Chau Thoi Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient relic in Binh Duong Province which has romantic scenery, unique architecture and objects so it attract a large number of tourists.
Chau Thoi Pagoda is located on Chau Thoi Mountain in Binh An Commune, Di An District, Binh Duong Province, 82m above sea level, amidst an immense delta in the area bordering the provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City. It was initially a small pagoda built by Monk Khanh Long in 1681. Over 330 years, the pagoda has undergone many restorations and now has a large-scale architecture.
To arrive in the pagoda, tourists can walk on 220 concrete steps built by monks in 1971 or drive along another path . Most tourists like taking a stroll on the path shaded by greenish trees because they can enjoy the beautiful scenery and wholesome air on the mountain.
The path with 220 steps leading to Chau Thoi Pagoda shaded by rows of trees.
The pagoda’s three-entrance gate.
The Bodhisattva kuan-yin statue on a throne, 22.5m in height is displayed in the yard.
The statues of the Buddha and his disciples sitting at the foot of a bodhi tree .
The statue of Bodhissattva kuan-yin.
The giant golden dragons in the yard of the pagoda.
Chau Thoi Pagoda is the oldest in Binh Duong Province.
The complex of Chau Thoi Pagoda consists of some typical architiectural works.
A stone stele with a gold tortoise in the yard.
The image of cotta inlaid dragons decorated on the pagoda’s roof.
The pagoda has many stupas.
The pagoda is a famous destination in Binh Duong Province. |
The precinct of the pagoda is spacious and displays many Buddhist statues, including the highest statue in the province, Bodhisattva kuan-yin statue on a throne which is 22.5m in height and 100 tonnes in weight in the yard. From the pagoda, tourists can see part of Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa city, Thu Dau town and the winding Dong Nai River.
The pagoda has preserved about 55 valuable ancient objects, including two sets of ancient earthen Thap bat la han ( Arhat statues) and Thap dien Diem Vuong (Ten Kings of Hell), a statue of Bodhisattva Kuan-yin hundreds of years old, a statue of Ba Chua Xu made from green stone and three stone Buddha statues dating from the 18th century. It also has a great bell, 1.5tonnes in weight and 2m in height, cast in 1988 in the style of the one in Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue and a bronze bell cast in 2003 with a weight of 5tonnes.
With its unique position, serene beauty and cultural values, Chau Thoi Pagoda was ranked as a national relic in 1989.
Chau Thoi Pagoda is the place where an exhibition of sarira of Buddha and Buddhist monks together with 500 arhats was held in 2009. It was a sacred event for Vietnamese Buddhist followers because it is rarely held in Vietnam. After being displayed at Chau Thoi Pagoda, the sarira were then taken to be exhibited in many countries in the world and buried in Tay Tang. |
Story: Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: Thong Hai