Visiting the sacred temple on the top of Tu Va
(Baonghean.vn) - After a period of restoration, Huong Pagoda, also known as Stone Pagoda in My Thanh Commune, Yen Thanh District, has gradually regained its ancient beauty, becoming a destination for Buddhists and tourists from all over the world to worship Buddha and explore the ancient relic complex in Tu Va Cave.
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| Huong Pagoda, in addition to the name of Stone Pagoda (because it was built on a rock mountain), also has another name, Mu Chau Pagoda, to commemorate the merit of the founder of the pagoda, Mrs. Chau Nuong - wife of General, Grand Tutor Tran Quang Khai. According to local elders, the name "Mu Chau Pagoda" confirms that the pagoda was built during the Tran Dynasty with an ancient history. |
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| Huong Pagoda is located on the top of Troc Xoi - a mountain in the northwest of Tu Va range. Legend has it that when it was first built, the pagoda only had two small houses to worship Buddha, but it was famous for its sacredness. Every time people from all over the world came to Tu Va to enjoy the scenery, they would stop by the pagoda to worship. Later, the pagoda was built into two large buildings, the front worshiping Buddha, the back worshiping the Holy Ladies. During the resistance war against the US, the pagoda completely collapsed. After more than half a century, only the traces of the yard and the precarious stone altar on the top of the mountain remained. In 2017, the Provincial People's Committee approved the restoration of Huong Pagoda. In the photo: Maitreya Tower built on the foundation of the ancient pagoda. |
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| Today, visiting Huong Pagoda, looking from afar up to Tu Va peak, visitors will see new architectural works have sprung up. In the vast green of the pine hills are Maitreya, Ngu Hanh Son, and the Buddha chanting hall... |
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| Existing for hundreds of years, Huong Pagoda is not only a vivid testament to the depth of sediments of an ancient land but also the pride of local people during the years of revolutionary struggle. During the Nghe Tinh Soviet period, Huong Pagoda - a solemn and discreet place on the top of Tu Va was a place to hide and shelter cadres, a secret base of Tru Phap village, and a rear base of local Party cells. During the resistance war against the US, with its special location, the pagoda was also a place where soldiers and militiamen set up anti-aircraft artillery positions and controlled enemy aircraft... |
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| The 80-meter-long Ngu Hanh Son project not only adds to the diverse landscape, but also helps prevent landslides for the pagoda. |
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| The temple on the mountain also has many flowers, all kinds of which are brought here to be cared for, blooming and spreading fragrance in the space of meditation. |
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| Nun Thich Nu Hue Tinh, who works at Huong Pagoda, said: From the vestiges of the yard on the top of a high mountain, without electricity, without water, if you fall while surveying, you will roll down the hill, the construction is extremely difficult and costly... but after more than 2 years of united construction, Huong Pagoda has gradually changed its appearance, regaining its ancient beauty. It is a result of everyone's tireless efforts and determination for the propagation of Buddhism. |
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| Located in the Tu Va cave relic complex with a long history, sacred and romantic landscape, Huong Pagoda has been and will be an attractive destination, attracting tourists when returning to the rice homeland. In the photo: Standing on the Huong Pagoda yard, you can see a panoramic view of the mountains, rivers, clouds and sky of Nghe An. |
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| The reconstruction of Huong Pagoda, along with the practice and volunteer activities, has led the people in the surrounding area to return to Buddhism, to the spirit of compassion, joy, and love of Buddha. Every month on the new and full moon days or major holidays (Spring, Buddha's birthday, Vu Lan), Buddhists and visitors from all over the world happily come to the pagoda to worship Buddha, pray for peace, and create a harmonious and beautiful lifestyle in the villages. |
