Unique ancient statue of a temple in the flood-prone area

The Ram Temple Relic Complex has a temple, a holy house, a pagoda... which has been recognized as a National Historical - Architectural Relic since 2008. Long Dong Pagoda was originally built near the Lam River bank, and in 1968, local people moved it to build it in the Ram Temple grounds. Recently, the pagoda has been renovated and embellished (the red-tiled house on the right from the outside looking in). The main structure of the pagoda is a 3-room, 2-wing wooden house located along the length. Photo: Huy Thu

What is special is that in this small temple in the middle of the flood zone (which is often flooded every year), there are many unique ancient statues. These statues are arranged on the main altar and two side altars of the temple. Photo: Huy Thu

According to local people, during the war years, many temples in the area were damaged, the statues and tablets were brought to Long Dong Pagoda by people to worship, so the pagoda still preserves many ancient statues. However, among these statues, there is no Buddha statue. The two ancient statues that many people are interested in are the pair of Duc Ong and Duc Ba. In the photo: The majestic statue of Duc Ong. Photo: Huy Thu

The statue of Our Lady is carved in a sitting position looking out, one hand holding a rosary, with a graceful beauty. Photo: Huy Thu

The face of the Virgin Mary is carved with sharp angles and a cheerful expression. The thin neck clearly shows wrinkles and the ridges of the sternum. Looking at this statue, many people think of the Arhat statues at Tay Phuong Pagoda (Hanoi). Photo: Huy Thu

The ancient statues at Long Dong Pagoda are made of wood with soft lines. After hundreds of years, the old paint is still intact, and you can clearly see the delicate patterns painted on the costumes. Photo: Huy Thu

In the temple, there are pairs of ancient statues that are similar in size, shape, and clothing... including a pair of female statues about 1.5 m tall, carved quite similar to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Photo: Huy Thu

Over time, some of the statues have had their paint peeled off and cracked... but still retain their original beauty. Photo: Huy Thu

In addition to ancient statues, Long Dong Pagoda also preserves ancient sacrificial objects, including mirror stands and tablets of the gods. Photo: Huy Thu

Along with the wooden statues of saints and gods... carved at Long Dong Pagoda, in the Ram Temple complex there is also a pair of ancient stone elephant statues. The stone elephant statues are located in front of the main gate next to Long Dong Pagoda. Photo: Huy Thu

In the main gate, there are two stone statues of generals standing opposite each other, next to two wooden statues. The ancient statues of Long Dong pagoda in particular, and Ram temple complex in general, have unique beauty, many values, and are precious artifacts affirming the cultural and historical depth of the relic. Photo: Huy Thu