The Tuong Long Pagoda in Hai Phong
According to historical records and ancient traces, the Tuong Long Pagoda was built in 1072 when King Ly Thanh Tong visited the Do Son region and dreamt of a golden dragon. In response, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda to worship the Buddha, naming it Tường Long, meaning "Auspicious Dragon." The pagoda stands on the summit of a 128m high mountain, is 45m tall, and comprises nine floors. Constructed with bricks and granite stones, it is adorned with meticulous and intricate carvings of lotus flowers and chrysanthemums.
The Tuong Long Pagoda holds not only religious significance but also military importance. It served as an observation tower to monitor and send warnings to the capital city in case of any suspicious foreign activities off the coast. Additionally, the pagoda was the king's residence during visits to the Northeastern sea region of Dai Viet.
Throughout thousands of years of history, the Tuong Long Pagoda underwent several renovations under the Tran and Le dynasties. However, in 1804, the pagoda was dismantled to use its bricks in building the Hải Dương citadel. After enduring the ravages of time and war, the ancient pagoda now only exists as an archaeological site.
In 2008, the restoration of the Tuong Long Pagoda began and continued until 2017. The new pagoda was constructed on a spacious 2000m2 land, standing at nine floors with a brick exterior, preserving the distinctive features of the Ly era.
Exploring the Architecture and Space of the Tuong Long Pagoda
The Tuong Long Pagoda boasts a unique and impressive architecture, combining both Vietnamese and Chinese styles. The entrance gate has a dark tiled roof, symmetrically designed. Two dragons coiling around a pearl on the roof symbolize luck and power. The gate has three arches inscribed with three phrases: "Tường Long Tự" ( Tuong Long Pagoda), "Pháp Quang Chiếu" (Dharma Illuminates), and "Tịnh Xá Chí Hòa" (Peaceful Residence).
Inside the gate is a spacious courtyard with two rows of lush trees. In front of the courtyard stands the main hall, where Buddha, or the Laughing Buddha, is worshipped. Buddha, known as a bodhisattva who spread Buddhist teachings in India and China, symbolizes peace, happiness, and prosperity. Inside the main hall, there are also statues of other bodhisattvas such as Quan The Am, Dia Tang, Manjushri, and famous monks.
Next to the main hall are auxiliary buildings, including lecture halls, libraries, dining halls, guesthouses, and several landscaped areas with bonsai trees, lotus ponds, and fountains, creating a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to explore and contemplate.
Value and Significance of the Long Wall Pagoda
The Tuong Long Pagoda is a precious historical and cultural monument in Hai Phong and Vietnam as a whole. It not only serves as a place of Buddhist worship but also preserves and promotes the traditional values of the nation. The pagoda is also a venue for charitable, educational, and cultural activities for the local community and tourists.
The Tuong Long Pagoda is an appealing spiritual tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors exploring Hai Phong. Visitors can admire ancient architectural relics, traces of history, commemorative structures, and express gratitude to revered monks. They can also learn about the history, culture, and beliefs of the local people. The Tuong Long Pagoda is an unmissable destination when traveling to Hai Phong.