Artistic Architectural Heritage - Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Complex, including Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu), Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu), located in Hanh Thien village, Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province.

Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda worships "pre-Buddha, post-Saint," in addition to Buddha, it also worships the Holy Ancestor - Zen Master Duong Khong Lo. According to historical records, Holy Ancestor Duong Khong Lo, posthumously known as Minh Nghiem, styled as Khong Lo, was born in Giao Thuy village, Hai Thanh district (Nam Dinh), and his mother's hometown was in Ninh Giang district (Hai Duong). Duong Khong Lo, with significant contributions to the Ly dynasty, was appointed by King Ly as the National Teacher and Grand Master. The people of Hanh Thien village venerate him as a deity - the sacred city god, a local hero who played a key role in establishing Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda and the village itself.

Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu): Originally named Nghiem Quang Pagoda, later changed to Than Quang Pagoda. According to historical sources and folklore, Duong Khong Lo initiated the construction of Nghiem Quang Pagoda in the year Tan Suu (1061) during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. After completion, the Holy Ancestor resided there. The pagoda was built in Giao Thuy, Hai Thanh district, so locally, it is also called Giao Thuy Pagoda (meaning the meeting point of fresh and saltwater during the tide). Due to the sound "Giao" having the Nôm pronunciation as "Keo," it is also known as Keo Pagoda. In the year Ky Hoi (1119), 25 years after Duong Khong Lo's passing, King Ly Nhan Tong ordered the restoration of Nghiem Quang Pagoda, offering 3,000 incense burners. In March of the year Dinh Hoi (1167), during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong, the pagoda was renamed Than Quang Pagoda and granted 5 fields for incense cultivation.
Through the prosperous periods of the Ly and Tran dynasties with Buddhism, in the years Mau Ty (1588) and Tan Hoi (1611), due to high water levels in the Red River causing levee breaches and floods, Than Quang Pagoda (Keo) was buried, after over 500 years of existence. After this event, the local people had to relocate to two places, establishing new villages. Some moved to the left bank of the Red River, creating Dung Nhue village (now Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district, Thai Binh province), and others moved to the right bank of the Red River, establishing Hanh Cung village later renamed Hanh Thien village during the reign of King Minh Menh (now Hamlet Hanh Thien, Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province). In both places, people built new pagodas with the same worship style of "pre-Buddha, post-Saint," and the architectural style "internal work, external nation," worshiping Zen Master Duong Khong Lo, and they retained the name Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu).

The oldest stele at the pagoda, "Tu Tao Than Quang Tu Bi Ky," composed on the 25th day of the eighth month, Hoang Dinh 13 (1613), during the reign of King Le Minh Tong, confirmed that Than Quang Pagoda had been built before that. The inscription also stated that the pagoda was a famous scenic spot in the region, having undergone many renovations and enhancements. In the year Mau Thin (1628), the tenth year of Vinh To's reign, during the reign of King Le Than Tong, the pagoda was renovated and expanded. By the year Tan Hoi (1671), the ninth year of Canh Tri's reign, during the reign of King Le Huyen Tong, the pagoda underwent major renovations, and architectural features of the 17th century were preserved in the Holy Shrine and the inner three gates, including the bell tower. In 1685, during the reign of King Le Hy Tong, the pagoda underwent minor renovations. In the year Nham Ngo (1702), the 23rd year of Chinh Hoa's reign, during the reign of King Le Hy Tong, the pagoda continued to be renovated, and a statue of Holy Ancestor Duong Khong Lo was cast.

In the 19th century, Than Quang Pagoda continued to be renovated, with the casting of ceremonial bells, the addition of statues, palanquins, and other worship items. In 1929, an extensive renovation and statue restoration were conducted by Truong Vien Dong Bac Co due to significant damage caused by a storm in 1929. In 1961, the ancestral hall (behind the Holy Shrine) was renovated, with inscriptions carved on the central beam. In 1971, the ancestral house was renovated. In 1992, a guesthouse was built. In 1997, the Holy Shrine and corridors were renovated. In 1998, the village built a traditional house. In 1999, a gate and walls around the garden in front of the pagoda were built.

Despite numerous renovations and changes, the Holy Shrine, three entrance gates, and the bell tower remain relatively intact and maintain the architectural style of the 17th century, reflecting the traditional architectural style of the Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Complex.

Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu): According to folklore and historical sources, during the reign of King Le Huyen Tong (1738-1740), due to warfare and devastating floods, Hanh Thien village faced difficulties. The local people prayed and begged the Holy Ancestor for assistance. In a dream, Zen Master Duong Khong Lo instructed them to construct a new pagoda, representing the right faction, named Dinh Lan Pagoda (meaning spiritual assistance for the village). In response, the villagers established Dinh Lan Pagoda near the old Keo Pagoda.
The construction of Dinh Lan Pagoda commenced in the year Ky Dau (1749) and was completed in the year Canh Dan (1750). The pagoda underwent renovations in 1778, 1850, 1883, and 1941. In 1959, the pagoda underwent extensive renovations, with the participation of the villagers. In 1992, the main hall was renovated. In 1999, the gate and walls around the garden in front of the pagoda were built. Although the pagoda has undergone many renovations, it still retains its traditional architectural features.

The pagoda complex is located in Hanh Thien village, Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. The complex is situated on a total area of 24,347 m2, with the main entrance facing the north. The entire complex includes Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu) and Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu).

The two pagodas share the same space and form a harmonious complex. The complex is surrounded by walls and has a gate on the north side. The Holy Shrine of Keo Pagoda is located at the center, while the Outer Keo Pagoda is to the right of the Holy Shrine.

The Holy Shrine of Keo Pagoda has a rectangular shape, with the width being larger than the depth. The pagoda is built on a high foundation with stone steps leading to the entrance gate. The entire structure is made of wood, with the roof covered in traditional yin-yang tiles. The main hall is divided into three sections: the front hall (before the statue of Holy Ancestor Duong Khong Lo), the middle hall (housing the statues of the Three Jewels), and the rear hall (housing the statues of Buddhas). The pillars, beams, and rafters are intricately carved with various motifs, reflecting the skillful craftsmanship of artisans from the Ly and Tran dynasties.

The three entrance gates of Keo Pagoda are also made of wood and exhibit sophisticated carvings. The gate facing the north is the main entrance, while the other two gates face the east and west. The carvings on the gates depict various scenes from Buddhist stories, such as the life of Buddha, dragons, clouds, and flowers. The bell tower of Keo Pagoda is located to the left of the Holy Shrine. The tower is also made of wood and is adorned with intricate carvings.

The Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu) has a similar architectural style to Keo Pagoda. It is also built on a high foundation with stone steps leading to the entrance gate. The pagoda has a rectangular shape, with the roof covered in yin-yang tiles. The main hall of Outer Keo Pagoda is divided into three sections, similar to Keo Pagoda. The pillars, beams, and rafters are elaborately carved with various motifs.

Overall, the Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Complex, including Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu) and Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu), is a remarkable example of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. The complex showcases the skillful craftsmanship of artisans from the Ly and Tran dynasties, with intricately carved wooden structures and beautiful decorations. The preservation of the traditional architectural features, despite numerous renovations, reflects the deep cultural and historical significance of the pagoda complex in the local community.

The Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Complex has been recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam. The complex attracts visitors and pilgrims who come to admire its architectural beauty, learn about its historical background, and participate in religious activities. The pagoda complex stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and the enduring legacy of Buddhist traditions in the region.

Source: https://xuantruong.namdinh.gov.vn/di-tich-lich-su-van-hoa/di-tich-quoc-gia-dac-biet-chua-keo-hanh-thien-288516
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