Dau Pagoda - Phuc Khe Tu

Lane 3, Nhan Hoa Village, Thuong Phuc, Ta Thanh Oai Street, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Dau Pagoda (Phuc Khe Tu) is located in Ta Thanh Oai Commune, Thanh Tri, Hanoi, built in the 14th century, is an important historical and cultural relic. This place stands out with its ancient architecture, stone steles recording historical events, and elaborately carved Buddha statues. Dau Pagoda is a sacred destination, attracting tourists to learn about Vietnamese Buddhist culture and beliefs.

Exploring Daughters of Pagoda: A Historical and Cultural Heritage Linked to Spirituality

Dau Pagoda, one of Hanoi's prominent historical and cultural monuments, attracts visitors not only with its unique architectural beauty but also with its profound historical and spiritual values. Located in Ta Thanh Oai Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi, about 15 km from the city center, Dau Pagoda (also known as Phuc Khe Tu) is a must-visit destination for those who love exploring Vietnamese culture, history, and beliefs.

1. History of Dau Pagoda

Dau Pagoda was built in the 14th century by Empress Dowager Minh Tu, a native of Nghe An and mother of two kings, Tran Hien Tong and Tran Nghe Tong. Before she passed away, the Empress Dowager built a pagoda in Trang Ha, Thuong Phuc Village, naming it Phuc Khe Temple. This is where the goddess Phap Vu, symbolizing favorable weather, is worshiped for helping villagers escape years of drought and natural disasters.

According to legend, during the Ly Dynasty, a statue of Phap Vu floated to the shore of the Nhue River during a great flood, emitting a mystical light. The villagers rescued the statue and built a shrine to worship it. Since then, Dau Pagoda has become a sacred worship place with many miraculous stories about the goddess helping to summon rain.

2. Unique Architecture

Dau Pagoda stands out with its exquisite and ancient architecture. Built on the foundation of a small shrine from the Ly Dynasty, the pagoda's main structures include the front hall and the main sanctuary, forming a unique "Dinh" shape. The pagoda's gate faces the road along the Nhue River, an ideal feng shui location. A special highlight of the pagoda is the bell tower on the Tam Quan gate, where the sounds resonate throughout Thuong Phuc, Khe Luong, and Cu Khe.

The pagoda also has a shrine dedicated to the goddess Phap Vu, along with a stele house and a Mother Goddess temple, creating a sacred and serene space.

3. Precious Relics

Dau Pagoda preserves many valuable relics, including stone steles recording historical events, such as the Khe Thuong Kieu stele, carved in 1571, detailing the names and contributions of people who donated money to build the Khe Tang stone bridge. The second stele, from the Sungkang era (1572), features intricate patterns, describing important events during the Mac Dynasty. Another stele, dated Hong Duc (1473) from the reign of Le Thanh Tong, lists those who contributed to building the pagoda and praying for their ancestors' blessings.

These steles, along with finely carved Buddha statues, especially the Triad of Buddhas, reflect 18th-century art. Additionally, the pagoda has a horizontal lacquered board with the inscription "Boundless Merit" and several beautiful worship statues made from wood, bronze, and clay, all gilded and lacquered, showcasing Vietnamese folk art.

4. Spiritual Experience

Dau Pagoda is not just a sightseeing spot but a sacred place that preserves the spiritual values of the Vietnamese people. It is associated with mystical stories and the belief in praying for rain and blessings. Visiting the pagoda, tourists not only admire the ancient architectural beauty but also feel the peace and tranquility of this sacred space.

5. Exploring Daughters Pagoda: A Journey Back to Roots

With its special cultural, historical, and spiritual values, Dau Pagoda is an ideal destination for those who want to delve deeper into Vietnamese spiritual culture. Come and experience the solemn and tranquil atmosphere of an ancient pagoda, where historical stories have been preserved and honored for centuries.

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