive species

Following the footsteps of the Trung Sisters, revealing female heroism”

Photo: @pham_trong_huy.

During the war, 12 monks sacrificed their lives on various fronts. The remaining monks, some continued serving in the military, while others returned to monastic life, holding significant positions within the Vietnamese Buddhist Church. During the resistance against the French and Americans, Co Le Temple served as both a meeting place for the revolutionary movement in Nam Dinh province and a hiding place for leaders, guerrillas, and the main force soldiers of the 320th division.

Photo: @pham_trong_huy.

Today, every year on the 13th of the 9th lunar month, the Co Le Temple festival is organized featuring various traditional folk games such as Buddha processions, boat racing on the river, wrestling, human chess... to honor the venerable monk, Master Nguyen Minh Khong - the master of bronze casting.

Photo: @pham_trong_huy.

Posted by: Mỹ Tiên

Keywords: Co Le Temple – Legends of monks shedding monastic robes to join the battle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of Co Le Temple in Vietnam?

Co Le Temple, established during the Ly Dynasty, is significant for its unique architectural blend of Eastern and Western styles and its role in Vietnam's history, particularly the participation of 27 monks in the 1947 resistance against French colonialism.

How did Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen contribute to the temple's architecture?

Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen played a crucial role in reconstructing Co Le Temple in 1902, using local materials and labor from devotees to create an architectural masterpiece that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

What events are celebrated during the Co Le Temple festival?

The Co Le Temple festival, held annually on the 13th of the 9th lunar month, features traditional folk games like Buddha processions, boat racing, wrestling, and human chess, celebrating the contributions of Master Nguyen Minh Khong.

What notable features can be found at Co Le Temple?

Co Le Temple features remarkable architectural elements, including a nine-story lotus tower on a tortoise statue, a triple-arched bridge over Lake Chu Tich, and the Linh Quang Tu Temple dedicated to National Hero Tran Quoc Tuan.

What role did Co Le Temple play during the resistance against French colonialism?

During the resistance, Co Le Temple served as a revolutionary meeting point and a hiding place for leaders and soldiers, significantly contributing to the national struggle for independence.