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Khai Nguyên Temple is a majestic temple featuring the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. It is not only a spiritual destination attracting Buddhists from near and far, but also a highlight of Son Tay tourism when combined with nearby attractions. Today, let's dive into all about Khai Nguyên Temple in the following article!
1. Where is Khai Nguyên Temple located?
Khai Nguyên Temple, also known as Cổ Liêu Temple or Tản Viên Sơn Quốc Tự, is a tranquil spiritual destination not only famous in Hanoi but also attracting a large number of tourists from afar to admire the scenery, offer incense, and pray for peace and blessings for their families.
Khai Nguyên Temple is located 44km west of central Hanoi.
Khai Nguyên Temple welcomes visitors for sightseeing and worship from 07:00 to 20:00. The temple is open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays and festivals.
Khai Nguyên Temple in Son Tay, Hanoi
2. Guide on how to get to Khai Nguyên Temple
Located over 40km from central Hanoi, reaching Khai Nguyên Temple is quite convenient. You can choose various modes of transportation such as taxi, motorbike, private car, or bus. However, private vehicles are often preferred for their convenience, flexibility, and speed.
From central Hanoi, you can travel along National Highway 32 or the Láng Hòa Lạc expressway to reach Khai Nguyên Temple. The travel time by motorbike, car, or taxi is approximately over 1 hour.
Additionally, if you have more time or want to save on transportation costs, you can opt for the bus. You can take bus route 74, which runs from My Dinh Bus Station – Pham Hung – Me Tri – Thang Long Avenue – Viettel High-tech Center – Highway 21B – Tung Thien Street – Institute 105 – Thanh Vi – Xuan Khanh. The fare is 9,000 VND per trip, with a frequency of approximately 30 minutes per trip. Remember to check the correct bus stop to get off!
3. Explore the history of Khai Nguyên Temple
Before being known as Khai Nguyên Temple, the temple was called Co Lieu Pagoda or Tản Viên Sơn Quốc Pagoda located in Son Dong, Son Tay town today. According to inscriptions on stone steles, the temple was built very early, around the beginning of the 16th century under the Ly dynasty. Enduring many ups and downs in history along with the devastation of war, Khai Nguyên Temple was almost completely destroyed.
In 2003, with the consent of all levels of government, in response to invitations from local people and Buddhist followers, Venerable Thich Dao Thinh was appointed to take care of, preside over, build, and serve the religious beliefs at the temple. Venerable Thich Dao Thinh requested the commune People's Committee to relocate the temple to its original location (in front of the current Central Temple gate) and proposed a plan to the city government for expansion and renovation of this area.
Main hall area
The new temple is built on the old foundation, simulating the architecture of the damaged temple but still exuding the characteristic beauty and valuable historical values of the temple.
Exploring Khai Nguyen Temple
Compared to many other temples in the northern region, although Khai Nguyen Temple is not overly ancient, it still exudes a sense of tranquility and solemnity. Situated on an area of over 500m2, the architecture inside the temple is extremely delicate, harmonizing between the structures and nature.
4.1. Architecture of Khai Nguyen Temple
After nearly two decades, Khai Nguyen Temple has now emerged with a grand scale and an architectural style blending tradition with modernity. The temple carries the beauty of ancient architecture combined with modern lines, attracting many visitors.
Entrance Path to Khai Nguyen Temple
Khai Nguyen Temple is constructed in the architectural style of 'internal cultivation, external international'. The main worshipping halls are arranged in the 'front Buddha, rear ancestors' style, complemented by auxiliary structures such as the monk's path, left-right wings, gratitude tower, bell tower, and drum tower.
In front of the temple, there is a large rectangular-shaped lake, with its water appearing emerald green throughout the year. In the middle of the lake stands a pavilion resembling the shape of the One Pillar Pagoda. This area venerates Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, particularly featuring the precious Kṣitigarbha Sutra, which attracts the attention of many Buddhists when they visit Khai Nguyen Temple.
