Khai Nguyen Pagoda

Hanoi is a destination with many impressive cultural heritages. It is also a destination with many religious architectural works that attract tourists from near and far. One of the famous spiritual architectural works is Khai Nguyen Pagoda.

With its grand scale and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, Khai Nguyen Pagoda attracts the attention of many tourists from near and far. The pagoda has become one of the attractive spiritual tourist destinations near Hanoi, bringing pilgrims and sightseers many unforgettable experiences.

Khai Nguyen Pagoda's grand scale and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Source: CLB Huong Tu Bi

Where is Khai Nguyen Pagoda ?

Khai Nguyen Pagoda in Son Tay is also known as Tan Vien Pagoda. The temple's official name is Tan Vien Son Quoc Tu. This is a majestic temple that owns the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.

Khai Nguyen Pagoda dates back to the Ly Dynasty in the first half of the 11th century. Through many changes and destructions of the times, Khai Nguyen Pagoda has been moved to different locations. To this day, the pagoda has been restored to its original location and retains many of its original ancient features. The pagoda is currently located in Khoang Sau village, Son Dong commune, Son Tay town.

Khai Nguyen Pagoda in Son Tay is also known as Tan Vien Pagoda. Source: CLB Huong Tu BI

History of Khai Nguyen Pagoda

Legend has it that the pagoda dates back to the Ly Dynasty, around the first half of the 14th century. Initially, the pagoda was just a small temple serving the spiritual needs of the local people. Through many historical events, the pagoda was completely destroyed. In 2003, Buddhists from near and far called for donations and restored the pagoda on a fairly large scale.

During the Nguyen Dynasty, Khai Nguyen Pagoda became an important Buddhist center in the region, attracting many monks and Buddhists from all over to make pilgrimages. Today, the pagoda is still preserved and developed as a famous spiritual tourist destination.

History of Khai Nguyen Pagoda. Source: Chua Khai Nguyen - Son Tay 

Unique architecture 

The current Khai Nguyen Pagoda has a blend of ancient and modern architecture. It is an architecture in the style of "inner public, outer private", the worshiping rooms are arranged in the style of "Buddha in front, Patriarch in back". At the end of the pagoda is the monk's hall with the left and right wings, Bao An Tower, bell tower, drum tower…

In addition, you will see a large rectangular lake in front of the pagoda. This lake is clear and blue all year round. On the surface of the lake there is a pavilion simulating the shape of the One Pillar Pagoda. Here there is a shrine to Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and a precious Ksitigarbha sutra, attracting the attention of Buddhist followers.

The current Khai Nguyen Pagoda has a blend of ancient and modern architecture. Source: Mia.vn

What is in Khai Nguyen Pagoda ?

The largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia 

Currently, Khai Nguyen Pagoda is home to the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, with a height of 72m and a pedestal diameter of up to 1200m2.

Inside the statue are 13 floors. Of which, 12 floors are arranged for believers from near and far to visit the Bodhisattva shrine. The underworld floor is built into the six realms of reincarnation including many realms such as  heaven, hell, and purgatory.

The Buddha's left hand holds a pink lotus, while the right hand is in the teaching mudra gesture. In the center of the Buddha's right palm is a raised depiction of the Dharma Wheel. The statue's base is a massive lotus flower featuring three layers with 56 petals.

The statue's base is a massive lotus flower featuring three layers with 56 petals. Source: Mia.vn

Each floor of the statue is decorated in a separate worship style. The highlight is the 12th floor of the statue - where the heart of Amitabha Buddha is placed and worshiped, made of a single block of Canadian jade, weighing more than one ton.

 The heart of Amitabha Buddhamade of a single block of Canadian jade, weighing more than one ton. Source: Dai Doan Ket

Admire nearly 2000 statues in the Tam Bao space

In the Tam Bao space, the system of 1.975 large and small Buddha statues creates a unique architectural form.

In addition, the pagoda also preserves many ancient artifacts of long-standing historical value such as two stone steles dated Canh Hung 19 (1759) and Gia Long 14 (1816), along with a bronze bell dated Tu Duc 22 (1870). These relics are valuable historical sources showing the cultural and historical values ​​of Khai Nguyen Pagoda.

In the Tam Bao space, the system of 1.975 large and small Buddha. Source: Phat Giao

Ly Dynasty Patterns

The details of the patterns on the pillars, roof tiles or temple doors are all imbued with the Ly Dynasty style. The curved, symmetrical patterns not only increase the aesthetic value but also contribute to recreating the long-standing traditional culture, demonstrating the talent of ancient artisans.

Traces of Ly Dynasty patterns at the pagoda. Source: Xanh sm

Activities at Khai Nguyen Pagoda

Some meaningful activities that visitors should participate in when coming to Khai Nguyen Pagoda include:

• Vu Lan Bao Hieu Festival: This is an opportunity for Buddhists and visitors to express their gratitude and filial piety to their parents. Vu Lan Festival at the pagoda often includes activities of offering offerings, praying, and special art programs.
• Buddha's Birthday: Held in the fourth lunar month every year, the festival brings a solemn atmosphere with flowers offering rituals, bathing the Buddha, and meaningful sermons.
• Great candle lighting ceremony: The candle lighting activity is held to commemorate the Venerable Master of Khai Nguyen Pagoda.

Some meaningful activities that visitors should participate in when coming to Khai Nguyen Pagoda. Source: CLB Huong Tu Bi

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How to get to Khai Nguyen Pagoda ?

Khai Nguyen Pagoda is located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, and you can easily get there by the following means:

• Motorbike or private car: This is the most popular and convenient option. From the center of Hanoi, you go in the direction of Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32, then turn onto the road leading to Son Tay. Travel time is about 1-1.5 hours.

• Bus: You can take bus routes from the center of Hanoi to Son Tay, such as route 70A or 70B. After arriving at Son Tay bus station, you can continue to take a motorbike taxi or taxi to the pagoda.

• Technology car service: Currently, technology car services such as Grab or Be also support booking cars to Khai Nguyen Pagoda, helping you save time and effort.

Khai Nguyen Pagoda is located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, and you can easily get there. Source: Mia.vn

Things to note when visiting Khai Nguyen Pagoda

When visiting Khai Nguyen Pagoda, you need to note some important points below:

• Wear polite and discreet clothes, avoid short or revealing clothes.
• You should visit the pagoda in spring or autumn to enjoy the cool air.
• Do not make noise, do not take pictures in the worship area and maintain the general hygiene of the pagoda.
• Coming to this sacred pagoda, people can pray for health, peace, fortune or career advancement for themselves, relatives and friends.
• Always show respect and reverence when visiting and performing rituals.
• Limit bringing food and drinks into the pagoda grounds.

Things to note when visiting Khai Nguyen Pagoda. Source: Vinpearl

Conclusion

Khai Nguyen Pagoda is not only a spiritual tourist destination but also a place to help you find peace and serenity in your soul. Take the time to come here to experience and feel these values !

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