Located in Tri Qua ward (Bac Ninh), Dau Pagoda was once the ancient Buddhist center of Luy Lau region. According to historical records, the pagoda is also known as Dien Ung Tu or Phap Van Tu, built in 187 and completed in 226. This is the oldest pagoda - considered the first Buddhist center of Vietnam.
This place is associated with the formation and development of Buddhism in Vietnam. In particular, the pagoda is the origin of the belief in worshiping the Four Dharmas - 4 goddesses formed from the combination of Indian Buddhism and Vietnamese folk beliefs.
Through many ups and downs, Dau Pagoda still retains the characteristic internal and foreign layout with four rows of interconnected houses surrounding Tien Duong, Thien Huong and Thuong Dien. The main architectural highlight is the 15m high Hoa Phong tower located in the middle of the pagoda courtyard.
Built of handmade fired bricks from the Le Trung Hung period, the tower is the place to preserve the wedding bell set, which was cast in bronze in 1793 and 1817 respectively. The four corners of the tower have a pedestal for the Four Heavenly Kings - the four gods who govern the four heavens, creating a majestic appearance.
Stepping deeper, visitors will admire the 2m high statue of Ba Dau (also known as the Goddess of Clouds) - one of the Four Dharmas, according to the indigenous beliefs of Vietnamese people combined with Indian Buddhism. The Four Dharmas include the goddesses of Clouds, Wind, Thunder, Thunder and Lightning corresponding to natural phenomena: Clouds, wind, thunder, lightning.
Not only architecture, Dau Pagoda is also a place to preserve the National Treasure, Dau Pagoda Woodblocks. With 107 unique carved boards as the only original artifact, the woodblocks preserve legends, Buddhist scriptures and ancient rain praying rituals.
According to documents from the Department of Cultural Heritage, this is the only original, unique, intact and authentic artifact. The woodblock has 92 panels carved on two sides and 15 panels carved on one side. The total number of panels belonging to the treasure is 199.
The Department of Cultural Heritage temporarily divides woodblocks into 13 sets of works, including Co Chau Hanh, Co Chau Luc, Co Chau Nghi, Nhan Qua Quoc Ngu, Ky Vu Kinh, Thinh Long Vuong Nghi still intact on the planks, the rest are not enough due to time factors.
Ms. Nguyen Oanh, a tourist from Hanoi visiting Dau Pagoda, shared: "Coming to Dau Pagoda, standing in front of Hoa Phong tower or Phap Van altar, I feel very light. I came here to pray for health for my parents, smooth work and a peaceful new year for the family.
According to local people, visitors and worshipers often flock to Dau Pagoda the most on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month every year. This is the time when one of the oldest and largest Buddhist festivals in Kinh Bac region takes place, commemorating Mother Goddess Man Nuong and honoring Buddha Phap Van.
