200-year-old treasure of the villagers
Huong Son Pagoda in Trai Kenh residential group, Hong An ward is one of the famous spiritual tourist destinations of the locality. During the years of resistance against the French colonialists, the people of Trai Kenh village (now Trai Kenh residential group) unite with the whole country to stand up against foreign invaders.
At the relic stele in the pagoda grounds, it is clearly stated that in January 1950, the Trai Kenh pagoda tunnel was built solidly under the pagoda road with a length of 250 m, width of 0.6 m, height of 1 m. The tunnel consists of 5 compartments and many lanes, many slopes, with a smoke and drainage system...
This was the central point, revolutionary base of Dai Ban commune, An Duong district at that time, the shelter of the armed forces, key cadres leading the resistance war. This was also an inter-provincial traffic station to Kinh Mon district (former Hai Duong, now Hai Phong city) to the Viet Bac free zone. Many times, engineering units mined road No. 5, commune guerrillas and friendly communes hid troops here.
According to Hong An Ward People's Committee, in May 2024, when renovating the grounds of the pagoda, local people discovered traces of an ancient tomb dating from the Eastern Han Dynasty, i.e., around the 1st century AD (around 2,000 years ago) built of terracotta bricks decorated with quite beautiful and clear embossed patterns.
Hai Phong Museum and researchers and archaeologists have conducted initial surveys, determined the scope, age and continue to prepare dossiers for expanded research" - Mr. Le Duy Binh - Head of Trai Kenh residential group said.
The pagoda is also famous for 4 ancient banyan trees that have just been recognized by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) as Vietnam Heritage Trees in 2024. The ancient banyan tree possesses majestic and majestic beauty with lush foliage, shade, large trunks, and roots tangled like silk ribbons wrapped around, deeply attached to the ground as if clinging to longevity over time.
According to legend, the banyan tree is the residence of gods, sheltering the villagers for peace and luck. Therefore, the banyan tree has become a cultural symbol, the pride of the people here. The banyan tree is over 200 years old, flowers bloom in May and June. In July and August, the banyan tree bears fruit, the banyan fruit is about 1 cm long, green turns yellow and red, ripens and falls all over the pagoda yard.
Joining hands to preserve 4 heritage banyan trees
According to Mr. Le Duy Binh - Head of Trai Kenh residential group, over the centuries, the banyan tree is still increasingly green and lush. During Typhoon Yagi in 2024, strong storm winds seriously damaged Trai Kenh cultural house, but the 4 surrounding banyan trees were not affected, still "bravely".
The recognition of 4 banyan trees as Vietnamese heritage trees also has the meaning of promoting the historical and cultural relic of Huong Son Pagoda in particular, and the relic areas in Hong An ward in general. At the same time, creating motivation for the government and people to jointly protect heritage trees well, contributing to improving the effectiveness of propaganda and mobilizing people to promote their role and responsibility in protecting green trees, natural landscapes, and the environment. From there, promoting sustainable local economic development.
Along with welcoming the decision and certificate of recognition of Heritage Tree, to protect and preserve precious ancient trees, the People's Committee of Dai Ban commune (old) announced the decision to establish the Vietnam Heritage Tree Management Board headed by the leaders of the Commune People's Committee.
In addition to 4 banyan trees in the Huong Son pagoda campus, in Hong An ward, there is a 300-year-old persimmon tree in the Le Tuong family temple campus (former An Hong commune) which was also recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree in 2016.
Up to now, the heritage persimmon tree has been cared for and protected by the local government and the Le Tuong family. The heritage persimmon tree has also become a highlight in traditional education, environmental protection propaganda and cultural and ecological tourism development of Hong An ward.
Some images of 4 heritage banyan trees at Huong Son Pagoda:
