Chua Dau – A Temple Linked to the History of the Country
According to the Cultural Heritage Department, Chua Dau, also known as Co Chau Pagoda, Dien Ung Pagoda, Phap Van Pagoda, and Thien Dinh Pagoda, is located in Khuong Tu Village, Thanh Khuong Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province and is classified as a special national historical site.
According to ancient records, the temple was built in the Dau area (Luy Lau) in the early 2nd century A.D., during the Si Nhiep Period (Han Dynasty). It is considered the first Buddhist center in Vietnam and is closely associated with the formation and development of Vietnamese Buddhism.
The temple is located on high, spacious, and flat land with beautiful scenery. It faces west and features a combination of Vietnamese and foreign architectural styles. It includes the three gates, the front hall (ceremonial vestibule), Hoa Phong tower, Tam bao, rear hall, two corridors, as well as auxiliary buildings such as the Mother and Ancestor House, guest house, tower garden, temple pond, and enclosure walls.
This temple holds the record for being the oldest ancient temple in Vietnam and is considered the first Buddhist center in the country. In 2013, it was recognized as a national historical site.
This temple is a fusion of various Buddhist traditions from China, India, and Vietnam. The temple worships four deities: Cloud Deity, Thunder Deity, Death Deity, and Rain Deity, which are all agricultural deities worshiped by people to pray for favorable weather conditions.
It can be said that this ancient temple has gone through many ups and downs throughout its thousands of years of history. Despite being damaged by wars and eroded by time, the spiritual and cultural values of this temple have been well-preserved.
Bac Ninh is known as the kingdom of traditional festivals with nearly 600 festivals taking place throughout the year. Some notable festivals include the Dau Festival, Den Do Festival, Lim Festival, Kinh Duong Vuong Festival, Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival, Vua Ba Temple – Water Fairy Quan Ho Clan, Dong Ky Firecracker Festival, Nga Hoang Boat Racing Festival, and Traditional Tug of War Festival. These festivals typically take place in the spring with solemn processions and ceremonies.
Experiences for Visitors at Chua Dau
When visiting this special temple, there are many interesting things to experience and explore:
Explore the surroundings of Chua Dau
Chua Dau is built in a characteristic architectural style that bears the imprint of ancient temples. After renovations and construction, the temple features intricate sculptures and architecture from the Le – Nguyen dynasties.
The temple courtyard area
Next to the entrance, the impressive three-story Hoa Phong tower stands approximately 17 meters tall. The tower is made of bell-fired bricks, and the bell and statues inside the tower were cast in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is closely tied to the local saying, “No matter where you go, as long as you see the tower of Chua Dau, you will return.”
The front hall area
The front hall consists of seven spacious chambers with layouts and sculptures from the Nguyen era. This area includes golden statues, an auspicious statue, a righteous statue, and the statue of Duc Thanh Hien, all with vivid shapes. It is followed by the worship area of 10 divine statues, the incense house, and the statue of Mac Dinh Chi, a famous figure who contributed to the temple’s restoration.
The upper palace area
The upper palace is built on the highest point, and it is a three-room structure with curved roofs, resembling a lotus bud. The interior features a large statue of Bà Dâu, also known as the Law Fairy, and the statue of Phap Vu on the left hand side.
Below the altar of Bà Dâu, there is a statue of Kim Dong Ngoc Nu (a legendary female warrior) and a box of Thach Quang. These statues are arranged symmetrically, reflecting the solemn and distinctive beauty of the Vietnamese people.
Additionally, it would be remiss not to mention the 18 statues of arhats placed along the two corridors in the rear hall and the front hall. These statues are portrayed in various dynamic postures, each with vibrant colors.
Participate in the Chua Dau Festival
Every year, the Chua Dau Festival takes place on a large scale from the 8th to the 9th day of the fourth lunar month. During this time, the largest temples in Bac Ninh that worship Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Luat, Phap Dien, and the Buddhist Mother Man Nuong will choose Chua Dau as the central location for their processions.
When talking about the artistic statues at Chua Dau, it would be incomplete without mentioning the 18 statues of arhats placed along the two corridors in the rear hall and the front hall. These statues are portrayed in various dynamic postures with vibrant colors.
Tips for Visiting Chua Dau
There are some specific rules when visiting Chua Dau, so please take note of the following:
When entering the temple gate, use the right entrance, and when exiting, use the left entrance. Do not use the middle entrance.
Do not touch or climb on the temple statues.
Offer incense sincerely without any grand gestures. The local custom is to offer flowers, incense, and cakes. Follow the instructions and arrangement of the temple.
Preserve the landscape and solemn atmosphere of the temple by refraining from joking, speaking loudly, plucking leaves or breaking branches, and littering.
Maintain a pure mind and make positive wishes.
When visiting the temple, dress modestly and avoid flashy and revealing outfits, including short skirts. Avoid wearing shorts above the knee or clothes with thin straps.
