Phúc Lâm Pagoda in Nam Dinh

Lương Pagoda, also known as Phúc Lâm Pagoda (also called Tram Gian Pagoda): The pagoda was built earliest in Quần Anh, around the late 15th century (1485-1500). Situated just north of the Lương market, it is also referred to as Lương Pagoda. When initially constructed, the pagoda was thatched with grass, later replaced with tiled roofing.

Initially modest in scale, Lương Pagoda expanded gradually through multiple renovations. Inscriptions on the upper beam in 1634 state "Dương hoà nguyên niên" (Dương hoà origin year). According to engravings in Chính Hoà's third year (1682) and the fifth year (1684), there were temple repairs and the addition of two East and West corridors, stone altars, and various statues. In the early 19th and early 20th centuries, the pagoda underwent continuous renovations, with the most significant being the redirection of the pagoda towards the South.

Presently, the pagoda has a large scale, comprising 100 chambers, featuring architectural styles from various periods, with the most prominent being the Nguyen dynasty's styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. Built on beautiful and spacious land north of the pagoda is a clear-water lake, creating a picturesque reflection of the triple gate, "Thiên thạch đài trụ," and ancient trees, enhancing the overall beauty of the structure. The Lương Pagoda compound can be divided into two closely connected areas.

The main structures concentrated in these two areas include the main hall, three treasures hall, bell tower, rear hall, and two rows of East-West corridors linked with intersecting roofs, creating a harmonious architectural ensemble. The wall and roof materials are made of square Bát Tràng bricks with dimensions of 30cm x 30cm.

The most distinctive feature is the main hall, preserving the architectural style of the late Lê dynasty. The structure does not ascend vertically (in height) but expands horizontally, giving it a low profile with gently curved tiled roofs. The architecture is executed in the styles of "bẩy," "kẻ," "trụ non," and "câu đầu," typical of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The second area of Lương Pagoda includes the Quan Âm house, guest houses, monks' quarters, dormitories, and kitchens, comprising 49 large and small chambers built in the traditional architectural style of the people. To the north of the pagoda are dozens of tomb towers, integrated into the overall architecture of the pagoda. Visitors will find the well in front of Lương Pagoda intriguing due to its uniqueness: the well structure is made of stacked circular stone mortars. The well water is clear, pure, and is often used for ritual offerings to Buddha.

The overall architecture of Lương Pagoda, especially in the main area, demonstrates the refined skills and exquisite aesthetic sensibilities of folk artisans. This craftsmanship is evident in various aspects, such as creating the framework for various architectural elements, ensuring solidity and durability over centuries while maintaining a graceful and serene appearance. The skill in assembling, crafting intricate details at a high level ensures that the architectural components fit seamlessly, despite multiple renovations. This artistry is also reflected in the shaping of various elements like axe heads, pliers, pillars, capitals, beds, cornices, thatch, and corners.

The sculpture art is equally remarkable, especially on the architectural elements, notably the pillars of the main hall featuring carved dragon images in various poses: dragons holding the moon, dragons swirling in water, bearded dragons, dragons clasping pearls, flying dragons, and dragons frolicking with mythical creatures like horses and birds. The image of the majestic "hổ phù" (tiger) is particularly outstanding.

The Buddha statues in the pagoda are placed on a system of floor bridges, depicting vivid poses closely connected to daily life. Large statues such as A Di Đà, the four Boddhisattvas, the eight Vajras, and the guardian deities showcase a distinct style and artistic talent. In addition to the valuable artistic Buddha statues, mention must be made of three statues of the Three Saints, the enlightened patriarch, various altars, and other worship statues.

The two rows of East-West corridors house a large number of stone steles with significant cultural value. In total, there are nearly 40 steles, categorizable into two groups: "Square steles with carved statues" and "Round steles with recorded contributions." The rich content of the steles includes not only the contributions of those who devoted effort to building the pagoda but also commemorates the enlightening contributions of the four patriarchs, detailing the number of renovations, upgrades to the pagoda, the process of land reclamation, and reflects various aspects of the lives of the Quần Anh people. Due to the large number of steles, the ancestors of Quần Anh divided them into three groups based on the reign's era: Hồng Thuận group, Chính Hoà group, Cảnh Hưng group.

When initially constructed, Lương Pagoda comprised only five thatched chambers. Over time, the pagoda has expanded to over a hundred chambers. In front of the pagoda is a stone-built lake with winding trees around it, resembling a mirror reflecting the "Thiên đài thạch trụ." For 500 years, the pagoda has remained hidden behind majestic ancient trees. From a distance, only the gate and the Triple Gate of the pagoda can be seen. The architecture of Lương Pagoda carries the distinct style of the 17th and 18th centuries. The pagoda faces south, divided into two closely connected parts. The pagoda preserves an impressive collection of 79 rare Buddha statues. The vividly sculpted statues reflect the five stages of Buddhist practice: birth, present, past, nirvana...

About 100 meters away, there is a bridge named Ngói (Tile) Bridge, an invaluable piece of architecture in Vietnam. As the bridge lies on the "Long" land, it is constructed with an entirely unique architecture. Also known as Thượng gia hạ kiều (Upper house under the bridge), Ngói Bridge is entirely made of ironwood, with a roof covered in dragon scale tiles. A total of nine large and small spans are intricately designed, displaying a sophisticated and refined craftsmanship. Notably, the bridge is entirely supported by 18 solid stone pillars. Each stone pillar is approximately 4 to 5 meters high, with the lower part deeply buried in the riverbed, and the upper part seamlessly fitting with the bridge body.

There is no adhesive material between the pillar and the bridge body. Ngói Bridge has a tight and meticulous structure, with precise craftsmanship. Wood and metalwork reach a high level of sophistication, creating a bridge frame that is both robust and graceful, curving like a dragon stretching its wings. The bridge serves both as a passage and a place for pedestrians to stop and rest, admiring the scenic river landscape.

Initially thatched, the bridge underwent renovations in the 17th century, aligning its scale with the scenery of Phúc Lâm Pagoda. Despite the passing years, it still bears the traditional architectural style of Vietnam, representing a unique heritage of the ancient Sơn Nam Hạ district and present-day Nam Dinh. "Cầu Nam, Chùa Bắc, Đình Đoài." Ngói Bridge and Lương Market Bridge are among the three most beautiful bridges in Northern Vietnam.

The historical and cultural heritage complex of Ngói Bridge - Lương Pagoda is a precious work with the achievements of labor, intelligence, creativity, and the skilled hands of the ancestors. Quần Anh's forefathers have left a cultural landmark that strongly embodies the local cultural identity.

In recent years, the historical site has welcomed many visitors from both domestic and international locations. The preservation and protection efforts by the site management and local people have ensured its enduring existence.

Since ancient times, Lương Pagoda has been a unique and fascinating landscape of Nam Dinh. Every year, in March, the villagers organize a festival called "vào đám cầu phúc" (praying for national peace, favorable weather). Nowadays, the festival is held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of the third lunar month.

On March 26, 1990, Lương Pagoda was officially recognized as a historical and cultural relic by the state. The government allocates funds for renovation and maintenance to preserve the relic. The pagoda has become a popular attraction for tourists both domestically and internationally.

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Source: bodedaotrang.vn
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