The temple has a unique 'overlapping' architecture in the West

With its 'overlapping' architecture, La Han Pagoda, in Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City (formerly Ward 8, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang) looks like a majestic and splendid palace in the middle of the river delta region.

Cultural exchange of three ethnic groups

La Han Pagoda is considered a unique pagoda in the West because it gathers many works and miniatures that are harmoniously arranged, from Buddha statues, dharma instruments to animals, gods, saints... Each item contains a profound philosophy. This is the crystallization of creativity and rich imagination of artisans and architects when selecting and absorbing the quintessence from famous complexes across the country.

La Han Pagoda has a rare "multiple roofs" architecture in the West.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

La Han Pagoda was built in 1952 by Chinese elders, with an initial area of ​​1,000 ^m2 . After many renovations and expansions, in 1956, the pagoda was rebuilt with wood and tiles. In 1990, the people continued to contribute to build the main hall to worship Buddha Shakyamuni and the temple to worship Thien Hau, increasing the area to 2,000 ^m2 .

Large campus with many miniatures

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Entering the new era, the need for religious activities is increasing, La Han Pagoda continues to be expanded. In 2012, the pagoda campus reached a scale of 7,000 ^m2 , spacious and massive, becoming one of the typical spiritual works of the Chinese community in the West.

The phoenix is ​​shaped by combining natural and colored stones. The tail is made of colored stones that spread out to form a stone niche to worship Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus pedestal.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Majestic "multi-storey" architecture in the West

The most prominent feature of the pagoda is the multi-layered tiled roof architecture, called "trung thiem diep oc", a traditional Vietnamese architectural style. Every decorative detail on the tiled roof, pillars, and railings is intricately carved according to traditional art.

Standing out in the middle of the temple grounds is the majestic beauty of a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in a sitting position, calling for peace , freedom, and equality.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

The pagoda has two separate floors. The upper floor worships Buddha Shakyamuni, the Eighteen Arhats, the Supreme Elder Lord and Bodhisattvas. The lower floor worships the Goddess of Heaven, the White Monkey, the God of Warmth... This division of classes is both in accordance with feng shui and reflects the diverse beliefs of the Chinese people.

The Great Wall of China in miniature

PHOTO: DUY TAN

The temple space is also decorated with elaborate works of art. On the left is a phoenix statue made from natural rocks, its tail spread out to form a stone niche to worship Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. On the right is a giant dragon statue inlaid with sparkling ceramic pieces, a masterpiece showing the ingenuity and creativity of local artisans.

The interior is elaborately decorated.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Cultural and spiritual center of the community

Not only a pilgrimage site, La Han Pagoda is also a center for community bonding. Every Lantern Festival, the pagoda's atmosphere is bustling with lantern processions, stupa erection, and blessing cake distribution, rituals that wish for peace and prosperity for every family. On Vu Lan Festival, the pagoda organizes rice and salt distribution for poor households, spreading the spirit of "the rich help the poor".

Place of worship of Buddha Shakyamuni

PHOTO: DUY TAN

In addition, the pagoda's board of directors regularly mobilizes contributions to build houses of gratitude, support the scholarship fund, and award scholarships to poor but studious students. These charitable activities have helped La Han Pagoda become a spiritual support and a refuge for humanity in Soc Trang .

Place of worship of the Eighteen Arhats, Supreme Elder Lord and Bodhisattvas

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Thanks to its impressive architecture and profound historical and cultural values, La Han Pagoda is increasingly attracting a large number of visitors. For young people, this is a new "check-in coordinate". For tourists from all over the world, this is an opportunity to learn about cultural diversity and experience a peaceful and serene space.

Place of worship of Thien Hau Nuong Nuong

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Not only stopping at religious values, La Han Pagoda also contributes to promoting local tourism in a sustainable direction, connecting culture - history - spirituality. On the journey to explore the West, visiting La Han Pagoda, visitors feel like they are lost in a majestic palace in real life - a place that preserves the architecture, art and soul of the Chinese community in Vietnam.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoi-chua-co-kien-truc-trung-thiem-diep-oc-doc-dao-o-mien-tay-185250911090515691.htm