Located in Yen Village, Thach That District, Ha Noi, Tay Phuong Pagoda (Chùa Tây Phương) is well-known as one of best destinations in Vietnam from a long time ago. It is a typical representation of the long-standing artist culture of Vietnam architecture, sculpture.
History
Tay Phuong Pagoda (the name is Sung Phuc Pagoda) is a pagoda on top of Cau Lau Mountain that is said to resemble a buffalo in Yen Village.Tay Phuong Pagoda was built in the 8th century and is the second oldest pagoda after Dau pagoda with more than 1750 years of history in Bac Ninh province. However, it was rebuilt in 1636 under the Le dynasty of King Le Than TongThe pagoda was completely rebuilt in 1794. In 1794, the pagoda was completely renewed in its present form with the new name of “Tay Phuong Ancient Pagoda under the Tay Son regime.
Typical architecture
After climbing 239 stones steps bearing the signs of the passage of time, the tourists may admire a stone gate sheltering under the shade of age-old trees.
The pagoda consists of three single-level structures in descending order on a hillock that was formed according to the shape of the Chinese character 三 (three). The main character Tam(Three)- style architecture is the feature three sections: the upper sanctuary, the rear palace, and lobby rooms. Each parallel temple has its own architecture but forms a harmonious landscape when
The central construction raised higher than the others because of its directing role, that symbolizes Heaven. Whites, the rear place, which was built closest to the world of man, plays the role of a foundation, which symbolizes the earth. The whole structure is the symbol of Thai Cuc (the Prime Principle, from which the whole world derives).
Tay Phuong Pagoda has a very special architecture with double tiered roofs. This architectural arrangement is inspired by Buddhist and Confucianism conception, which is the three constructions symbolize the three forces governing the world.
The pagoda’s most celebrated feature is carved from jackfruit wood dating from the 18th century. It is also home to the rare masterpieces of religious sculpture. All the wooden parts of the pagoda are beautifully sculpted by hands of sophisticated craftsmen coming from the famous wood carpentry village of Thach That. The sculptures are carved following folk motifs, such as dragon, Phoenix, lotus flower, etc.
In total, there are 72 magnificent wooden statues in the form of Buddhas as well as Vajrapanis (Kim Cuong, English name is diamond) and Arhats (La Han, English name is a saint) who are middle-ranking Buddhist deities. All Most of these statues are considered to be dating back to the late 18th century. Some other statues were carved in the mid 19th century.
Every year the Tay Phuong Pagoda celebrates the festival on the 6th of March in the lunar calendar. This is an opportunity for tourists to visit the magnificent art and magnificent pagoda.
Tay Phuong Pagoda is also an exposition gallery for national engraving and sculpture masterpieces. Let’s check Vietnam Oriental Tours to take a trip to Tay Thien Pagoda.