Tam Bao Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located on Su Thien An Street in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province. The pagoda is a valuable cultural heritage of the province, not only having historical significance but also preserving many precious wooden Buddha statues. Tam Bao Pagoda plays an important role in the formation and development of Buddhism and was once the headquarters of the Buddhist Association for the Promotion of Buddhism and the Buddhist Association of South Vietnam – Kien Giang. Let discover this relic with Ha Tien Vegas and note this blog for your next travel to Rach Gia, Kien Giang, Vietnam.
Introduction to Tam Bao Pagoda – Rach Gia
Tam Bao Pagoda, also known as Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda, is a famous ancient pagoda in Kien Giang. This ancient pagoda attracts many people not only to worship Buddha, but also as a historical tourist destination.
Tam Bao Pagoda has a unique and historical architecture with a long history. In addition, the pagoda is also the Office of the Buddhist Executive Committee of Kien Giang province from 1982 to present. Through many generations, the pagoda has left a deep impression and is one of the pioneers in Buddhist activities in Kien Giang. Therefore, every time it is mentioned, people will immediately think of this place as a symbolic work of Buddhism.
History of the formation and development of Tam Bao Pagoda
The formation of this ancient pagoda is a story closely linked to the historical flow of Kien Giang land. Tam Bao Pagoda was established at the end of the 18th century, a Buddhist in Rach Gia – Mrs. Duong Thi Oan stood up to build a simple thatched pagoda named Tam Bao. During the years of war with the Tay Son dynasty, Nguyen Anh had a time of temporary refuge at Tam Bao Pagoda, so when he ascended the throne, he issued a royal decree to show his gratitude. From then on, the pagoda was named “Tam Bao Tu” or Tam Bao Pagoda. Another name is “Sac Tu Tam Bao”.
In 1913, Venerable Tri Thien (Nguyen Van Dong) was invited by local Buddhists to preside over Tam Bao Pagoda. In 1915, the Venerable had the pagoda greatly renovated. By 1917, the major renovation was completed, with the basic architectural style still preserved to this day. The nearly 30 years he was the abbot of Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda was the time when the pagoda had the most historical events, so local residents also called Tam Bao Pagoda as Ong Dong Pagoda.
In 1936, Venerable Tri Thien and monk Thien Chieu founded the Buddhist Association for the Study and Relief, and the magazine Tien Hoa was the mouthpiece of the Association. Tam Bao Pagoda was used as the headquarters and also the editorial office of Tien Hoa magazine. The Association advocated organizing social activities such as: opening free pharmacies, establishing orphanages, providing relief to people affected by drought and floods, and classes for the masses…
This place is also a historical site when it became the liaison station of the our secret Southern Region Committee in the years 1939-1941. At the same time, this was also a base for making grenades, storing weapons and printing leaflets in preparation for the Southern Uprising. Because of being exposed by an informant, Venerable Tri Thien and monk Thien An along with many other cadres were arrested. At that time, Tam Bao Pagoda was closed until the August Revolution in 1945 succeeded, when it was reopened.
Unique space and architecture of Sac Bao Pagoda
The tranquil and gentle space
The tranquil and gentle space of the temple yard leaves a deep impression on tourists when coming to Tam Bao Pagoda. From the street, you will admire the three-door gate built with tiled roofs and decorative motifs such as the swastika or lotus symbolizing the peace of Buddha.
The space is covered with green patches, evoking a peaceful and gentle feeling. The Bodhi tree in the temple yard is an ancient tree with green leaves all year round and shady. Underneath the tree, the artisans have placed a statue of Amitabha Buddha meditating with 7 dragons above providing shade. Next to that, in the middle of the temple yard, there is also a majestic 3-storey Tam Bao stupa. The top floor of this stupa worships Buddha, the middle floor contains sutras and the lower floor is where the coffins of the monks who have presided over the temple through the generations of Tam Bao pagodas are placed.
The temple grounds also have a white lotus pond, where the statue of Guanyin of the South Sea, about 2m high, is worshiped on a lotus pedestal. Connecting the shore to the statue is a small bridge, with both sides of the bridge decorated with reincarnation wheels symbolizing creation in Buddhist scriptures. The peaceful green space of the lotus pond also impresses with many beautiful ornamental plants such as crabapple, peony, ironwood, etc., all blooming with fragrance and color.
Unique architecture of Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda in Rach Gia
Tam Bao Pagoda has two rows of houses, the west wing and the east wing, with a quiet, elegant and airy space. The west wing consists of 3 rooms, with a cool tiled roof, and a brick-paved floor to make Tue Tinh Duong (a free medicine room). Opposite the West Wing is the East Wing, which is the main office of the Executive Committee of the Kien Giang Provincial Buddhist Sangha, and is a traditional room displaying many images of the history of the pagoda.
The main hall of the pagoda is located in the center of the pagoda grounds, designed in a very unique “upper floor, lower porch” style. The shrine is decorated with many Buddha statues, especially the 1.03m high green stone statue of Amitabha Buddha. Below, there are also other Buddha statues such as: Buddha Sakyamuni, Maitreya, Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Chuẩn Đề, Ksitigarbha, etc. Around the shrine are carved detailed patterns in a very meticulous and elaborate manner. Almost all the panels around the altar are gilded with many unique motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, flowers, leaves, birds and animals. These motifs leave a very deep impression on visitors when they come here. In addition, there are paintings on the wall about the stories of Buddha.
The Ancestor House is the place to worship the founders of the Lam Te Zen sect and the abbots of Tam Bao Pagoda in the past. The architectural highlight of the Ancestor House is the two 10cm thick ironwood doors, a sophisticated sculpture with the image of the Kim Cang god guarding the gate.
Since its establishment, Tam Bao Pagoda has undergone many ups and downs over time but still maintains its important position in the development of Buddhism in Kien Giang province and accompanies the nation, in the movement to liberate the country, maintain social order, protect the country and bring peace to the people. Therefore, in 1988, the Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda – Rach Gia was recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a National Historical and Cultural Relic, becoming a tourist destination in Kien Giang that attracts many visitors to visit and worship every year.
Wish you a memorable and impressive trip to visit Tam Bao Pagoda – Rach Gia!
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