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Unique architecture bearing the distinct mark of Vietnam.
Located on the bustling Bang Liet street, Bang Pagoda offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the surrounding hustle and bustle. This ancient pagoda is a spiritual destination that attracts visitors from all over, especially those seeking inner peace.
Bang Pagoda was built a very long time ago; however, its exact date remains a mystery due to the loss of historical documents. The most evident historical record today is the "Tu Tao Linh Tien Tu Bi Ky" stele, carved in 1617, recording the pagoda's restoration under the leadership of Zen Master Hue Nguyen. Throughout its history, Bang Pagoda has undergone numerous restorations, preserving its architectural and cultural value to this day.
Bang Pagoda was built a very long time ago.
Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors will be enveloped in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The spacious and airy courtyard is lined with lush green trees rustling in the breeze. Prominent in the center of the courtyard stands the majestic Three Treasures Hall, built in traditional architecture with a curved tiled roof. Inside the Hall are statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
In addition, Bang Pagoda also has many other architectural structures such as the Ancestor's House, the Mother Goddess House, the bell tower, the chime tower, etc. Each structure bears the distinct mark of time and showcases unique architectural and artistic values.
Standing prominently in the courtyard is the majestic Three Treasures Hall.
Bang Pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also a repository of many valuable intangible cultural heritages such as traditional Buddhist rituals and a collection of ancient books. Currently, Bang Pagoda is the northern center for Buddhist propagation of the Central Committee for Buddhist Propagation of the Vietnam Buddhist Association. Every month, fixed festivals are held here, attracting Buddhist followers from all over to learn about Buddhism.
Visiting Bang Pagoda, tourists not only get to admire the ancient architecture and pray for peace, but also have the opportunity to learn about traditional cultural values and experience a peaceful and tranquil space in the heart of the city. Ms. Hoang Thi Bich Lien (Dong Da district, Hanoi) shared: "On the 15th or 1st day of the lunar month, my family and I often visit Bang Pagoda to pray for health, peace, and good fortune. The pagoda's space is very spacious, with many green trees creating a peaceful and serene place."
The Maitreya Buddha statue at Bang Pagoda
Bao An Pagoda - A spiritual symbol with two national records.
Nestled amidst the tranquil grounds of Bang Pagoda, the Bao An stupa stands majestically like a shining emerald, captivating all who behold it. The uniqueness of this architectural masterpiece lies not only in its magnificent beauty but also in its profound historical and spiritual significance.
Built in 2004, the Bao An Pagoda is a symbol of local pride. From its inception, the pagoda immediately made a name for itself, holding the record for the tallest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam in 2007. Three years later, in 2010, it further cemented its place in the record books as the pagoda with the most bronze Buddha statues in Vietnam.
The Bao An Pagoda is distinguished by its octagonal design, symbolizing the path to enlightenment of the Buddha. The pagoda is 13 stories high, representing the auspiciousness and solemnity of the Nirvana Sutra. Eight stone pillars surrounding the pagoda are intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs, symbolizing the harmony of yin and yang, bringing positive energy to the entire structure.
The Bao An Pagoda is designed in an octagonal shape.
Inside the tower are enshrined 104 bronze statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, representing the spirit of equality in the Buddha's teachings. Each statue is placed on a stone pedestal, exuding a serene and peaceful beauty.
Strolling through the tranquil grounds of Bang Pagoda, visitors are inevitably impressed by the majestic row of Arhat statues located next to the Bao An stupa. Eighteen statues are arranged in a straight line, each possessing its own unique beauty, clearly expressing the different emotional nuances of human life.
The 18 Arhat statues at Bang Pagoda are arranged in a straight line.
Every detail on the faces of the Arhats is meticulously and delicately sculpted, clearly expressing the pain and suffering that weigh heavily on human life. Whether it's a gentle smile, a pensive gaze, or a sorrowful expression, all radiate understanding and compassion for those trapped in the cycle of birth and death.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the Arhat statues at Bang Pagoda are modeled after the Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda, a famous ancient pagoda in Hanoi. These are the great disciples of Buddha throughout history, those who inherited and spread the teachings of the Buddha.
Each structure at Bang Pagoda bears the distinct mark of time and showcases unique architectural and artistic values.
Quan Am Garden - A place where compassion shines brightly.
Walking through the rustling trees, visitors will arrive at Quan Am Vien – a serene and sacred space within Bang Pagoda. Here, 45 statues of Quan Am Bodhisattva are enshrined, each possessing its own unique beauty and meaning, reflecting the boundless compassion and benevolence of the Bodhisattva towards all beings.
A special attraction for visitors at Quan Am Garden is the 32 manifestations of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, depicted according to the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Each manifestation symbolizes a miraculous power that the Bodhisattva uses to save sentient beings from suffering.
The statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara stands out in the middle of the lake.
In addition, the 12 statues representing the 12 great vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva further enhance the beauty of Quan Am Garden. These great vows express the Bodhisattva's noble aspiration to help sentient beings escape the cycle of reincarnation and attain enlightenment.
All the statues at Quan Am Vien are meticulously and delicately carved, clearly showing every line and detail. The faces of the statues exude a gentle and benevolent expression, giving visitors a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Quan Am Vien - a serene and sacred space at Bang Pagoda.
A special attraction for visitors at Quan Am Garden is the 32 incarnations of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
All the statues at Quan Am Vien are meticulously and exquisitely carved.