Panoramic view of Khai Nguyen Temple from above
The main hall of Khai Nguyen Temple is a two-story building covering a total area of 400m2. Prominent in the main hall is the Western Trinity Altar, nearly 10m tall, solemnly standing as if tirelessly extending compassion to all sentient beings.
Facing the main hall is the Quan Am Cave, which is traditionally believed to be where the Bodhisattva practiced and transmitted teachings to the Three Holy Spirits, especially Saint Tan Son. On the right side of the main hall is a one-story building with bright red tiled roof, covering an area of about 250m2. Going behind the main hall of Khai Nguyen Temple, visitors will encounter the landscape of the 'Golden Turtle Deity Bows to the Buddha' rockery, a masterpiece bestowed by nature upon this temple.
The scene inside the Main Hall of the temple
On the way to the inner sanctum of Khai Nguyen Temple, visitors will come across the Dragon Well. According to legend, this well used to be the source of sweet water that saved the people here from a devastating drought. Therefore, every time there is an opportunity to visit the temple, the people of Son Dong come here to collect well water to purify their homes and seek good fortune.
Passing through the Dragon Well, tourists will reach the Quan Am stream. It is known that the source of this stream comes from the peak of Mother Mountain and part of the flow originates from the slopes of Groom Mountain. The appearance of the stream within the precincts of Khai Nguyen Temple serves as a reminder to visitors about the precious tradition of 'Remembering the Source' of our nation.
The inner area of the temple is very spacious, covering 6 hectares, which is where people often come to participate in summer retreats. The retreats at Khai Nguyen Temple are also well received by people, students, and students from neighboring areas.
Chiêm bái tượng Phật A Di Đà lớn nhất Đông Nam Á
The remarkable highlight of Khai Nguyen Temple is the largest statue of Buddha A Di Da in Southeast Asia, standing 72 meters tall, with a pedestal area of up to 1200 square meters, which commenced construction in 2015. The statue has a sturdy structure and is crafted with exquisite detail.
The majestic figure of the Buddha sits in a dignified posture, radiating compassion and wisdom from His serene face. In His left hand, the Buddha holds a blooming pink lotus flower, while His right hand is in the gesture of fearlessness. Between the palms of the Buddha's hands are the Dharma wheels, symbolizing the profound teachings of Buddhism.
The largest statue of Buddha A Di Da in Southeast Asia at Khai Nguyen Temple during the construction phase
The pedestal of the Buddha A Di Da statue at Khai Nguyen Temple is a giant lotus with 3 layers and 56 petals. The statue embodies the distinctive features of Vietnamese Buddhist culture. The message of this Buddha statue is: 'For world peace, national prosperity, global harmony, sentient beings' happiness, and the flourishing of the Dharma.'
The main statue of Khai Nguyen Temple is designed with 16 floors and stands 72m tall, with 12 floors featuring elevators and staircases. Each floor is decorated in its own unique style. Particularly, the 12th floor houses and worships the heart of the Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade imported from Canada, weighing over 1 ton. This is one of the most sacred and remarkable masterpieces of the main statue.
Jade Buddha Statue
Moreover, beneath the basement of the main statue hall of Khai Nguyen Temple, there is an area depicting the 18 layers of hell to convey the meaning of the six realms of reincarnation, helping practitioners understand the law of karma to cultivate virtues.
4.3. Nearly 2,000 Buddha Statues in the Three Treasures
In addition to the largest statue of Buddha A Di Da in Southeast Asia, Khai Nguyen Temple also attracts visitors from all over the world with a system of nearly 2,000 large and small Buddha statues in the Three Treasures hall, creating a unique architectural form.
Khai Nguyen Temple attracts visitors with a system of nearly 2,000 large and small Buddha statues in the Three Treasures hall.
In addition, Khai Nguyen Temple also preserves some valuable relics such as: Two stone steles dated to the 19th year of Canh Hung era (1759) and the 14th year of Gia Long era (1815), a bronze bell dated to the 22nd year of Tu Duc era (1870). These are valuable historical sources that demonstrate the cultural and historical value of Khai Nguyen Temple.
