In Hanoi, there are many large, famous and sacred pagodas. In particular, there are 2 pagodas located about 35km apart with many similar features and the same abbot, causing many people to confuse their names. They are Khai Nguyen Pagoda (Son Dong Commune, Son Tay Town, Hanoi) and Chua Tan Vien Pagoda (Minh Quang Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi).
Image of Khai Nguyen Pagoda on the left, and Tan Vien Pagoda on the right.
According to the temple representative, for many years, when mentioning Khai Nguyen Temple, people often mistakenly think that this temple has another name, Tan Vien Temple. Also, both temples have the same abbot, Venerable Thich Dao Thinh, and the Dharma propagation activities at the two temples organized by the Venerable have many similarities, such as preaching, organizing Dharma assemblies, and specialized courses for Buddhists.
In addition, both temples have a Great Statue placed in a high position of the temple, with the beauty of ancient and modern architecture combined, making the two temples have many similarities. Perhaps this is the reason for this interesting confusion.
It is known that Khai Nguyen Pagoda was formerly called "Co Lieu Tu" commonly known as Cheo Pagoda, located in Tay Ninh Village - Son Dong Commune - Son Tay Town - Hanoi City, close to the historical site of Mang Son Temple. The Pagoda dates back to the first half of the 16th century.
Over time, the pagoda has been restored and embellished many times by the people and Buddhists. Currently, the oldest historical relics of the pagoda are two stone steles: one was carved in the 19th year of Canh Hung (1759); one was carved in the 14th year of Gia Long (1816) and the bronze bell was cast in the 22nd year of Tu Duc (1870).
Up to now, this pagoda has been renovated and embellished, with the highlight being the 72m high Great Buddha Statue called Amitabha Buddha Statue for World Peace.
About Tan Vien Pagoda, the full name of which is “Tan Vien Son Quoc Tu”. This is an ancient pagoda that has existed for thousands of years. Tan Vien Son Pagoda is located in a very beautiful position on the Ba Vi mountain range - Hanoi.
Tan Vien Pagoda also has a large Buddha statue about 35m high, located right in the temple grounds, with the name Dai Thong Tri Thang Nhu Lai.
It is known that this is an ancient pagoda dating back to the Ly Dynasty (first half of the 11th century). The pagoda still has many ancient features.
The shape and patterns on the tiled roofs of Tan Vien Pagoda and Khai Nguyen Pagoda are similar.
Inside the temple's electric space, the horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences..., are also similar.
In particular, both Tan Vien and Khai Nguyen pagodas have statues made from precious jade.
Although both temples have many similar features and carvings, each temple has its own unique beauty.
If Khai Nguyen Pagoda has a solemn beauty in the middle of a peaceful countryside, Tan Vien Pagoda is like a lotus flower lying majestically in the middle of a vast forest.
Some pictures at Tan Vien Pagoda.
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