The sacred Lo Son Pagoda

(Baonghean) - Lo Son Pagoda, also known as Pho Am Tu, was built during the Le Dynasty and is located in Van Loc village, Chan Loc district, now Block 6, Nghi Tan ward, Cua Lo town. The pagoda is of moderate size, serene, and sacred, situated in a beautiful location, nestled against Lo Son mountain and facing north.

The pagoda is a place where the people of Van Loc village, Buddhist monks and nuns, and visitors from all over entrust their faith, pray for peace and prosperity. In 2005, the pagoda was classified as a Provincial-level Historical and Cultural Relic. Notably, in early spring of the Year of the Rabbit 2011, the pagoda was honored to receive a Buddha relic from Venerable SanVaDo of Suyli Pagoda (Myanmar). This was a great honor for Lo Son Pagoda in particular and the local people in general, contributing to meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of the local people and tourists.

Lo Son Pagoda. Photo: TT

Ms. Ngo Thi Buoi, residing in Block 11, Cua Nam Ward, Vinh City, who frequently makes pilgrimages to Lo Son Pagoda, said: “Although the pagoda was only renovated two years ago, the scenery at Lo Son Pagoda has changed beautifully. The landscape of rivers and mountains is picturesque, and visiting the pagoda gives a feeling of spiritual serenity.” Ms. Hoang Thi Thu, residing in Block 6, Nghi Tan Ward, Cua Lo Town, added: “I have been attached to this pagoda for a long time. We are very proud to have this pagoda; it is very sacred. Every month, on the 15th and 1st, we come to the pagoda to offer incense and pray for peace and safety for our children and grandchildren. Since the head monk came here, the sacredness of the pagoda has been further enhanced.”

The temple festival is usually held on the 15th day of the 4th and 7th lunar months each year. On these days, monks, nuns, and Buddhists from all over make pilgrimages here to perform rituals, bathe the Buddha statue, and release floating lanterns, praying for peace and happiness for all families and for the well-being of all beings. Visitors can also visit the temple and enjoy the scenery, as Lo Son Temple is not only famous for its sacredness but also boasts beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenery that soothe the soul and dispel life's worries. With a history spanning hundreds of years, Lo Son Temple has been listed as one of the ancient temples of the province. Since 2001, the temple has received support from relevant authorities and many benefactors, with a total funding of 800 million VND for the construction of the temple grounds and its restoration. However, the restoration and construction of Lo Son Temple still face many difficulties. Venerable Thich Minh Huong, Abbot of Lo Son Pagoda in Cua Lo Town, said: “Previously, this area was vast and belonged to the pagoda, but due to the war, people built houses here, and now the grounds have become too cramped. The pagoda earnestly hopes that the local government and leaders at the ward and town levels will pay attention to expanding the grounds.”

For Lo Son Pagoda to endure over time and preserve its inherent beauty, greater attention from relevant authorities and sectors is essential. This is also a way to retain tourists when they visit Cua Lo.

Dam Hien