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Keo Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. That's why at the beginning of the year, many Buddhists from all over the country come to visit and admire its beauty. So what makes Keo Pagoda special? Let's find out in the following article!
Keo Pagoda is among the oldest temples in Vietnam.
1. Where is Keo Pagoda located?
Chùa Keo, also known as Thần Quang Pagoda, is a large-scale temple located in Duy Nhất Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province. It has long been referred to as Keo Pagoda due to its location along the flow of the Red River, to distinguish it from another Keo Pagoda in Nam Dinh.
Keo Pagoda lies gracefully by the poetic Red River.
2. How to get to Keo Pagoda
Today, the roads have been widened, and transportation has become more modern, making it easy for tourists to visit and pay homage to the temple. Below are some of the most convenient ways to travel to Keo Pagoda:
- Travel by private vehicles: Recommended route via Dai Xuyen Intersection – Liem Tuyen Intersection – Ha Huy Tap Street – My Loc BOT Toll Station – Thien Truong Boulevard – Nam Dinh Overpass – Tan De Bridge – Hung Vuong Street – turn right onto TL463/TL220B - Go straight for about 2 km to reach the landmark of Keo Pagoda.
- Using public transportation to get to Keo Pagoda: For tourists who want to conserve energy for sightseeing and have never been to Thai Binh, they can take a bus to avoid confusion. Some reputable bus companies that many people choose include: Hai Au Bus Company, Khai Nguyen Bus Company, Phuc Sang Bus Company…
Once in Thai Binh, tourists can take a motorbike taxi or a taxi to the pagoda. Additionally, from Thai Binh, tourists can choose bus route 06 directly to Keo Pagoda. The pagoda is located at the end of the route so you don't have to worry about missing the stop.
The spacious surroundings of Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh
3. The History of Keo Pagoda Formation
Until the present time, Keo Pagoda still retains almost entirely the beauty of ancient architecture with a history of nearly 400 years. The pagoda was built in the 17th century, in 1632, during the reign of King Le Trung Hung. The entire construction process lasted for 28 months. Despite numerous renovations and repairs, Keo Pagoda is still considered one of the most beautiful ancient pagodas in Vietnam.
Keo Pagoda still maintains its ancient and solemn appearance until today.
4. Who is worshipped at Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh?
Chùa Keo, known in Sino-Vietnamese as Thần Quang Pagoda, serves not only as a Buddhist temple but also similar to Keo Pagoda in Nam Dinh in venerating Saint Duong Khong Lo (Pre-Buddha, Post-Saint). Saint Duong Khong Lo was a monk during the Ly Dynasty with profound knowledge of Buddhism. Additionally, the temple also pays homage to individuals who made significant contributions to its construction, such as Nguyen Van Tru, Trinh Thi Ngoc Le, Tran Thi Ngoc Duyen, Hoang Nhan Dung, and Le Hong Quoc.
The statue of Buddha Mother worshipped at Keo Pagoda
5. Unique Architecture of Keo Pagoda
Keo Pagoda impresses with its architectural style deeply rooted in Vietnamese values of 'domestic strength, foreign beauty'. Spanning across 58,000 m2 of land, it comprises a total of 157 compartments with 21 large and small structures. Two architectural structures dedicated to Buddha and Saint Duong Khong Lo are prominently featured. The complex includes the Buddha Temple, Three Entrances, Main Hall, Sacred Hall, corridors, bell tower, and monks' quarters. The inner Three Entrances are distinguished by intricately carved dragon doors. From this area, visitors pass through the courtyard to the Buddha Temple, which consists of the Buddha Hall, incense burning hall, and Mr. Ho Shrine.
Distinctly Vietnamese Architecture of Keo Pagoda
The unique feature of the Buddha Temple area is the statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Arhat, and Tuyet Son with a history dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, two long and wide East and West corridors are built around the Buddha Temple and the Sacred Hall. The front side passes through the inner Three Entrances and rows of giant apricot trees, while the back is connected to the Bell Tower forming the shape of the word 'Nation'. Besides the large-scale architectural structures, this temple also has a series of auxiliary areas such as guesthouses located to the West and East.
The well is a long-standing structure with its mouth made of stacked stone basins. Currently, to preserve the intact relic, tourists visiting can only observe from the outside as it is fenced off. The bell tower at Keo Pagoda is also quite unique as it is located at the end of the Divine Road. The tower has 4 floors: the first floor with stone hangers, the second floor with a large bronze bell, and the third and top floors with two small bronze bells.
6. When is the best time to visit Keo Pagoda?
Visitors can visit Keo Pagoda at any time of the year to pray for luck, peace, and prosperity for themselves and their families. Especially during Lunar New Year, Parents' Day... the temple also organizes many Buddhist activities such as releasing fish and birds, sermons...
The scenery of the temple brings a sense of tranquility to visitors
Furthermore, since 2017, the Keo Pagoda Festival has been recognized by the state as Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, during the festival, many fascinating folk games are organized. The festival takes place around September 13th - 15th (Lunar Calendar) annually, commemorating important milestones of the National Teacher Duong Khong Lo.
7. Things to Note When Visiting Keo Pagoda
In Vietnamese culture, Keo Pagoda is always known as a sacred place, so tourists need to pay attention to the following points:
Dress modestly when visiting the temple to show respect and sincerity.
This article has introduced you to one of the most beautiful and largest spiritual architectural complexes in Vietnam. If you have free time, don't forget to visit this ancient temple with nearly 400 years of history!
Author: Truong Huong Ly
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam as part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor to Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
