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Tieu Pagoda hidden on the slope of Tieu Mountain is one of the oldest ancient temples, preserving many cultural heritage of Buddhist beliefs in the Northeast region. This is a worship place that possesses unique architectural beauty, characteristic of an entire dynasty in Vietnam. All the information and visiting experiences will be fully revealed in the article from NVK Travel.
Tieu Pagoda is known by other names such as Thien Tam Pagoda or Tieu Son Pagoda, hidden on the mid-slope of Tieu Mountain, in Tu Son town, Bac Ninh province. The pagoda is about 25km from Hanoi, a sacred destination closely associated with the long-standing history and culture of Buddhism in the Kinh Bac region.
Every year, the pagoda welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the country. Because this place is not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a famous tourist destination for those who love to learn and explore the history of feudal Vietnam.
Tieu Pagoda is one of the famous spiritual destinations in Bac Ninh
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Through many historical fluctuations, the pagoda still retains its rustic, ancient beauty with simple architecture amidst the vast, majestic natural scenery. Right at the foot of the mountain, historians have discovered many relics of the Phung Nguyen culture before Christ, findings that increasingly enhance the cultural and historical value of Tieu Pagoda.
Historical records show that Tieu Pagoda has existed since the time of the Early Le dynasty and by the Ly dynasty, it became one of the largest Buddhist centers in the Kinh Bac region. The ancient structure of the pagoda consisted of two main areas: Thien Tam Pagoda located on Tieu Mountain, where the monks practiced and meditated. Meanwhile, Truong Lieu Pagoda located at the foot of the mountain was the residence and living area of the monks, these two areas were built into a systematic and harmonious complex with the mountainous terrain.
Tieu Son Pagoda is an ancient pagoda with hundreds of years of history
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According to history, Tieu Pagoda is the place where Zen master Van Hanh - one of the most outstanding Zen masters of Dai Viet Buddhism taught and practiced. Tieu Son Pagoda is also considered the hometown of Ly Cong Uan, the wise king who established the Ly dynasty and founded Thang Long capital. He studied and cultivated here since childhood, under the guidance and mentorship of Zen master Van Hanh.
Through countless fluctuations and ups and downs of history, Tieu Son Pagoda still retains its value, preserving valuable artifacts and bearing the imprint of a powerful era. Tieu Pagoda is also associated with the lives of many historical figures such as King Ly Cong Uan (Ly Thai To), Zen master Van Hanh, and Zen master Nhu Tri.
From documents and ancient paintings, it shows that Tieu Pagoda has a very large scale, with many important structures such as Cam Tuyen Institute, Tien Linh Tower, or Upper Palace. Through centuries of historical ups and downs, the pagoda has been rebuilt and restored many times to preserve its inherent beauty and value. During the Le Trung Hung period, the pagoda was expanded to a scale of hundreds of rooms, hence it was also called “Chua Tram Gian”.
Tieu Pagoda once had a very large scale and dates back to the Early Le period
By the Nguyen dynasty, under King Bao Dai, the pagoda continued to be renovated to meet the worship needs of the people. Today, the Tieu Pagoda complex includes main buildings such as Tam Bao, Ancestor Hall, Bell Tower, guest house, and many other auxiliary structures.
The Tam Bao building is constructed from solid lim wood, consisting of 5 front rooms and 3 rear rooms. Meanwhile, the Ancestor Hall is where many statues of the outstanding national master of the Ly dynasty - Zen master Van Hanh are displayed.
With the attention from the government and local people, the pagoda still retains its ancient beauty, subtly infused with modernity through many renovations and restorations. In 1991, Tieu Pagoda was recognized as a cultural and historical relic of Bac Ninh, and in 1997, a statue of Zen master Van Hanh was built on the mountain top, surrounded by 14 ancient brick towers.
The pagoda has been renovated many times but still retains its beauty
As one of the largest Buddhist centers in the Kinh Bac region and closely associated with the childhood of King Ly Cong Uan, Tieu Pagoda still preserves the book “Thien Nam Ngu Luc”, which records information about his mother. In addition, in the display area of Zen master Van Hanh, there is also a tablet recording his role and contributions to the Ly dynasty. At the mountain top, a 5m tall statue of the Zen master is built facing Thang Long city, expressing the respect and gratitude of future generations towards this national master.
Tieu Pagoda has had many high monks come to practice, represented by 14 ancient moss-covered towers symbolizing them. In 2004, the tomb statue of Zen master Nhu Tri was found, restored and worshiped by the government, becoming a valuable spiritual treasure of the pagoda.
The pagoda preserves many artifacts of high historical value
In addition, when visiting Tieu Pagoda, visitors can also admire the “Chieu Doi Do” of Ly Cong Uan and the stone stele “Ly gia linh thach” which records the biography and achievements of the founding king of the Ly dynasty. The bronze bell from Truong Lieu Pagoda, 15 carved wooden statues, couplets, prophecies, or the “Thien Uyen Anh tap” collection carved by Zen master Nhu Tri, hold great significance for Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
Tieu Son Pagoda is not only famous for its long-standing cultural and historical value but also for its unique highlights that can only be found here. This has made many visitors more curious about this over a thousand-year-old pagoda.
According to the abbot Dam Chinh, over the years, the pagoda only receives contributions from Buddhists when it needs to build or renovate infrastructure. From the Main Hall, Tam Bao to the Ancestor Hall,… there are no donation boxes placed. The altars only display simple offerings of fruits and other modest items.
The pagoda does not accept donation boxes at all altars
In addition, Tieu Pagoda also does not allow the burning of votive papers or offering stars to ward off misfortune to maintain the solemnity and cleanliness of this sacred place. The internal regulations are placed right in the pagoda grounds, so visitors need to pay attention and comply when coming to worship.
Today, the Tieu Tuong River only has a short section left, running around the foot of Tieu Mountain in front of the pagoda, but according to legend, this is where the famous love story of Truong Chi and My Nuong took place. According to historical records, the Tieu Tuong River is also associated with the thousand-year history of the nation’s founding and defense, originating from a branch of the Hong River, flowing through Co Loa, Phu Luu, Duc Tu,…
Located just over 10km from the center of Bac Ninh and about 25km if starting from Hanoi, Tieu Pagoda is an attractive spiritual destination, frequently visited by many pilgrims. You can refer to the following methods:
The way to Tieu Pagoda is easy
Tieu Pagoda is one of the largest Buddhist centers in the country, and it is also a pride of the people of Kinh Bac. Contact NVK Travel immediately if you wish to experience tourism in Bac Ninh, explore this beautiful land!
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