4.4. Activities at Khai Nguyen Temple
Summer meditation retreats
Every year, Khai Nguyen Temple organizes summer meditation retreats with the participation of monks, Buddhists, students, and scholars. Khai Nguyen Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place that fosters friendships and love among people. Typically, the summer retreats at Khai Nguyen Temple last for about a month, with two sessions in June and July.
Summer meditation retreats at Khai Nguyen Temple
Moreover, Khai Nguyen Temple also conducts teachings for those who follow the Buddhist faith. Through this, thousands of participants have gained a clearer understanding of the importance of doing good, positive personal transformation, practicing kindness, and appreciating the values of life.
Dharma sharing activities
Instead of outdoor picnics in eco-tourism areas or amusement parks, many families have chosen to visit Khai Nguyen Temple to enjoy vegetarian meals, engage in virtuous activities, and learn more about Buddhist teachings. Visits to the temple always bring peace to the soul and happiness in life.
Scenes of a festival taking place at the temple
Medical treatment
Moreover, Khai Nguyen Temple is renowned far and wide for its ancient remedies that cure various illnesses related to the liver, gallbladder, skin, and more. The temple's traditional remedies have garnered widespread praise, attracting numerous visitors seeking these secret formulas.
5. Exploring Khai Nguyen Temple: Tips and Insights
5.1. When is the Best Time to Visit Khai Nguyen Temple?
The weather in Son Tay is cool throughout the year, so you can plan a trip to Khai Nguyen Temple at any time. According to experience, if you want to participate in the temple's festivals, you can visit on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month or during festivals. Especially in the summer (around June - July), the monks at Khai Nguyen Temple organize retreats with many spiritually enriching lessons. If you have time, visit the temple during this period to listen to the teachings of the monks.
Scenery at Khai Nguyen Temple
5.2. Things to Note When Visiting Khai Nguyen Temple
To fully experience the visit and Buddhist rituals at Khai Nguyen Temple, consider the following:
6. Some Tourist Attractions Near Khai Nguyen Temple
During your exploration of Khai Nguyen Temple, you can also visit some famous tourist spots in Son Tay as follows:
Duong Lam Ancient Village
Duong Lam Ancient Village with its incredibly beautiful corners of life
This peaceful ancient town is an ideal destination you can combine in your journey to explore Khai Nguyen Temple. Here, you can enjoy the fresh, tranquil atmosphere and temporarily forget the busyness of life. You can check in at Mong Phu Village gate, visit ancient houses, Phung Hung Temple, shrines and temples dedicated to Ngo Quyen, and more.
Son Tay Ancient Citadel
Son Tay Ancient Citadel – The only citadel made of laterite in Vietnam
When visiting Khai Nguyen Temple, remember to spend some time exploring and learning about the ancient citadel built entirely of laterite in Vietnam. Son Tay Ancient Citadel was built during the reign of King Minh Mang and features unique architecture. Impressive sights here include the flagpole, watchtower, cannon fort, Kinh Thien Palace, and picturesque moat.
Mia Pagoda
Mia Pagoda with incredibly impressive architecture
When you come to Son Tay, besides exploring Khai Nguyen Temple, you should also visit Mia Pagoda, a temple that preserves the oldest statues in Vietnam such as: the statue of Lady Thi Kinh, the statue of Tuyet Son, the statue of Quan Am Bodhisattva, and the statues of Arhats. Additionally, here you can admire the ancient banyan tree hundreds of years old, with sprawling branches deeply rooted in the earth. Or the Nine-Story Lotus Tower with its unique architecture.
The journey of sightseeing and Buddhist ceremonies at Khai Nguyen Temple is an enticing trip not to be missed. If you have time, come here to admire impressive architecture, enjoy peaceful atmosphere, and pray for good luck and blessings for yourself and your loved ones!
Posted by: Phung Phinh
Keywords: Exploring Khai Nguyen Temple – Home to the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia
