Admire the unique collection of ancient statues at the seaside village temple.
(Baonghean.vn) - After hundreds of years of existence, Son Hai Pagoda in Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district) is still well-preserved and beautifully restored. It also houses a unique system of ancient statues with significant cultural, historical, and artistic value.
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| Son Hai Pagoda, built during the Nguyen Dynasty, consists of a triple-arched gate and three majestic buildings: the lower, middle, and upper halls. The triple-arched gate of Son Hai Pagoda is the original architectural structure that remains relatively intact, truly a highlight of the historical site and leaving a lasting impression on visitors.pagodaThis is a seaside village. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Having existed for a long time, Son Hai Pagoda is a historical landmark closely linked to the ups and downs of La Hoang village in particular and Nghi Yen commune in general. In 2006, with contributions from local people and benefactors, the pagoda was restored and renovated, adding two more shrines (creating a row of five shrines) and other structures such as the Three Saints shrine, kitchen, and bell tower, located within a spacious area of over 4,800 m².2Photo: Huy Thu |
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| In particular, the site still preserves more than 30 valuable artifacts, such asBuddha statueThe collection includes statues of saints, guardian deities, altars, large inscriptions, couplets, wooden plaques, bronze bells, etc., with the most distinctive feature being the system of ancient statues. Photo: Huy Thư |
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The system of ancient statues at Son Hai Pagoda is quite diverse (in type and size) and is worshipped in the order of "Buddha first, then deities." The third hall is dedicated to Buddha, the fourth to the Three Holy Mothers, and the fifth to the Four Holy Ladies (National Mothers of the Great Universe). In the photo: A statue of Buddha seated on a lotus throne with a benevolent and compassionate face. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| The statue of the Three Holy Mothers (Mother Lieu Hanh, Mother Thuong Ngan, and Mother Thoai) is characterized by their bun hairstyles, saintly faces, flowing robes revealing their bodices, cross-legged postures, and hands resting on their knees. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| According to the temple management, in the past, La Hoang village (Nghi Yen commune) had many ancient structures, such as Cua Hien Temple, Ne Temple, Lai Temple, Cao Son Cao Cac Temple, Son Hai Pagoda, etc. Over time, due to war and destruction, most of the relics in the area were damaged, leaving only this ancient pagoda. In the 1960s and 70s, when the surrounding temples and pagodas were damaged, the local people brought statues of saints, deities, and ancestral tablets to worship at Son Hai Pagoda. Therefore, today the pagoda has many types of statues and is a place of worship for Buddha, saints, and deities. (Photo: Huy Thu) |
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Overall systemancient statuesSon Hai Pagoda is primarily constructed of wood, painted with red lacquer and gilded. Although not large in size (the smallest statue is 0.2m tall, the largest is about 0.8m tall), the sculpting and carving art is exquisitely detailed, evident in every facial expression, clothing fold, and demeanor… In the photo: The solemn altar of the Great Can National Mother. Photo: Huy Thu |
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During the restoration and renovation of Son Hai Pagoda, most of the ancient wooden statues had their faces repainted, while other parts of the statues retained their original appearance. (In the photo: The statue of Queen Mother Dai Can with her radiant and graceful beauty…) Photo: Huy Thu |
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| The two ancient statues, one depicting the Buddha's birth and the other the Virgin Mary, are small, only about 0.2 meters tall, but quite remarkable in terms of their artistic craftsmanship. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Besides wooden statues, Son Hai Pagoda also features statues made of lime mortar, most notably the two statues of civil and military officials in the lower hall. It can be said that this is one of the rare coastal village pagodas in our province that still preserves a rich, diverse, and unique collection of ancient statues. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Besides the system of statues, the site also preserves many ancient ritual objects such as dragon thrones, incense burners, wooden cranes, offering trays, couplets, and large inscriptions… Two ancient bronze incense burners, carved with dragon and tiger motifs, are said to be offerings presented by King Gia Long when he visited the temple. The "Three Holy Mothers" plaque in the Holy Mother's Hall is a unique ritual object with masterful carving art… With its ancient beauty and immense historical value, Son Hai Temple was recognized as a Provincial-level Historical and Cultural Relic in 2020. Photo: Huy Thu |
