400-year-old ancient pagoda with unique wooden architecture
Keo Pagoda is officially called Than Quang Tu, located in Vu Tien commune, Hung Yen province (formerly Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district, Thai Binh province). The pagoda was ranked as a National Historical - Cultural Relic in 1962, and in 2012 it was ranked as a Special National Monument according to Decision No. 1419/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.
The entire architecture of Keo Pagoda is made of precious wood with high techniques and sophisticated carving. Along with the architecture of "Domestic attack, foreign country", "Buddha's wife", "The family's family's family's house", the pagoda was also built facing the South with the starting point being the three foreign affairs and the end point being the bell tower.
After nearly 400 years of many renovations and enhancements, Keo Pagoda still retains its unique architecture with the identity of the Le Trung Hung period in the 17th century.
The highlight of the ancient pagoda is the majestic three-storey bell tower, which is considered a unique ancient architectural work of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. The bell tower is over 11m high, with 3 floors, corresponding to each floor hanging an ancient bell. According to the Vietnam Record Book, Keo Pagoda bell tower was recognized as the tallest wooden bell tower in Vietnam.
The 400-year-old ancient pagoda still preserves the national treasure Keo Pagoda plans, a unique original artifact, with historical, cultural, artistic value, with a unique form, a unique work of art containing historical, cultural, artistic and carving techniques.
The rectangular box mechanism is shaped like a knee and belly of a fish, and is made with 3 main parts: face, body and legs. The decorative patterns on the incense table are rich and dense. The dragon image, with 68 projects, is arranged according to the themes of hidden dragons, two dragons in the sky, and giants... In addition, carved with many lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, leaves, and longan clouds, counted up to 550 lotus flowers, 435 chrysanthemums, 24 vines, leaves, bamboo, sacred animals, fire clouds, precious gems...
The color of the festive season
Every autumn, Keo Pagoda becomes bustling with the traditional festival, held from the 10th to the 15th of the 9th lunar month every year. The festival recreates the current situation and life of Zen master Khong Lo. Incorporating in them are the cultural features and customs of the countryside here that are preserved, and folk cultural performances are performed.
With its historical and cultural values, in 2017, Keo Pagoda Festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
According to the leader of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hung Yen province, to elevate the scale of the province with the position and role of a special national monument; this year's Keo Pagoda Autumn Festival will be held with a ceremony and a festival. In particular, traditional rituals are organized, including: Opening ceremony, opening ceremony of the festival, Saint's grace journey, seaweed celebration, Frog dance, Saint's puppetry, flower festival night, practice of the Mother's worship ceremony, and ministries, people and Buddhists.
The leader of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hung Yen province emphasized that the goal is to develop the value of the Keo Pagoda National Special Relic Site through tourism, exploitation to serve traditional research, education, and cultural and spiritual tourism. The relic management board has coordinated with local and regional schools to organize explanation and introduction sessions for relics with the theme "I love my hometown's heritage", thereby contributing to educating awareness, raising love for the homeland, preserving heritage...
