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Stepping into Từ Vân Pagoda in the heart of Cam Ranh City, Khánh Hòa, feels like entering the world of the ocean, as the pagoda is predominantly constructed from oyster shells and coral.
Từ Vân Pagoda was built in 1968 on 3/4 Street, Cam Ranh City, 60 km south of Nha Trang. Constructed mainly from oyster shells and coral, the pagoda is also known as Oyster Pagoda or Coral Pagoda. Thanks to its unique architecture, the pagoda has become a captivating tourist attraction.
The moment visitors step through the pagoda's gate, they can feel the serene meditation space. In front of them stands the Bat Nha Boat made of oyster shells, 3 floors high and 10 meters long, carrying the Triple Gem (Buddhist scriptures, rules, and teachings). To the right of the pagoda is the scene of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, preaching, turning the Dharma wheel, and entering Nirvana, while to the left is the Quan Yin Temple.
The most impressive feature for visitors is the Bảo Tích Tower, standing at 39 meters and recognized as the tallest in Vietnam. The tower has a sophisticated structure with 49 small chiseled towers on the outside, each containing a thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Buddha statue; on top of each small tower is a small stupa. Hundreds of large and small Buddha statues are meticulously arranged on this tower.
Bảo Tích Tower has 8 doors symbolizing the 'Eightfold Path.' Inside, there are 2 floors: the upper floor for worshiping Buddha and the lower floor for visitors to admire the splendid beauty imbued with the maritime essence of the tower. Not only on the outside, but the intricate patterns and designs inside the tower are also crafted from shells, oysters, clams, and shells, displaying elegance and sophistication. The conical roof of the tower is adorned with multi-colored shell patterns. With its two-tiered, sharp pyramid-shaped architecture towering against the azure sky, Bảo Tích Tower resembles a magnificent castle amidst the vast ocean.
Majestic and Grandiose, yet you'll be awe-struck to know that the tower is entirely designed and built from the imaginative minds and skillful hands of the monks within the pagoda. To craft this unparalleled masterpiece, the monks had to dedicate 5 years, starting from 1995. Over time and through weathering, the coral stones and seashells here have taken on the hues of time, giving the tower a rugged yet venerable and profoundly tranquil appearance.
Beyond the tower, the journey down to the '18 layers of hell' is a fascinating experience at the Oyster Pagoda. The descent to the 'hell' may only be about 500 meters long, but it is intricately constructed from coral stones and seashells, with an eye-catching dragon-shaped exterior. As it descends deep into the earth, the path here is dark, narrow, and winding.
But it seems this can't deter the footsteps of those who love to explore. With a candle or flashlight in hand, you can experience the sensation of 'falling into the 18 layers of hell.' Along the way are 12 plaques documenting the sins of the mortal world and the punishments in the underworld, similar to advice urging humans to live a virtuous and compassionate life. There will be moments when you startle at the glimpse of chilling scenes in the flickering light.
Having surpassed the '18 layers of hell' and crossed the Nại Hà Bridge, according to Buddhist beliefs, you've ended all suffering and returned to the mortal world, through a door that is the mouth of a large dragon. Though just a belief, you'll feel your heart calming down, as if you've shed all worries and embraced the beautiful life around you.
Along the wide path beyond the dragon's mouth, visitors reach the 'paradise' filled with the radiant light of the 'Eightfold Noble Flower Garden.' Here, ancient trees, vibrant and colorful flower gardens, along with sea creatures, forest animals, and five-element mountains made from seashells, create a serene and soul-soothing space.
If you ever find yourself in Cam Ranh, take the time to visit the Oyster Pagoda. Stroll through the pagoda's courtyard, listen to the resonating sound of the bell, and behold the unique world of the ocean on land—it's an experience like no other.
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Source: Travel guide Mytour – Via VnExpress
MytourOctober 30, 2013
