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One of the most ancient temples in Tây Ninh, Gò Kén Pagoda stands as a testament to age-old and distinctive architecture. It is renowned as the spiritual and cultural center, attracting a myriad of domestic and international tourists.
History of Gò Kén Pagoda
Gò Kén Pagoda in Tây Ninh, founded by Venerable Thích Trí Lượng in the late 19th century, was initially constructed with simple bamboo leaves. Also known as Thiền Lâm Pagoda, it stands out as an intriguing spiritual destination for those intending to explore Tây Ninh.
A distinctive ancient temple in Tay Ninh (Photo: ST)
By 2007, the temple underwent restoration and additional constructions, giving it a fresh look. Situated atop a high land mound surrounded by lush vegetation, it earned the name it bears today.
Where is Gò Kén Pagoda located?
Travelers exploring Tay Ninh can easily reach this attraction without consuming much time. It's approximately 6km from Tay Ninh town. Along the way, take note of a gate with the temple's name inscribed in Han characters. Proceed about 250m to reach the pagoda.
Entrance gate of Gò Kén Pagoda (Photo: ST)
What's intriguing about Thiền Lâm Pagoda?
A blend of modern beauty and ancient solemnity
Upon stepping into the temple courtyard, visitors will encounter the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni under flourishing Bodhi trees. Nearby, statues of Avalokiteshvara and various stupas from different eras stand tall, overseen by the head monk. The pagoda boasts three stupas: Yama Wisdom Stupa, Abbot Từ Phong Stupa, and Abbot Thuần Hòa Stupa.
Distinctive architecture blending antiquity and modernity (Photo: ST)
Gò Kén Pagoda in Tay Ninh stands out with its unique architecture, featuring a solid elevated platform surrounded by stone paving, a departure from the provincial ancient temples. The pagoda is designed like a church with two sloping tiled roofs, measuring about 30m in length and 15m in width. The walls are constructed with crushed lime and bamboo, with the main door arching and opening at the front facade. Inside the pagoda, two rows of columns, each with 6 pillars, divide the space into three sections. The entrance door is adorned with square wooden panels. The pagoda encompasses a spacious area of over 6,000m2.
The courtyard of the pagoda (Photo: ST)
Gò Kén Pagoda boasts other notable structures like the Three Entrance Gate, the shrine of Bodhisattva Di Lac, Lâm Tỳ Ni Hall, the Ngũ Hành Sơn Mountain, and the 9-story Xa Loi Pagoda currently undergoing completion. The site preserves ancient worship tools such as thunder drums, giant bronze bells, and valuable wooden Buddha statues.
Prominent structures at Thiền Lâm Pagoda (Photo: ST)
Social activities at Gò Kén Pagoda
The pagoda is admired not only for its Buddhist activities but also for actively participating in various social and charitable organizations.
A popular destination for many travelers (Photo: ST)
Annually, the temple actively contributes to activities such as building solidarity houses, supporting disabled children, aiding the underprivileged, the elderly, contributing to local educational initiatives, organizing health check-ups, and distributing charitable medicines in the Tây Ninh province.
Activities taking place at Gò Kén Pagoda (Photo: ST)
The Gò Kén Pagoda blends architectural elements from both Eastern and Western cultures, attracting a diverse crowd of tourists to explore the unique beauty of Tây Ninh. We hope you'll have an enjoyable, enriching experience and find serenity with your loved ones here!
