The mystery of the 500-year-old bronze statue of Lord Nguyen

The precious 500-year-old statue of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di - uncle of Lord Nguyen Hoang is currently kept in Tra Lien village, Trieu Giang commune, Trieu Phong district, Quang Tri province.

Village treasure

Tra Lien village was formerly the capital of Tra Bat, one of the three capitals of Lord Nguyen Hoang (from 1570 - 1600).

The statue of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di has existed since the Nguyen Lords' time. The statue is 0.62m high, with a 0.30m shoulder width. The statue is made of bronze, carved in a sitting position on a low chair, wearing a mandarin's hat, a large cloak, and boots, weighing about 300kg.

For hundreds of years, the statue has been considered a treasure of Tra Lien villagers.

500 year old statue of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di.

Historical records show that, after receiving the advice of Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem, in 1558, Doan Quoc Cong Nguyen Hoang brought his family and most trusted people across Hoanh Son mountain to the South to take up his post.

Thai Pho Nguyen U Di, with the title Uy Quoc Cong, was Nguyen Hoang's uncle and followed him as an assistant. He was a person who had great contributions in helping Lord Nguyen build a foundation in Dang Trong.

Mr. Trinh Minh Toan, former Deputy of the Executive Board of Tra Lien village, said that there were many thrilling stories surrounding the bronze statue of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di.

“Previously, the statue was placed in Lieu Bong Pagoda. At that time, people thought it was just a Buddha statue. However, in 1972, when the war was fierce, houses and pagodas, including Lieu Bong Pagoda, were heavily damaged and people evacuated.

In 1973, after the Paris Agreement was signed, people returned and witnessed a strange scene. Although the pagoda was destroyed, the bronze statue was still standing majestically, untouched by bombs and bullets. The villagers of Tra Lien then pooled money to build a shrine,” said Mr. Toan.

Twice Stolen

According to Mr. Toan, the statue was stolen twice but was recovered both times.

In the summer of 1976, upon hearing that the statue had been stolen, the villagers spread the news and searched everywhere. Some villagers went to the bank of the Ai Tu River and used shovels to dig into the shallow land by the river and unexpectedly found the statue.

Some locals said that the strangeness and value of the statue has attracted the attention of many archaeologists from all over the world who have come to survey and research it.

People burn incense to show their respect before the temple.

After many thefts and being watched by thieves, Tra Lien villagers built a shrine in the communal house yard. Every year on the full moon of February, June, and August, and on the occasion of Lunar New Year, the village holds a ceremony to pray for prosperity for the villagers and success in their children's studies.

Every time someone comes back from far away from home, they stop by to light incense to show their respect.

Mr. Trinh Minh Toan added that in 2004, a group of unknown origin from the North came to request to re-sculpt the statue. Despite not receiving approval from the people, this group destroyed the outside part, forcing the people in the area to come and surround and prevent it.

In response to the destruction of the temple of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province has provided 4 million VND for the people to rebuild the temple. He added that from 1977 to 1978, the statue of Thai Pho Nguyen U Di was recognized as a provincial cultural relic. The province is also applying for recognition as a national relic.

According to Vietnamnet.vn