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Bac Ninh Province is not only famous for the Quan Ho folk songs but also a land of ancient cultural and historical relics. Among them, the Phat Tich Pagoda must be mentioned - an ancient and sacred pagoda located amidst the serene high mountains, associated with many interesting historical relics and legends. In the following article, let's explore the experience of visiting the pagoda with NVK Travel to make your trip more convenient.
Phat Tich Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located in Bac Ninh, not only famous for its unique architecture but also preserving many valuable cultural and historical values. So where is Phat Tich Pagoda? Let's find out more about this pagoda right below:
Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh
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Phat Tich Pagoda, also known as Van Phuc Pagoda, is located on the southern slope of Phat Tich Mountain, in Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, about 20km from the center of Hanoi. This place is a convenient spiritual tourism destination, allowing visitors to easily travel and worship. Nestled in a peaceful natural setting, the pagoda is not only an important historical relic but also a center of convergence between ancient Vietnamese folk beliefs and Buddhism, bringing special cultural and spiritual values.
The pagoda is located on the southern slope of Phat Tich Mountain
The pagoda bears deep imprints from the Ly Dynasty with a history of over 1000 years. Notably, Van Phuc Pagoda houses the largest statue of Amitabha Buddha made of green stone from the Ly period in Vietnam. Every year, it welcomes many Buddhists and tourists from all over the country to pilgrimage, visit, and study, thereby contributing to honoring the cultural values of the nation.
The pagoda was commenced in the year Long Thuy Thai Binh 4
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As one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, Phat Tich Pagoda carries the historical and cultural imprints of many dynasties. Specifically:
The pagoda is a masterpiece of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, deeply imprinted with the Ly Dynasty's style. With a special location, nestled deep into the mountainside, the architecture of Phat Tich Pagoda is designed in a stepped platform style, rising gradually to the top. This creates a harmonious beauty between humans and the majestic nature.
This pagoda was built according to the principle of "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc," with the interior architecture in the shape of the character Cong (工) and the exterior in the shape of the character Khau (口) or Quoc (国). With a symmetrical layout, combined with the characteristic curved roofs of Vietnamese pagodas, it creates a solemn yet flexible beauty.
When visiting Phat Tich Pagoda, tourists will explore many unique spiritual constructions as follows:
The main worship area of the pagoda
The main worship area of the pagoda reflects the Buddhist architecture from the Ly period, including 7 front halls for guests, 5 halls for worshiping Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Three Buddhas, 8 halls for worshiping ancestors, and 7 halls for worshiping Mother. The shrine for Mrs. Tran Thi Ngoc Am (the person who restored the pagoda) is located to the right of the main area.
The path leading to the main worship hall consists of ancient stone steps, creating an ancient and sacred beauty. Through many historical documents and cultural relics, it has been confirmed that the pagoda was once a famous scenic spot with harmonious architecture, both poetic and solemn.
The statue of Amitabha Buddha at the pagoda
The statue of Amitabha Buddha placed in the main hall of the pagoda is a precious treasure, carved from solid green stone, with a total height including the pedestal of 2.77m. This statue depicts Amitabha Buddha in a meditative posture on a lotus throne in full lotus position, sitting peacefully and freely. The statue's face has a gentle, complete beauty, idealized in the Indian anthropomorphic form with eyes looking down, a slight smile, and a high nose, both contemplative and radiant.
Created during the Ly period, the statue of Amitabha Buddha is not only a pinnacle of sculptural art but also a masterpiece of Vietnamese fine arts. This is also the main reason the pagoda was renamed Van Phuc when the statue was discovered in the ruins of the tower.
The tower garden of the pagoda
The Tower Garden of Phat Tich Pagoda is located behind the pagoda courtyard, with over 32 ancient towers, where the remains of the abbots and the body of Zen Master Chuyet Chuyet are kept. Notably, the Pho Quang Tower, standing at 510m, is one of the impressive constructions, bearing the architectural imprint of the Ly period. The tower has 14 tiers that gradually decrease in size towards the top, with a large bell hanging at the top, creating a sacred and majestic atmosphere for the entire area.
The row of mythical beast statues at the pagoda
The row of mythical beast statues at the pagoda is one of the valuable National Treasures, consisting of 10 mythical beast statues dating back to the Ly Dynasty. These statues are arranged in 5 pairs: horse, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, and are symmetrically placed in front of the corridor of the Tam Bao building. The statues are large, 2m in size, placed on a lotus pedestal made of a solid block of stone.
According to the stele "Van Phuc Dai Thien Tu Bi" erected in 1686, these mythical beasts were carved at the same time as the pagoda's construction, reflecting the strength of the artisans of that period. The statues are placed in a space with a posture of lying down on the pedestal, creating a sense of relaxation and rest, symbolizing natural liberation and tranquility in the Buddhist world.
The dragon pond at the pagoda
Long Tri is a small square pond located in the entrance of the third tier of the pagoda, 14.3m from the edge of the platform, measuring 7mx5mx2m with a stone embankment perpendicular. At the bottom of the pond, the image of a dragon's foot is carved from stone, highlighted by the image of a thick calf, strong claws, showcasing the intricate carvings of the Ly period, enhancing the sacred beauty and artistic value of the pagoda.
How to get to the temple
Phat Tich Temple is located about 20km from the center of Ha Noi, so getting there is not too difficult. Visitors can choose personal vehicles or public transport as follows:
There are many prominent festivals at the temple
Visitors can come to visit and worship at any time of the year. However, January is the ideal time for you to visit, when the weather is cool and nature is in full bloom, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing at the temple.
If you want to experience the unique atmosphere of the festival, then visit during the Peony Flower Festival, held from the 3rd to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, with the main festival day on the 4th. This is a large festival with a long history in Bac Ninh, attracting many visitors each year. This festival not only brings a sacred atmosphere but also an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the temple along with the bustling, joyful atmosphere.
When visiting the temple, be sure to be respectful
Here are some important notes you need to know when attending the festival at Phat Tich Temple:
When visiting Phat Tich Temple, you will not only find peace at the Buddha's door but also rediscover invaluable historical, religious, and artistic values. This is a destination that helps create the reputation of the cradle of Buddhism in the Bac Ninh region. If you and your family want to visit this temple, please refer to the all-inclusive tours in Bac Ninh at NVK Travel as well as explore many unique destinations both domestically and internationally at preferential prices.
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