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Giám Pagoda, also known as Nghiêm Quang Pagoda, is located in Cam Son commune, Cam Giang, Hai Duong. This temple worships the Buddha and the great physician monk Wisdom Tranquility, honored as the “Southern Medicine Master.”
Giám Pagoda – Home to the revered “Southern Medicine Master” Wisdom Tranquility
Giám Pagoda is a Buddhist monument dating back to the Ly dynasty, originally named Nghiêm Quang Pagoda, situated on the field where the monk Wisdom Tranquility practiced herbal medicine to save lives. After more than 6 centuries of existence, the old temple deteriorated and faced the risk of destruction. Therefore, in April 1970, the pagoda had to be relocated and rebuilt following the original architectural style.
Today, in front of the triple gate of Giám Pagoda, there are three Chinese characters that read “Quán Tự Tại.” Beyond the triple gate is a small paved yard leading to a rectangular water pond, with two rows of green trees on either side. Giám Pagoda features the architectural style of the Le Trung Hung period, with a layout resembling “internal affairs and external relations.”
The main temple area is enclosed by solid walls with a door leading to the monks' residence. The front path of the pagoda is low but quite spacious, consisting of 5 compartments and 2 wings, connecting to the rear section in a wedge shape. The carved floral patterns, relief sculptures, and intricate dragon and phoenix door handles showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Hanging on the right-wing is a ancient bronze bell.
Following the rear palace is an ancient stone incense pillar, leading to an elevated, 8-square-meter grand house standing over 10 meters tall, consisting of 3 beautifully designed floors with 12 roofs. The wooden frame of the house, adorned with fish scale tiles, features gracefully curved eaves and intricately carved wooden panels below.
On the outer side of the main hall and the grand house are two rows of corridors housing 11 chambers dedicated to the worship of 18 Arhats along with ancient stone tablets. The rear hall spans 7 chambers, hosting altars for the meditation master Wisdom Tranquility, the Mother Goddess, and the ancestral master. A vintage bronze bell hangs in the right-wing chamber.
On the right side of the main temple, there is a garden with a burial tower. On the left side is a garden of ornamental trees with rows of monks' residences, guest houses, and monk dormitories aligned side by side. Most of the Giám Pagoda grounds are shaded by the cool foliage, creating a tranquil and serene temple space.
Although the temple primarily venerates the eminent master Wisdom Tranquility, the main hall still houses complete statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, various Bodhisattvas, the Birth of Buddha statue, Avalokiteshvara, and the Ten Kings of Hell. Inside the grand house is a nine-story hexagonal wooden tower, adorned with lotus wings in nine colors. Each floor boasts 18 bronze Bodhisattva statues and 54 raised lotus petal patterns, all depicted vividly.
A total of 145 statues grace the nine-story tower, with the highest tier dedicated to the Buddha Amitabha. The nine-story lotus tower weighs 4 tons and, when pushed, can rotate in a circle. With each rotation, the recitation of prayers multiplies to an astonishing 3,542,400 times. This wooden sculpture masterpiece is a unique gem in Buddhist architecture. In 2016, the nine-story lotus tower was officially recognized as a national treasure.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourFebruary 6, 2023
