Characteristics of Hang Pagoda of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam
Nowadays, many pagodas have been restored, so the architecture has changed somewhat, but in general, the basic principles are still maintained, the characteristics of national traditions are still intact. The Khmer people in the South consider the pagoda as their breath. Looking at the pagodas in the villages, we can know the life, culture and art of the people here.
The main structure of the Khmer pagoda with a 3-layer roof, the corners of the dragon's tail are curved, creating an airy space so that there is a lot of light from the outside shining in, making the space inside the pagoda even more sparkling and magical. The main hall of the pagoda is also shaped like an isosceles triangle, the Khmer people believe that the triangle symbolizes the most complete and perfect (as the main hall always has the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the 3 most noble positions in life).
In short, the overall architecture of the Khmer pagoda also has 3 main parts: roof, columns (the body of the pagoda) and foundation. The motifs and sculptures are mainly inspired by the history of Buddha's life, while the flowers, leaves, clouds and water are taken from the present life of the Khmer community, so looking at the pagoda we have a feeling of lightness and liveliness, containing a source of intense, bright energy.
The architectural beauty of the pagoda partly reflects the unique aesthetic creativity of the Khmer people, as well as the thoughts, feelings and culture of the Khmer people in the South.
Hang Pagoda in Hamlet 3, Chau Thanh Town, Chau Thanh District, Tra Vinh Province, 5km south of Tra Vinh town center is such a pagoda.
This is an ancient Khmer pagoda, located on a 10-hectare land, with many ancient trees and a gathering place for many species of birds. Hang Pagoda is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Tra Vinh province.
The pagoda is also called Mong Ray (Kamponyixprdle), but the locals here call it Hang Pagoda because the architecture of the pagoda gate resembles a cave. The pagoda grounds are large, half of the area is natural forest, with tall, dense trees, a gathering place for many species of birds. The main gate faces the riverbank, the side gate is built with arches and very thick walls. On both sides of the main gate are two life-sized Yak statues. Yak is a monster with bulging eyes, long fangs, wearing armor, holding a stick, very ferocious but was converted by Buddha and made a guard.
The role of the pagoda in the village is very important, the pagoda is responsible for moral education and preserving cultural and artistic traditions. Khmer youth have to practice in the pagoda for a few years before they can be considered adults, a condition to easily find a wife. In the pagoda grounds, there is a very large school for children. In the pagoda there are also about twenty small stilt houses, each house has just enough space for one person, where Khmer men can enter one house at a time, stay for a month to pray and purify their souls.
In the past, the yard of Hang Pagoda had countless bats coming to roost. During Tet Mau Than (1968), a bomb fell on the pagoda and the bats flew away in terror. Today, thousands of storks have returned, roosting on the trees every afternoon. Some days, the pagoda picks up a few dozen baby storks, the monks raise them until they are strong enough and then release them. Only the bats are gone.
According to Daidoanket-M