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The Co Le Pagoda not only showcases unique architecture but also preserves a 'treasure' weighing 9 tons, positioned in the middle of a serene lake, attracting many visitors who come to pay their respects.
An overview of the Co Le Pagoda
The Co Le Pagoda is located in the town of Co Le (Truc Ninh District, Nam Dinh Province). It is both a well-known scenic spot and a national-level historical-cultural relic in the Red River Delta. The peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda stands in contrast to the surrounding modern high-rise buildings. The moss-covered walls have witnessed countless changes over the years, yet they still preserve the distinctive historical and cultural values.
The Co Le Pagoda, also known as Than Quang Tu, is a cultural and architectural Buddhist monument built in the 12th century during the reign of King Ly Than Tong to honor Buddha and the Holy Ancestor Nguyen Minh Khong. The pagoda originally had a wooden structure, but after years of deterioration, it was extensively restored in 1902 by First Patriarch Pham Quang Tuyen, who rebuilt the pagoda in the 'Nhat Thoc Lau Dai' architectural style.
The unique architecture of the pagoda
The overall landscape of the temple, viewed from above, forms the word 'Thiện' (good) in traditional Chinese characters. The harmonious space is made up of buildings, ponds, and bridges. Entering through the temple gates, you will first see the 32-meter tall Cửu Phẩm Liên Hoa tower. Following that is the Buddhist Hall of Quan Âm with two temples on either side. Behind them stands the Mountain Bridge and two long corridors leading to the main hall. At the far end is the 29-meter tall main building, housing statues of the Buddha and Đức Thánh Tổ Nguyễn Minh Không, made of eucalyptus wood.
Notably, the architecture of the temple is a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture. The decorative patterns, motifs, and bas-reliefs from Vietnam are cleverly integrated into the Gothic-style arches of Western castles, creating a distinct overall design.
An impressive and valuable highlight.
The Cổ Lễ Temple holds a precious artifact: the largest ancient bell in Vietnam, known as Đại Hồng Chung. Cast in 1936, it stands 4.2 meters tall, has a diameter of 2.03 meters, and weighs 9 tons. It rests in a pond in front of the main hall. The bell was crafted entirely by hand, requiring much effort and precision. To protect it from potential damage during wartime, local people submerged it in the pond. It was only recovered in 1954 and has been on display ever since for visitors.
The bell's mouth is adorned with a lotus branch design, while the body features patterns of flowers, leaves, water, and some Chinese inscriptions. Remarkably, the bell has never been rung. However, when it is struck, its sound can be heard throughout the province and in nearby areas. The temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture in 1988. The annual Cổ Lễ Festival takes place from the 13th to the 16th of the ninth lunar month, commemorating the birth and honoring Đức Thánh Tổ Nguyễn Minh Không.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJuly 29, 2024
