Lang Pagoda, whose initial name is Chieu Thien Tu, is located in Lang ward (Hanoi). This is one of the famous ancient pagodas of the ancient Thang Long land, associated with the name of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh - a figure who is popularly revered as the immortal saint of Vietnamese people.
According to Tao Le stele, the pagoda was built during the reign of Ly Anh Tong (1138 - 1175). In addition to worshiping Buddha, the pagoda also worships King Ly Than Tong and recognizes the merits of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh. According to Hoang Dang Quynh's "Hoan Long Huyen Chi", Zen master Tu Dao Hanh once went to Tay Thien to practice, making many contributions to laying the foundation for Buddhist doctrine with a folk character and opening the Mat Tong sect. He is also considered a person who contributed to the development of traditional Cheo art.
Ancient legends tell that before his death, Tu Dao Hanh told Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong that he would be reborn as the son of Sung Hien hau, King Ly Nhan Tong's younger brother. After that, this son was brought into the palace to succeed the throne and became King Ly Than Tong. Therefore, Chieu Thien Pagoda was built to worship both King Ly Than Tong and his predecessor, Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh.
Having existed for nearly 900 years, Lang Pagoda has been restored many times, its current appearance is mainly formed from the time of King Tu Duc. The pagoda grounds are planned along the vertical axis from the three-entrance gate to the ancestral house, creating a peaceful and solemn space. Inside, there are many architectural items such as the front hall, middle hall, upper hall, Mother House, ancestral house and tower garden.
The pagoda currently preserves many precious heritages, including 198 large and small statues, dozens of horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, imperial decrees and 15 stone steles recording the history of formation and renovations through many dynasties. Among them, the stele erected in 1656 has beautiful patterns.
Not only is it a historical and cultural relic, Lang Pagoda is also a familiar religious activity spot for people. Every year, on March 7th of the lunar calendar, Lang festival is held to commemorate the incarnation day of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh with many traditional rituals and unique folk games. In the near future, the pagoda is expected to continue to be restored, embellished and apply digital technology to preserve and promote heritage values.
