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Thai Lac Temple, situated in Lac Hong commune, Van Lam district, also known as Phap Van Tu. This venerable temple shelters a treasure trove of exquisitely carved wooden artistry rarely found elsewhere.
Explore the historical significance of Thai Lac Temple – A unique national heritage site in Hung Yen.
Lac Hong commune is home to four temples venerating the Four Deities: Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, Phap Dien, representing the gods of clouds, rain, thunder, and lightning. Notably, Thai Lac Temple pays homage to the deity Phap Van.
Thai Lac Temple dates back to the Tran Dynasty and has undergone four renovations since the early 17th century and throughout the 18th century. The temple is structured with meticulous attention to its interior and exterior, with the main worship area accessible through three gates.
Perched atop a raised mound colloquially referred to as the turtle's back, Thai Lac Temple preserves three ancient stone steles documenting its renovation and embellishment over the centuries.
Until this day, across the country, only 3 wooden structures from the Tran dynasty era remain: Dau Pagoda in Bac Ninh, Boi Khe Pagoda in Hanoi, and Thai Lac Pagoda.
Stepping into the pagoda, visitors are astonished by the intact Tran dynasty wooden architecture, characterized by a unique style that bears the entire load of the roof, adorned with hanging bells to create harmony between structure and decoration.
On the platforms, puzzle pieces of the wooden structure, and on the carved columns, there are many large relief panels bearing the artistic imprint of the Tran dynasty. The upper hall of Thai Lac Pagoda is considered one of the oldest wooden structures in Vietnam since the 14th century.
Thai Lac Pagoda used to have about 20 carved relief panels, also known as conical pieces, but now only 16 are relatively intact. These 16 relief panels are placed between the upper and lower longitudinal beams, serving to enclose the decorative borders.
The 16 relief panels are arranged from the outer chamber to the inner chamber. They depict various themes with embossed techniques. The carved lines, made with chisels and wood shavings, create a soft, ethereal quality reminiscent of painted pictures.
It can be said that these 16 relief panels are truly unique artworks. Moreover, each column, rafter, and inscription preserved to this day speaks of the reverence and value of time, history, and the sanctity of Thai Lac Pagoda.
The locals in the area whisper tales of the sacred aura surrounding Thai Lac Pagoda. It is said that anyone passing by without removing their hat as a sign of respect will stumble, or failing to dismount their horse will meet a similar fate.
Thai Lac Pagoda is adorned in a style that combines pre-Heaven and post-Buddha arrangements, where the Four Heavenly Kings precede the Buddha statues. The statue of Dhritarashtra stands at the center of the triple gem hall, an ancient sculpture dating back to the Late Le Dynasty.
The pagoda still preserves two statues of the Three Buddhas, representing the past, present, and future. These statues exhibit the artistic flair of Nguyen-era sculpting.
With its historical significance, passage of time, and spiritual sanctity, Thai Lac Pagoda has emerged as a prominent spiritual destination in Hung Yen. Consequently, it was officially recognized as a Special National Monument in 2018.
As per Mytour
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