Long An Ancient Pagoda (Dong De)

icon-locationMy Trung Hamlet, Thien My Commune, Tra On District, Vinh Long, Vietnam
Long An Ancient Pagoda, an ancient pagoda in My Trung Hamlet, Thien My Commune, Tra On District, Vinh Long, has ancient architecture and spiritual cultural values. With a peaceful space and precious relics, the pagoda is an ideal destination for visitors to learn about the history of Buddhism and experience the traditional beauty of the Southwest region.

Long An Ancient Pagoda: A Fascinating Cultural and Spiritual Heritage Site in Vinh Long

Long An Ancient Pagoda, also known as Dong De Pagoda, is located in My Trung Hamlet, Thien My Commune, Tra On District, about 3 km from the center of Tra On Town. The pagoda was established in the 1860s when a monk from the Five Quang region came to clear the land and settle here to practice. By the late 19th century, the Ca Lam family donated 30 acres of land to build the pagoda and establish a temple farm to support religious activities and the development of the area.

Traditional Architecture and Peaceful Atmosphere

Long An Pagoda features traditional architecture with a main hall, rear hall, and an extended hall of about 500 square meters. The front hall faces the northeast, overlooking National Route 54, and is surrounded by a spacious courtyard with ancient trees, bamboo groves, clusters of reeds, and many types of fruit trees. The place exudes a simple, serene beauty, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Renovation and Development Process

In 1931, Venerable Thich Khanh Anh was invited to take over as the abbot, spreading the teachings of Buddhism and attracting many monks and followers. By 1960, the pagoda had fallen into disrepair due to the effects of war and natural disasters. Monk Phuoc Y took care of the pagoda, restoring the main hall and adding a Patriarch's Hall, a Three-Entrance Gate, and a tower for the Patriarchs. In 2000, Monk Thich Tue Quang continued to renovate and expand the pagoda, enhancing its elegant and refined atmosphere.

Ancient Relics and Cultural Values

Long An Pagoda preserves several ancient relics, such as two horizontal boards “Long An Tu” and “Dai Hung Bao Dien,” along with many valuable couplets in Chinese characters dating back about 100 years. The altar in the Patriarch's Hall also displays portraits of famous monks like Venerable Khanh Anh, Thien Hoa, and Nhat Lien, who made significant contributions to the development of Buddhism in the Mekong Delta.

Spiritual Retreat for Renowned Monks

Long An Pagoda has been home to the practice and teachings of several well-known monks, including Venerable Khanh Anh, Hue Quang, Khanh Hoa, and Phap Hai, who contributed to the establishment of the Federation of Study Societies and the promotion of the national language and Buddhist teachings. The pagoda was also the place where Venerable Khanh Anh passed away in 1961 while serving as the Supreme Leader of the National Buddhist Sangha.

Contribution to the Independence Struggle

During the struggle for independence, Long An Pagoda was a revolutionary base, where the forces of Tra On District operated secretly. The monks engaged in legal activities, providing financial support, materials, and medicine to the revolutionaries. With its long history, the pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also a testament to the patriotic spirit of the local people.

Visiting Long An Ancient Pagoda

Visitors can reach the pagoda by taking National Route 54 and turning onto a small road for about 500 meters to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, admire the ancient architecture, and learn about the rich history of the pagoda. Long An Pagoda is an ideal stop for those interested in exploring the culture, spirituality, and history of the Tra On region in Vinh Long.

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