Buzz
Cô Tô, a district island of Quảng Ninh province, holds a crucial position in front of the Northeastern sea of our country, strategically vital for national security and defense.
Trúc Lâm Cô Tô Temple – A Must-Visit Gem on Cô Tô Island
With over 70% of the population following Buddhism, the aspiration to build a Buddhist temple on the island has long been a fervent desire of the Buddhist believers, a significant longing of the people, and Buddhist followers in the Cô Tô district. This aspiration aligns with the government's policy of religious freedom. Additionally, investing in the construction of a Buddhist temple under the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's system on Cô Tô Island is a cultural milestone, affirming sovereignty and contributing to consolidating religious, political security in the border, and island areas.
In response to this aspiration, in 2015, the project to build a Buddhist temple in Cô Tô district was approved by the Quảng Ninh Provincial People's Committee, assigned to the Cô Tô district People's Committee as the investor for the site clearance phase. The construction phase is led by the Quảng Ninh Provincial Buddhist Sangha, funded through socialization, calling for contributions from Buddhist followers, the public, and philanthropists both domestically and internationally, with a total project cost of 104 billion Vietnamese Dong.
Trúc Lâm Cô Tô Temple, named after the Trúc Lâm Buddhist sect founded by the venerable king – Buddhist emperor Trần Nhân Tông. The temple is built on Truyền hình hill, next to the historical site of Đại Đội Ký Con Shrine, with a total area of over 2.5 hectares divided into zones such as the Three-Gate Entrance, Bell Tower, Lecture Hall, Three Jewels Hall, Ancestors' Hall, Monk's Residence, Ancestor Worship Hall, Guest House, and Landscape Garden.
Phase 1 of constructing the Three Jewels Hall commenced. The hall, nestled against the mountain with a sea-facing frontage, not only ensures robust feng shui principles but also offers a spacious, serene ambiance.
Construction of the Three Jewels Hall began on February 6, 2016. Crafted from Lim wood, the hall spans 270 square meters. With over 150 cubic meters of Lim wood, the architectural style follows traditional temple designs, featuring curved roofs, tile roofing, solid brick walls, and intricate, untrapped wood carvings. The woodwork reflects the distinctive architectural motifs of the Tran dynasty. The total investment for Phase 1 amounts to 12 billion Vietnamese Dong.
On November 9, 2019, the Provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee of Quang Ninh held a dedication ceremony for the Three Jewels Hall and appointed Venerable Thich Khai Tu as the abbot.
Regarding the temple's interior:
Altar System:
The altar system is arranged in the traditional style of the Northern region. Carved from solid jackfruit wood and adorned with gold leaf, it includes:
- Level 1, at the central throne on the top, are 3 Buddhas (symbolizing the past, present, and future).
- Level 2 consists of the Three Saints of the Western Paradise (including the Buddha Amitabha in the center; with Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta on either side).
- Level 3: in the center is Buddha Shakyamuni; flanked by two disciples: Ananda and Mahakasyapa.
- Level 4 is the Standard Buddha.
- Level 5 is the Nine Dragons Court (with a central statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at birth, surrounded by 9 dragons spraying water to bathe him).
- On either side are the Two Dharma Protectors (the one on the right promotes goodness; the one on the left dispels evil).
- On the outermost right side is the altar of Lord God the Father.
- On the outermost left side is the altar of Saint Honesty.
- Adjacent to them is the altar of Bodhisattva Earth Store King.
Horizontal couplet system
Crafted from jackfruit wood, meticulously carved. Adorned with dazzling gold leaf, exuding solemnity. The content of the couplets is expressed in the Vietnamese alphabet (while other temples on the mainland often use Chinese characters)…
Other structures
- In front of the temple are 2 stone dragons on the doorstep, featuring carvings from the Tran dynasty era.
- In front of the temple are the bell tower and the audience hall. This bronze bell weighs 1,000kg. Its mouth diameter is 1.30m; height 2.25m. The inscriptions on the bell are all in the Vietnamese alphabet. The bell was cast by craftsmen in Nam Dinh province. The bronze audience drum weighs 350kg.
According to the Department of Culture and Information of Cô Tô
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Reference: Travel handbook from Mytour
MytourJuly 20, 2022
