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Dau Pagoda is a treasure trove of history in the land of Bac Ninh. Dubbed the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, it was once the center of Luy Lau Buddhism since the 2nd century. Besides its unique architecture, the pagoda is also a gathering place for traditional culture. Let's explore this thousand-year-old ancient temple through this article with nvktravel.com!
In the rich traditional land of Bac Ninh, Dau Pagoda is always mentioned as a symbol of spiritual culture in Vietnam. This ancient temple has existed for nearly 2 centuries, witnessing the ups and downs of the old Luy Lau region - once the first center for spreading Buddhist thought in our country.
The beauty of Dau Pagoda from above
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The pagoda is located in Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province - a land famous for quan ho, ancient communal houses, and many valuable relics. From Hanoi, visitors only take about 50 minutes to reach this pagoda, making it very convenient for a day pilgrimage.
Thanks to its location not too far from the capital, this place has become an ideal stop for those who want to escape the city to find peace, breathe fresh air, and explore ancient historical stories.
Dau Pagoda is located in Bac Ninh
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This ancient temple worships Phap Van, one of the four deities of Tu Phap associated with the agricultural beliefs of ancient Vietnamese: Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, Phap Dien. According to legend, Tu Phap is the fusion of indigenous beliefs and Buddhist teachings, creating a unique worship system found nowhere else.
Worshiping Phap Van (the goddess of clouds) helps the people pray for favorable rain and wind, bountiful harvests, and peaceful lives. This makes the pagoda not only sacred in religion but also reflects a rich spiritual culture, deeply humanistic and close to Vietnamese life.
Dau Pagoda worships Phap Van (the goddess of clouds) sacredly
Dau Pagoda was built in the 2nd century, when Buddhism began to spread widely at Luy Lau port. This is considered the earliest religious structure in our country, once the center for spreading thoughts and a place where many monks came to preach.
Over many periods, the pagoda has been restored, but its ancient appearance has been preserved quite intact. The current architecture mostly belongs to the Le - Nguyen period, featuring traditional styles with ancient bricks, statues, and a spacious courtyard that creates a serene atmosphere.
Especially, the history of the pagoda is closely linked to the Luy Lau civilization, the ancient capital of Giao Chi district during the Northern feudal period. Therefore, Dau Pagoda carries significant archaeological value and plays an important role in researching the process of introducing Buddhist culture.
Dau Pagoda has a history of nearly a thousand years
The most prominent legend at the pagoda is the story of Man Nuong, a girl from the Dau region, regarded as the mother of Tu Phap. Legend has it that Man Nuong met monk Khau Da La, and thanks to his magic, she gave birth to a piece of wood containing spiritual energy. This piece of wood was later carved into four statues: Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, and Phap Dien.
The statue placed at Dau Pagoda is Phap Van, the most important deity in the Tu Phap system. This legend has enriched the spiritual life of the people, creating a mystery that makes the pagoda an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The sacred legend of Man Nuong at Dau Pagoda
From the center of Hanoi to Dau Pagoda is only about 25km, with a travel time of about 45 to 50 minutes depending on the roads and means of transport. You can follow the route: Chuong Duong Bridge → Nguyen Van Cu → Co Linh → Thach Ban → Nguyen Thoi Trung → National Highway 5 → National Highway 17.
If traveling from Bac Ninh city, the distance is shorter, about 21 km, taking about 35 to 40 minutes. The convenient route includes the following roads: Ly Thai To → National Highway 38 → Nguyen Trai → DT287 → Thuan Thanh 5 → Lac Long Quan/National Highway 17.
The architecture of Dau Pagoda is a delicate harmony between traditional beauty and the imprint of the Luy Lau era. Each structure in the pagoda breathes ancient air but still showcases the skillful construction techniques and exquisite craftsmanship of the Kinh Bac people.
Below, nvktravel.com will summarize some outstanding structures that cannot be missed when visiting Dau Pagoda:
Dau Pagoda with many unique architectures
When mentioning Dau Pagoda, the first image that impresses visitors is the Hoa Phong tower, an iconic structure that has stood for hundreds of years. From afar, the tower stands majestically in the wide courtyard, like a time marker affirming the historical depth of the ancient temple.
