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Built over 700 years ago, Phổ Minh Tower stands as a testament to a splendid era of the Tran dynasty, an epoch of Eastern Majesty. Today, the tower stands dignified, challenging the passage of time.
Phổ Minh Tower – An ancient symbol of Eastern Majesty
Phổ Minh Pagoda, commissioned by King Tran Thai Tong in 1262, is believed to have origins in the Ly dynasty and expanded during the Tran era. It is part of the Thien Truong Imperial Palace, where Tran kings often sought seclusion.
The tower is located within the precincts of Phổ Minh Pagoda in Tuc Mac village, Nam Dinh city. Historical records state that in 1308, Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana at Ngọa Vân hermitage. Shortly afterward, King Anh Tong used 7 of the 21 relics left by his father, placing them in a ceremonial urn before constructing the tower on top.
The ancient square-shaped tower has 14 floors, reaching a height of 19.5 meters. The first two floors are made of stone, each side measuring 5.2 meters, while the remaining floors are constructed with interlocking bricks. Each brick is inscribed with the phrase “Hung – Long thirteen years” (in the third year of the Hung Long era – 1305) and features carvings of dragons from the Tran dynasty.
At the pinnacle of the tower, a lotus bud with 5 upturned layers of petals converges intricately, the final layer boasting a double rim. The first two levels feature delicate carvings reminiscent of Tran dynasty aesthetics, depicting leaves, waves, swirling clouds, and more.
Surrounding Phổ Minh Tower is an enclosing wall. At the center of each wall are four entrances to the tower, adorned with stone dragon pairs at the forefront. Beneath the tower stand two large stone censers crafted in the 17th century. In front of these, two smaller intricately carved incense burners shaped like lotus flowers contain images of Buddha seated on a lotus throne.
In the past, the courtyard of Phổ Minh Pagoda housed a massive bronze vat, known as the Phổ Minh Vat, part of the Four Great Spiritual Objects of Annam (Bao Thien Tower, Buddha statue at Quynh Lam Pagoda, Phổ Minh Vat, and Quy Dien Bell). During the Ming invasion, this set was damaged in their attempt to assimilate our people. Today, only the supporting legs of the vat remain.
Over 7 centuries have passed, and despite numerous renovations, Phổ Minh Tower stands as one of the few structures that has retained relative integrity since the Tran era. By estimation, the tower could weigh up to 700 tons.
Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong praised the beauty of Phổ Minh Tower with four verses:
“Within the monastery, the chanting scriptures echo,
A tavern by the river with moonlight gently hanging
Dozens of celestial archers align their towers amidst the trees
Hundreds of Buddha realms echo with the triumphant sounds of the dynasty
Beside the ancient Phổ Minh Tower, Phổ Minh Pagoda houses numerous invaluable treasures. Previously hosting 120 Buddha statues, only over 50 remain due to the ravages of war. Among them are many well-proportioned statues, showcasing high artistic craftsmanship. Additionally, the two ancient wells in the pagoda and the venerable old trees stand as priceless treasures of time.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 9, 2023
