Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam whose architecture has been preserved intact over its 400 year-old history. — (Source: vuanhiepanh.com)
Nam Dinh (VNA) – Over-400-year-old Keo Hanh ThienPagoda in the northern province of Nam Dinh has been recognized as a national intangiblecultural heritage.
A ceremony was held in XuanTruong district on October 8 to receive the recognition and also kick off theKeo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival 2019.
According to Tran Le Doai, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee,the ancient pagoda, which dates back to the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225), was aspace for villagers to pay tribute to Zen master Duong Khong Lo, whosignificantly contributed to the development of the Vietnam Buddhist Sanghaduring the Ly Dynasty.
“The National Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition will promote thehistorical, cultural and architectural values of Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda,” hesaid.
State management on preserving, protecting and promoting the values of thefestival must be tightened to make it an attractive destination, which wouldhelp to boost local tourism, he added.
Legend has it the pagoda was originally built in bronze by Duong Khong Lo alongthe banks of the Red River in 1061 during King Ly Thanh Tong reign.
It was initially known as Nghiem Quang Tu and then renamed Than Quang Tu in1167. It was also known as Keo Pagoda following theChinese-transcribed Vietnamese name for Giao Thuy district.
After standing for nearly 500 years, the Red River flooded Giao Thuy villagewhere the pagoda was located in 1611. The villagers relocated toestablish Hanh Thien Village and built a new pagoda.
It is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, covering 58,000sq.m in Xuan Truongdistrict's Xuan Hong commune.
Many ancient historicalitems dating back to the 17th century are still being preserved in thepagoda such as altars, bells, and Han-scripted books about thepagoda.
The Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival,which includes traditional ceremonies, folk games and a boat race, willend on October 14./.
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Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam whose architecture has been preserved intact over its 400 year-old history. — (Source: vuanhiepanh.com)
