Introduction:

Chua Ca, also known as Thanh An Pagoda, stands as a renowned Buddhist temple adjacent to the village temple of Vi Hoang in the district of Vi Hoang, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province. Not only is it a place of religious practice for numerous monks within the province, but it also serves as a revered site for pilgrims from various corners of the world.

History:

Chua Ca boasts a rich history, dating back to the Tran dynasty. According to inscriptions on the temple, during the sixth year of Mac Phuc Nguyen's reign (1553), the pagoda was originally situated in Ben Ngu, serving as a place of meditation for some consorts and princesses from the Tran dynasty. However, due to changes in the landscape and environmental factors, the pagoda was relocated to its current position, nestled against a bamboo forest overlooking a lotus pond.

Architecture:

The architectural style of Chua Ca follows the modern Dinh script, with the main facade dedicated to the worship of Buddha. To the right, there is a shrine dedicated to Thanh Vien, while to the left stands a shrine honoring Cao Mang Dai Vuong, a general under the command of Linh Lang during the Tran dynasty. The temple underwent renovations during the Khai Dinh era (1914-1925), and since 1982, it has been extensively reconstructed, serving as a center for meditation and worship for monks within the province, as well as attracting tourists and pilgrims from afar.

Present Traces:

The Buddha Hall is adorned with solemn decorations, and the temple preserves many valuable ancient statues and artifacts. The current architecture, reconstructed in 1982 on a large scale, caters to the needs of monks in their pursuit of knowledge and meditation, as well as providing a place for worship for the local community, tourists, and spiritual seekers from distant places.

Abbot:

The current abbot of Thanh An Pagoda is Venerable Thich Hanh Nghiem, who also holds the position of the Head of the Buddhist Affairs Committee in Nam Dinh Province. His leadership contributes significantly to the temple's development and the maintenance of its sacred atmosphere.

Chua Ca is not merely an architectural gem; it stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and faith within the Buddhist community in Nam Dinh, enriching the cultural and spiritual landscape of Vietnam.

Source : https://chonthieng.com/dia-diem/chua-ca-thanh-an-tu-nam-dinh/
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