Admire the unique ancient statue system at the coastal village temple

Huy Thu• DNUM_BDZAJZCACB 07:35

(Baonghean.vn) - After hundreds of years of existence, Son Hai Pagoda in Nghi Yen Commune (Nghi Loc) is still preserved and renovated. This place also preserves a unique system of ancient statues with cultural, historical, artistic values...

Son Hai Pagoda was built during the Nguyen Dynasty, including a three-door gate and three majestic lower, middle and upper halls. The three-door gate of Son Hai Pagoda is an original architectural work that is still quite intact. This is truly the highlight of the relic, creating an impression in the hearts of visitors when visiting the temple.pagodaThis coastal village. Photo: Huy Thu

Having existed for a long time, Son Hai Pagoda is a historical relic associated with the ups and downs of La Hoang village in particular and Nghi Yen commune in general. In 2006, with the contributions of local people and benefactors, the pagoda was restored, embellished, and 2 more temples were built (forming a row of 5 temples) and works such as Tam Thanh temple, kitchen, bell tower, located in an area of over 4,800 m2.²Photo: Huy Thu

In particular, the relic still preserves more than 30 valuable antiques, such as:Buddha statue, saints, guardian gods, incense altars, large characters, parallel sentences, wooden signs, bronze bells... the most special of which is the system of ancient statues. Photo: Huy Thu

The system of ancient statues in Son Hai Pagoda is quite diverse (types, sizes) and is worshiped in the order of "Buddha first, saints later". The third shrine worships Buddha, the fourth shrine worships the Three Holy Mothers, the fifth shrine worships the Four Holy Mothers (the Great Mother of the Nation). In the photo: Statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus throne with a benevolent, compassionate face. Photo: Huy Thu

The statues of the Three Holy Mothers (Mother Lieu Hanh, Mother Thuong Ngan and Mother Thoai) are characterized by their bun hairstyle, holy face, cross-legged shirt revealing the bib, sitting cross-legged, and hands on the knees. Photo: Huy Thu

According to the pagoda management board, 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... Over time, war damage, most of the relics in the area were damaged, leaving only this ancient pagoda. In the 60s and 70s of the last century, when the surrounding temples and pagodas were damaged, local people brought statues of saints, dragon throne gods, and tablets to worship at Son Hai pagoda. Therefore, today, the pagoda has many types of statues and is a place where Buddha, saints, and gods are worshiped. Photo: Huy Thu

System Overviewancient statueSon Hai Pagoda is mainly made of wood, painted with gold. Although not large in size (the smallest statue is 0.2m high, the largest is about 0.8m high), the art of sculpture and carving is sophisticated, expressed in each face, fold of clothing, expression... In the photo: The solemn altar of the National Mother Dai Can. Photo: Huy Thu

During the restoration of the pagoda, most of the ancient wooden statues of Son Hai Pagoda had their faces repainted, while the other parts of the statues remained original. In the photo: Statue of the National Mother Dai Can with radiant, graceful beauty... Photo: Huy Thu

The two ancient statues of Buddha's birth and the Virgin Mary are small in size, only about 0.2m high, but quite unique in terms of plastic art. Photo: Huy Thu

Besides wooden statues, Son Hai Pagoda also has statues made of lime and mortar, the most typical of which are 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 system of ancient statues. Photo: Huy Thu

In addition to the system of statues, the relic also preserves many ancient sacrificial objects such as dragon thrones, incense bowls, wooden cranes, trays, parallel sentences, large characters... 2 ancient bronze incense bowls carved with dragon and tiger faces are said to be offerings from King Gia Long when he visited the pagoda. The "Three Holy Mothers" sign at the Holy Mother Temple is a unique sacrificial object with talented carving art... With its ancient beauty and great historical values, Son Hai Pagoda was recognized as a Provincial Historical - Cultural Relic in 2020. Photo: Huy Thu