Quynh Lam Pagoda, an ancient and famous temple nestled in the Dong Trieu arc

1 Overview of what you need to know about Quynh Lam Pagoda historical site

1.1 Brief introduction to Quynh Lam Pagoda

Address: Binh Khe Ward, Quang Ninh Province 

Established: 12th century

Quynh Lam Pagoda, also known as Nhat Tru Pagoda, is located in Binh Khe Ward, Quang Ninh Province (formerly Trang An Ward, Dong Trieu Town). The pagoda captivated me with its majestic beauty, situated on high ground with picturesque feng shui. 

According to what I learned, the ancient Quynh Lam Pagoda is part of the Special National Relic complex of the Tran Dynasty in Dong Trieu. This place has long been famous as a sacred sanctuary attracting numerous monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers from all over on pilgrimages. 

Quynh Lam Pagoda impressed me with its tranquil ambiance and profoundly Vietnamese cultural architecture. It was once hailed as the "Foremost scenic antiquity of the Southern Sky" and was historically the largest Buddhist center in Dai Viet. The pagoda is also regarded as the first Buddhist university in our country. 

1.2 History of formation and the role of Quynh Lam Pagoda

According to my research, Quynh Lam Pagoda has spanned multiple historical dynasties, leaving behind unique cultural imprints. Below are the distinct marks that this pagoda recorded under each historical dynasty. 

The Ly Dynasty 

The pagoda was initially founded during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong or Ly Than Tong, with National Preceptor Nguyen Minh Khong (Ly Quoc Su) playing a major role in its establishment. He commissioned the casting of a giant bronze Buddha statue standing up to 20 meters tall, which was regarded as one of the Four Great Treasures of An Nam. 

The Tran Dynasty 

The pagoda flourished brilliantly and was closely associated with the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect. According to the records I gathered, in 1317, the Second Patriarch Phap Loa established Quynh Lam Vien. This was the largest center for training talented monks, lecturing on the Dharma, translating, and carving printing blocks for Buddhist scriptures at that time. 

Subsequent periods

The pagoda suffered destruction numerous times due to fires and wars (particularly during the Ming domination period and in the mid-20th century). The present-day pagoda has been reconstructed on a fairly grand scale using timber. 

2 Directions for traveling to Quynh Lam Pagoda

Quynh Lam Pagoda is located quite close to the central residential area, making it fairly easy to find. You can travel here from Dong Trieu railway station, a distance of only about 1.5 km taking around 4 minutes. Route: Dong Trieu Station - Quynh Lam Street - turn right into the path leading to Quynh Lam Pagoda.

3 Architectural highlights and precious artifacts at Quynh Lam Pagoda

Quynh Lam Pagoda is one of the historical and cultural monuments of enduring value with unique architecture. Join MIA.vn in discovering the architectural highlights and priceless relics at this pagoda! 

3.1 Overall architecture of Quynh Lam Pagoda

Quynh Lam Pagoda is an ancient scenic temple featuring the most imposing architecture in the Eastern Region. I felt that the architecture here is notably impressive, situated on "throne-shaped" terrain atop a hill within the Dong Trieu mountain arc. The pagoda is surrounded by hills and mountains, facing a large lake that creates an impressive feng shui posture of gathering water. 

The major Quynh Lam Pagoda project completed in 2020 transformed this site into one of the largest wooden pagodas in Northern Vietnam. According to the information I gathered, the construction utilized more than 1500 m3 of premium ironwood. 

Along the main architectural axis of Quynh Lam Pagoda, I found structures such as the Front Hall, Middle Hall, and Rear Sanctuary. The Front Hall is the Shakyamuni Buddha Hall with a massive wooden column structure, highlighted by two pillars crafted from rare cupressus wood. 

The Middle Hall of Quynh Lam Pagoda is the Maitreya Buddha Hall, which serves as a worship hall for the Buddhas of the Three Times in an impressive space. Finally, the Rear Sanctuary features the Lapislazuli Buddha Hall, housing the largest monolithic jade Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Vietnam. 

Alongside these halls, supporting structures such as the Three-Entrance Gate, Bell Tower, Ancestral House, and connecting side corridors all left a deep impression on me. These components strictly adhere to traditional Buddhist architecture, characterized by curving eaves and lotus-petal-shaped tiles. 

3.2 Monolithic jade Buddha statue

What felt most special to me at Quynh Lam Pagoda is the largest monolithic jade Buddha statue in Vietnam. This is one of the most prominent spiritual treasures in the Special National Relic site of the Tran Dynasty. 

According to the information I gathered, the jade Buddha statue has a total weight of about 3.8 tons and stands around 2.2 meters tall. This statue was offered to the pagoda as a devout donation by Vingroup. 

The jade Buddha statue was carved from a single block of nephrite jade mined in Northern Vancouver (Canada). From my observation, the statue was meticulously and exquisitely sculpted by talented artisans from Nepal, India, and Thailand. 

3.3 Stone stele from the Ly Dynasty

The Ly Dynasty stone stele is one of the items that resonated most with me upon visiting Quynh Lam Pagoda. To date, this is the largest stone stele among all religious monuments in Quang Ninh and ranks among the largest surviving steles from the Ly Dynasty. 

Following a major restoration during the Revival Le period (in 1629), the old inscription was chiseled away to engrave new text. Nevertheless, archaeologists evaluate this stele as possessing an exceptionally unique composite artistic structure. 

3.4 Ancient blue stone stupa garden

The ancient blue stone stupa garden is the area that most vividly showcases the striking architectural beauty of Quynh Lam Pagoda. All of the ancient stupas here are crafted from fine-grained blue stone that offers high durability and a smooth surface. 

The blue stone blocks in the stupa garden of Quynh Lam Pagoda were chiseled quite square and fit together to form very solid structures. Inside the stupa garden today, there are two structures that I felt hold the most outstanding value: Tich Quang Stupa and the Sarira Stupa of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong.

4 Quynh Lam Pagoda Festival, a distinctive traditional cultural showcase at the pagoda

Quynh Lam Pagoda Festival is one of the largest and most sacred spring festivals in the Dong Trieu area, Quang Ninh. The festive spring atmosphere here allowed me to feel the distinctive cultural charm of this region. 

I learned that the Quynh Lam Pagoda Festival is celebrated annually from the 1st through the 3rd day of the second lunar month. This festival features petitions procession and ancestral offerings, prayers for national peace and prosperity, the Buddha bathing ritual, as well as traditional folk games, cultural performances, and culinary activities. 

5 FAQ - Frequently asked questions regarding Quynh Lam Pagoda

5.1 Who is worshipped at Quynh Lam Pagoda?

Quynh Lam Pagoda is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and the Three Patriarchs of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect. In addition, the pagoda also venerates the Ly National Preceptor Nguyen Minh Khong. 

5.2 Where is the "Four Great Treasures of An Nam" of Quynh Lam Pagoda currently located?

The treasure of the colossal bronze Maitreya Buddha statue dating from the Ly Dynasty was one of the "Four Great Treasures of An Nam". However, this treasure no longer exists today. In the 15th century, the invading Ming army destroyed the pagoda and melted down the statue to cast weapons. 

With the distinctive highlights mentioned above, Quynh Lam Pagoda will offer you a peaceful, meditative atmosphere accompanied by distinct cultural charm. If you have the chance to pack your bags and travel to Quang Ninh, make sure to visit this pagoda and explore its remarkable cultural heritage!