Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has just signed a decision on the classification of special national relics (18th and last year, 2025) for 4 relics, including the historical and architectural relic of Co Le Pagoda in Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province.
The ancient pagoda has a long history, associated with the legend of Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong. The name "Co Le" both evokes the old origin and is the sacred mark of the spiritual culture of the Northern Delta.
Located on a square ground, nearly 10 models of the North, Co Le pagoda is a Buddhist cultural and architectural work built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Ly Than Ton to worship Buddha and Saint Nguyen Minh Khong.
Previously, the pagoda was built of wood. After the transformation of the sun and rain and time, the ancient pagoda was seriously degraded. In 1902, the First Sub- overctor Pham Quang Tuyen returned to the pagoda and restored the pagoda to the new architectural style "Nhat Thoc Lau Dai".
At the special national relic of Co Le Pagoda, seen from afar, you will see the Nine-Piece Lotus Tower standing high in the sky. Inside the buildings, lakes, bridges... are combined to create a harmonious, seamless space.
The Nine-Piece Lotus Tower is 32m high, with 8 sides, built in 1927, from 9 floors of lotus flowers combined with a wall, meaning "parasite" as 9 floors of the sky. The tower is placed on the back of a large turtle, the head facing the pagoda.
Inside the pagoda, located in the middle of the lake in front of the main hall, is the 9-ton Dai Hong Chung. The bell was cast in 1936, about 4.2m high; the mouth diameter is 2.2m. The bell casting process at that time was completely done by hand, so it required a lot of effort and meticulousness and carefulness when making it.
In addition, other works such as the three-compartment, main hall, tower guard, ancestral house... all have a majestic and sophisticated style.
Today, not only carrying historical and cultural values, Co Le pagoda is also a place associated with the spiritual life of Ninh Binh people through many generations.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Thao - Secretary of Co Le commune, Ninh Binh province said that to preserve the special national relic of Co Le pagoda, in the coming time, the locality will strengthen the relic management board; inspect, restore and embellish degraded items.
At the same time, local authorities have a direction to manage and protect unique antiques and architecture in the pagoda and increase the promotion of the image and history of the Co Le pagoda.
