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Nestled within a serene green forest in Liêm Sơn commune, Thanh Liêm district, Hà Nam, Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự stands as a peaceful spiritual destination with its distinctive architecture.
Introduction to Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự
Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự, historically known as Chùa Đùng, is located approximately 70 km from Hanoi. The temple is strategically positioned with mountains at its back and flanked by ranges symbolizing “blue dragon on the left, white tiger on the right.” It is said that Chùa Đùng was constructed in the 11th century, originally comprising over 100 chambers. King Trần Nghệ Tông once chose this temple as his retreat, and King Tự Đức also visited to pray for offspring.
The current name of the temple was given by King Tự Đức, symbolizing the era of the Bodhisattva Địa Tạng. According to the Hà Nam Provincial Museum, physical traces of the ancient temple and its stupas have vanished over time. Only remnants of artifacts remain, scattered by floods into small streams and accumulated in low-lying areas.
In December 2015, Venerable Thích Minh Quang took over and rebuilt a new temple. It was officially renamed Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự, meaning the Bodhisattva Địa Tạng may always come here or may never return. Wherever Địa Tạng does not return, that place becomes Buddha’s land.
The Beautiful Architecture of the Temple
The journey to the temple is scenic and easy to navigate. It takes just over an hour by car or motorbike to reach the temple gates. The temple is situated on a hill, offering a spacious and flat area, making it convenient for visitors to drive directly there. From the parking lot, a short walk leads to the tranquil ambiance of the temple.
In front of the ancestral hall, 12 circles drawn on a gravel base symbolize the 12 causes of human existence. The white gravel represents meditation. The statue of Đức Địa Tạng exudes benevolence and is placed within a harmonious architectural setting. To the right of the main hall is the ancestral house, honoring 42 generations of abbots. Additionally, there is a small shrine dedicated to Quan Thế Âm Bodhisattva, Đức Ông, and Đức Thánh Hiền, along with living quarters for monks and devotees.
Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự is not only a sacred place of worship but also a center for spiritual activities. Within the temple grounds, you’ll find fruit gardens, herb gardens, medicinal plants, and wild vegetables. At the foot of the mountain, the temple has built a mushroom house to provide fresh ingredients for vegetarian hotpot meals. Specialty items and soul-nourishing books line the walls.
Travel Guide:
From Hanoi, the journey is approximately 70km. Take the Cầu Giẽ – Ninh Bình Expressway and exit at Phủ Lý – Hà Nam (National Highway 1A). For those traveling by bus, depart from Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình bus stations. Buses follow the Hanoi – Ninh Bình route (via the old National Highway 1A).
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnAugust 5, 2024
