Society

Admire the unique ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda.

Annam • November 19, 2024 20:00

With its long history, Bui Ngoa Pagoda in Hung Trung commune (Hung Nguyen district) preserves a unique and valuable system of ancient statues, particularly useful for studying religion, beliefs, art, and sculpture.

bna_1..jpg — Bui Ngoa Pagoda was originally built on the banks of the Dao River, but during the Nguyen Dynasty it was moved to the center of the village. It is now located in Hamlet 6, Hung Trung Commune, next to the inter-village road, with a beautiful and peaceful landscape. After several renovations and restorations, most recently in 2021, the pagoda has the appearance it has today, with its lower, middle, and upper halls, guesthouse, and spacious grounds. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_3(3).jpg — The temple houses both Buddhist and other deities. Having existed for a long time, Bui Ngoa Temple still preserves many ancient artifacts such as altars, mirror stands, bronze bells, and statues... In the photo: Inside the main hall of Bui Ngoa Temple. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_4(1).jpg — The temple's collection of ancient statues is quite diverse in type, size, and style... worshipped according to the concept of "gods first, then Buddha" and arranged in tiers from lowest to highest, from front to back. Finally, there are three statues representing the Three Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. Photo: Huy Thư

bna_5..jpg — Among nearly two dozen ancient statues, Buddha statues are relatively few in number but quite remarkable. The statue of the Buddha's birth, standing within a circle of nine dragons at Bui Ngoa Pagoda, is carved with exceptional detail. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_6....jpg — Here, valuable ancient statues are preserved in their original state, with their inherent peeling paint. These include statues of Buddha Shakyamuni with their original dark brown lacquer, covered in the dust of time. Photo: Huy Thư

Each type of statue has its own unique beauty; generally, the ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda are elaborately crafted, possessing a realistic beauty, evident in the shape, clothing, and expressive demeanor of each statue's face... Photo: Huy Thu

Mr. Nguyen Trong Vy, from the Bui Ngoa Pagoda Management Board, said: According to local elders, during the war years, many temples and pagodas in the area were dismantled or damaged. People brought ritual objects, statues, etc., to Bui Ngoa Pagoda for worship, so the pagoda is now a single temple with many Buddha and deity statues. In the photo: A statue of a celestial being or saint is sculpted in a unique seated position on a rock outcrop. Photo: Huy Thu

Tượng cổ chùa Bùi Ngọa được tạo tác trên chất liệu gỗ, chưa xác định được niên đại, nhưng có thể khẳng định đã tồn tại qua hàng trăm năm. — The ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda are mainly made of wood, and their exact age is unknown, but locals assert that they have existed for hundreds of years. Photo: Huy Thu

The two statues of Saint Tran and the Mother Goddess at Bui Ngoa Pagoda possess a purely Vietnamese beauty, with sharp details showcasing the masterful sculpting skills of ancient artisans. Photo: Huy Thu

Besides the ancient artifacts, the temple courtyard also features a centuries-old banyan tree with a unique shape. The temple was classified as a National Historical and Cultural Monument in 2000. As one of the three ancient relics of the old Bui Ngoa village (temple, communal house, and pagoda), Bui Ngoa Temple, with its beautiful scenery, is not only an important place of cultural, spiritual, religious, and belief activities for the local people, but also an attractive tourist destination for visitors from inside and outside the province. Photo: Huy Thu

Admire the unique ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda. Video: Huy Thu

Admire the unique ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda.

ancient statues

Bui Ngoa Pagoda

sculpture

See more about Society

Read more

Admire the unique ancient statues at Bui Ngoa Pagoda.

ancient statues

Bui Ngoa Pagoda

sculpture

See more about Society

Read more

Log in