The Hoa Phong tower is three stories high, built with red-brown ancient bricks, each brick worn down by time but still standing tall against the sky. The tower's architecture is heavily influenced by the Le - Nguyen style with small windows, gently curved roofs, a strong yet soft appearance. The ancients believed that the tower housed the most sacred relics in the pagoda, thus it is not only an architectural structure but also an important spiritual symbol of the Bac Ninh region.
Hoa Phong tower stands tall against the sky
A highlight that makes Dau Pagoda's value distinct is the system of Buddha statues and Tu Phap statues that are incredibly intricate. Among them, the most prominent is the statue of Phap Van, the main deity worshiped here. The statue has a gentle beauty, a kind face, and a peaceful gaze, showcasing the skilled carving techniques and the refined aesthetic sense of the artisans.
Unlike many other pagodas, the statue system has a simple, close-knit style but still exudes an imposing demeanor. Other statues in the pagoda, such as the statue of Thich Ca, the statue of Bodhisattva, and the guardian statues, all harmonize within the overall space, creating a warm worship atmosphere.
The exquisite statue system at Dau Pagoda
Stepping deep into the premises, visitors will recognize the distinctive beauty of traditional Vietnamese architecture appearing in every detail. Long corridors with yin-yang tiled roofs, intricately carved gates, and glossy black lim wood columns… all create a sense of antiquity.
Many stone tablets still record the names of restorers, historical events, or the marks of high monks who once studied here. Thus, the pagoda space is not only a worship place but also a "living history book," recounting the story of a land that was once the largest cultural and religious center in Vietnam.
The peaceful and serene space of Dau Pagoda
When visiting Bac Ninh, many tourists often choose Dau Pagoda as a quiet stop to explore its long-standing cultural values. Additionally, you can also take time to explore many other interesting activities as follows:
In the tranquil space, you can leisurely stroll around the temple grounds, listen to the gentle sound of the bells, and feel the peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, don't forget to admire the structures here, as they possess ancient beauty with the moss-covered Tam Quan gate, the roof tiles stained by time, and the prominent Hoa Phong tower against the sky, creating a very unique solemn scene.
Visit and enjoy the tranquil, peaceful space at Chua Dau
Visitors to the temple often stop in front of the Phap Van statue to pray for a harmonious life, a healthy family, and smooth work. This is a moment that helps each person find relief in their soul and turn towards good things.
Another interesting experience when visiting Chua Dau is viewing the Moc Ban set, which is nearly three centuries old and recognized as a national treasure in 2024. The set consists of 107 wooden blocks preserving the legend of Tu Phap, scriptures, and many ancient documents in Han - Nom characters. The intricate carvings and harmonious layout showcase the skilled craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the unique cultural value of the Bac Ninh region.
Close-up of the hundred-year-old national treasure Moc Ban at Chua Dau
The Chua Dau festival takes place on the 8th and 9th of the 4th lunar month. This is an opportunity for visitors to fully experience the long-standing religious atmosphere. The ritual of carrying the Tu Phap statue to pray for rain, along with performances such as quan ho, water puppetry, and chess competitions, creates a vibrant cultural picture. This is an ideal time to learn about local customs and blend into the traditional rhythms of the people here.
The Chua Dau festival and the ritual of carrying the Tu Phap statue
To ensure a complete visit, you can note a few tips below:
Visitors to Chua Dau need to maintain cleanliness and dispose of trash in designated areas to keep the grounds beautiful.
Chua Dau opens up to visitors the ancient beauty of the Kinh Bac region, where the legend of Man Nuong is preserved, the solemn Hoa Phong tower stands, and the tranquil spiritual space exists. To make your trip even more complete, NVK Travel is ready to accompany you with a tour to Bac Ninh of high quality, helping you experience Chua Dau and famous destinations in the most convenient way. Contact us today to start your exciting journey!
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