Emergency protection of National Treasures after fire at Pho Quang Pagoda

On October 23, after receiving a report about the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda (Zone 4, Xuan Lung Commune, Lam Thao District) that damaged many clay and wooden statues, the Department of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Document No. 1171/DSVH-DT dated October 23, 2024 on the fire at Xuan Lung National Monument, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province.

Image of the stone Buddhist altar (lotus stone pedestal) with two broken corners after the fire at Pho Quang pagoda on the morning of October 23

Accordingly, the Department of Cultural Heritage requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho to direct the relevant agencies to coordinate with local authorities to urgently inspect the relic site and take immediate measures to protect the National Treasure, the Stone Buddha Altar. At the same time, assess the extent of damage and propose a solution to report to the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

After the fire, the National Treasure Stone Buddhist Altar (Lotus Stone Pedestal) had two broken corners of the 5th floor lotus petals and one corner of the 4th floor lotus petal.

Image of the stone Buddhist altar (lotus stone pedestal) before the fire

The Buddhist altar is made of green stone, 1.05m high, 1.23m wide and has a 5-tier structure assembled from 71 green stone slabs. The main image in the stone pedestal carving is a stylized lotus petal. Over the past 700 years, the ancient artisans have left to posterity a very unique antique, with profound artistic, technical and philosophical values.

Thuy Trang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/bao-ve-khan-cap-bao-vat-quoc-gia-sau-vu-hoa-hoan-tai-chua-pho-quang-221437.htm