Sacred Lo Son Pagoda

(Baonghean) - Lo Son Pagoda, whose Chinese name is Pho Am Tu, was built during the Le Dynasty, in Van Loc village, Chan Loc district, now in block 6, Nghi Tan ward, Cua Lo town. The pagoda is of moderate size, peaceful and sacred, located on a beautiful location, leaning against Lo Son mountain, facing north.

The pagoda is where the people of Van Loc village, Buddhist monks, Buddhist followers and visitors from all over place their faith, pray for peace, pray for fortune... In 2005, the pagoda was ranked as a Provincial Historical - Cultural Relic. Notably, in early spring of Tan Mao 2011, the pagoda was honored to receive the Buddha's relics from Venerable SanVaDo from Suyli Pagoda (Myanmar). This is an honor for Lo Son Pagoda in particular and local people in general, contributing to meeting the spiritual cultural enjoyment needs of local people as well as tourists.

Lo Son Pagoda. Photo: TT

Ms. Ngo Thi Buoi in block 11, Cua Nam ward, Vinh city, who often makes pilgrimages to Lo Son pagoda, said: "Although the pagoda has only been renovated for 2 years, the scenery of Lo Son pagoda has changed very beautifully, the scenery of the mountains and rivers is charming, coming to the pagoda gives a feeling of spiritual liberation." Ms. Hoang Thi Thu in block 6, Nghi Tan ward, Cua Lo town, said: "I have been attached to this pagoda for a long time, our people are very proud to have this pagoda, the pagoda is very sacred. Every month on the 15th and 1st of the lunar month, we return to the pagoda to offer incense and pray for peace for our children and grandchildren. Since the abbot came here, the sacredness of the pagoda has been further honored."

The pagoda festival is usually held on the full moon day of the fourth and seventh lunar months every year. On these days, monks, nuns, and Buddhists from everywhere come here to make a pilgrimage, bathe the Buddha together, and release flower lanterns to pray for peace and happiness for every home, and to bring peace to all living beings. Visitors can come here to visit the pagoda and enjoy the scenery, because Lo Son pagoda is not only famous for its sacredness but also has beautiful scenery and charming scenery that makes everyone's soul become peaceful, all worries in life disappear. With a history of hundreds of years, Lo Son pagoda has been listed as one of the ancient pagodas of the province. Since 2001, the pagoda has received support from functional agencies and many kind-hearted people with a total budget of 800 million VND to build the campus and restore the pagoda. However, at present, the restoration and construction of Lo Son pagoda still faces many difficulties. Venerable Thich Minh Huong - Abbot of Lo Son Pagoda - Cua Lo Town said: "Previously this area was large, it was the land of the pagoda, but due to the war, people built houses and doors, now the campus has become too narrow. The pagoda hopes that the organization and leaders of the ward and town authorities will pay attention to expanding the campus to be wider."

In order for Lo Son Pagoda to last through time and preserve its inherent beauty, it needs more attention from relevant levels and sectors. This is also a way to retain tourists when they come to Cua Lo.

Dam Hien