Phu ly Khmer pagoda is the pagoda of Khmer ethnic people. Khmer people in Vinh Long have 13 Theravada Buddhist temples. In addition, the pagodas used to become places to house officers and soldiers. This is the basis of the revolution in the two resistance wars against France and America. Contributing to national liberation. The Khmer Vinh Long also owns many temple. With beautiful and sharp artistic architecture. Showing features in the visual arts has created an impression that attracts domestic and foreign tourists. Here, let’s learn about this temple with the Mekong Smile Tour!

Location of Phu Ly Pagoda

Phu ly Khmer pagoda is located in Dong Thanh commune, Binh Minh town, Vinh Long province. Starting from the center of Binh Minh town. Tourists go along Highway 54. Towards Tra On district about 10 minutes. You will see the welcome gate of Phu Ly hamlet. Entering the gate, continue for about 2 km to this pagoda located on the left. Although located deep in Phu Ly hamlet. This is a spiritual place that attracts many Buddhists and tourists to visit and worship.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Location of Phu Ly Pagoda

The important role of Phu Ly Pagoda

According to the Khmer people’s concept, the pagoda is the “second home” (live and leave the body, die in the temple). Therefore, Khmer pagodas play an important role in the lives and activities of the Khmer people. Besides, Phu ly Khmer pagoda is also one of the pagodas with beautiful and unique architecture. Bringing high aesthetic artistic value to the Khmer people in Vinh Long. Moreover, joining hands to pray sincerely in front of the image of Shakyamuni Buddha to make the mind more stable, and the heart more peaceful. Furthermore, this is also an opportunity for us to admire hear and understand more. Finally, the natural god is elaborately sculpted and carved on the unique architectural works of the temple.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
The important role of Phu Ly Pagoda

History of Phu Ly Pagoda

In 1653, Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda in Phu Ly squirrel had Khmer people come to live and settle down. According to Venerable Son Thang, the deputy abbot of the temple recounted. In the past, this place was very wild, there were many tigers, snakes and wild animals. Temple-goers must go in large groups, carrying weapons to prevent wild animals. Then the abbots set up flocks to drive away during the day, and at night the wild beasts were gone. Experiencing changes in history. The pagoda rebuilt to become the surface and majesty as it is today.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
History of Phu Ly Pagoda

The architecture of Phu Ly Pagoda

Senior monk Thach Thanh Tung, Abbot Phu ly Khmer pagoda said. The pagoda was built in 1672 the 17th century on an area of ​​more than 2 hectares. The pagoda was designed and built based on the architecture of India and Angkor Wat of Cambodia. Includes items:

  • Temple Gate
  • Presbytery
  • Sala
  • Eating hall
  • Bone tower
  • Flagpole complex
  • Statue of reclining Buddha, Buddha scene
  • Crematorium.

Surrounded by many star trees, oil, and jaggery. More than 100-year-old shading all year round. Create a dignified and ancient space for the temple. At this pagoda, the most prominent and important is the main hall. The main hall is a symbol of Mount Meru. A sacred mountain and the place where the gods come to practice Brahmin doctrine. Around the main hall are stupas that are lower in height than the main hall.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Architecture of Phu Ly Pagoda

The main hall – Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda

Phu Ly Khmer pagoda‘s main hall is built on a high foundation. Covered with bright yellow in the morning sun. Next, on the roof of the main hall, there is a tower top. Around the tower were decorated by artists. Then, embossed many images of dragons with their heads raised to the sides. The body of the dragon is decorated like a racing boat in the midst of the waves. The dragon’s tail curls and rises to the blue sky.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
The main hall

Kay No Goddess

Below the roof of the main hall of Phu Ly Khmer pagoda, there are many images of the goddess Kay No. With a pretty and gentle face. Having wings spread wide, legs standing straight, chest out in front. The two arms raised high to support the roof fringe, making the connection point between the columns and the roof of the main hall. Creating flexibility and lightness in the architectural art of the Khmer. Entering the main hall, we will see a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Sitting on the lotus throne in the posture of teaching the Dharma. Worshiped in the center of the main hall. The frescoes are decorated on the ceiling, on the door, column, porch.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Kay No Goddess

Krut bird statue

Visiting Phu Ly Khmer pagoda, Buddhists and tourists also notice the image of the god Krut bird. Also created as the goddess Kay No. But this is a human figure. The bird’s head. The main decoration at the top of the four corners of the main hall supports the roof of the main hall. In addition, there are hundreds of images of the bird god Krut. Embossed and decorated on the walls along the foot of the main hall. Around the main hall is a row of columns embossed with the golden image of the Four Faces God (Kabil Maha Brum). Next, the four faces of the god face the four directions East, West, South, and North. Thereby also conveying another meaning of representing love, compassion, joy, and equanimity in Buddhism. Then, the image of the bird god Krut and the goddess Kay No are symbols.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Krut bird statue

Flagpole complex

The highlight in the architectural art of Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda is also reflected in the flagpole system. Called the complex. Because the flagpole was built in the middle of the temple campus on a large yard. Surrounded by many statues of lions, goddesses, dragons, and Naga gods with the main yellow color. Next, this architectural complex is built on 3 layers of three levels. Furthermore, the bottom third class has the largest area with 8 lion statues placed in 4 directions. Outside the main hall are five buildings in the overall structure of the temple. Then, these houses are the accommodation, restrooms, working of the monks, and Luc Ca. Next, in the temple, there are daily classes for young monks to learn Khmer and Vietnamese characters.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Flagpole complex

Festivals take place every year at Phu Ly Pagoda

Every year, at Phu ly Khmer pagoda, many traditional cultural festivals of Khmer people take place such as:

  • Chol Chnam Thmay New Year
  • Sel Dolta
  • Ok Om Bok
  • Kathina cloth offering

In 2014, the pagoda was the host to organize the 5th Khmer Culture and Sports Festival of the Khmer people. Including many cultural, artistic, sports, and culinary activities.

Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Chol Chnam Thmay New Year
Phu ly Khmer pagoda in Vinh Long – The Buddhism Architecture
Kathina cloth offering

Above is an article about Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda. This is an ancient temple in Vinh Long. With a long history and unique architecture. Next, the temple is the ideal spiritual destination for tourists. At the end of the week, please arrange your work to come back to this place once. I’m sure you will have an unforgettable experience.

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