Can Tho is not only famous for its floating markets and gardens, but also for its beautiful, ancient, and extremely sacred pagodas. If anyone has the opportunity to travel to Can Tho, they will definitely be recommended to visit Munir Ansay Pagoda. This is a large Khmer pagoda with the most unique and oldest architecture in the Mekong Delta. Therefore, this place has long been an indispensable destination for those returning to Tay Do, helping them better understand Khmer culture.
Overview of Munir Ansay Pagoda
Munir Ansay Pagoda is located at 36 Hoa Binh Avenue, Ninh Kieu Ward, a busy and beautiful street of Can Tho city. This Khmer Pagoda was founded in 1948 on a busy street in Can Tho city. At that time, the pagoda was built only with very simple materials, such as bamboo and cork. After many restorations and renovations, the pagoda has the majestic and vast appearance it has today.
Munir Ansay Pagoda is also known as Munisenray Pagoda, which in Khmer means “bright pearl,” symbolizing the beauty and sacredness of the pagoda.
What is attractive about Munir Ansay Pagoda in Can Tho city?
Upon arriving at Munir Ansay, visitors will see a pagoda with Cambodian “Angkor” style architecture, built from many different materials. The main structure includes the main hall, the monks’ living area, the kitchen, the reception hall, the tower that houses the ashes of the predecessor, the Xa Loi tower, and the main gate, which is elaborately carved in accordance with the Khmer people’s way of worshiping the gods.
The main gate is built in the shape of a three-jewel tower; three towers, aligned with the gate, stand tall, helping visitors feel the solemnity of the place of worship.
From the outside, on the left is a row of houses for monks, on the right is a hall to welcome guests and serve meals, and in the middle of the pagoda is a 2-story main hall. In front of the main hall is a tower holding Buddha’s relics.
As soon as you set foot at the pagoda gate, the stands out in bright yellow, symbolizing luck and prosperity, will appear. This is the traditional color often used to decorate Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta.
Although located in the city center, the yard is quite airy, spacious, and peaceful. From the gate, visitors will see a splendid yellow stupa standing tall in the middle of the yard, like a screen protecting the main hall. Around the stupa are embossed reliefs of the Three Jewels, a statue of the goddess Keynor, a statue of the Kurdish bird, a four-faced Buddha statue…
Behind the stupa is a staircase leading to the main hall area. Like other Khmer pagodas, the main hall always faces east because, according to Buddhism, the east is the direction of the gods. This area is built high, more than 1 meter above the ground, so it is very airy and clean.
Around the main hall are many embossed reliefs, round statues, and carvings depicting Reahu, the Fairy, the god bird Kâyno, Chan Yeak, making the outside of the main hall look so gorgeous.
Looking at this layer of decorative images, one can easily recognize the characteristics of folk beliefs and Brahmanism, which are religious traditions that preceded Buddhism in the spiritual life of the Khmer people.
The pagoda worships only one Buddha, Shakyamuni. Therefore, the main hall is decorated quite simply, and the altar is divided into many levels.
The statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is also beautifully cast, carved, and engraved in many standing, lying, and sitting positions. That is to show the diversity and richness of the moral meaning and beauty of Shakyamuni Buddha. The main hall is also where the pagoda’s precious wealth and people’s offerings are stored.
Explore the traditional festivals of the Khmer
This sacred Khmer pagoda is a place of worship that attracts many tourists to the beautiful city in the province. Not only does it stand out with its unique design style, but the pagoda is also a pioneer in preserving the traditional identity of the Khmer people.
Every year, at Munir Ansay Pagoda, major holidays are held such as Cholchonam Thomay – New Year (March 13, 14, 15 of the lunar calendar), Ok-om-Book – moon worship ceremony (October of the lunar calendar) , Donta – Ancestor worship ceremony (8th lunar month), Khmer people’s Clothing Offering Ceremony… The ceremony is held joyfully and solemnly, with many local folk games, enriching the cultural life spirit of the Khmer people in particular and the people of Can Tho city in general.
In addition to spiritual activities, Munir Ansay Pagoda is a venue for cultural events, including painting exhibitions, performances, and Buddhist classes. This helps tourists learn more deeply about Buddhism and is also a way to interact and exchange cultures between countries.
Munir Ansay Pagoda
- Best for: solo, pilgrims
- Entrance: Free
- Tourist spots nearby: Cai Rang Floating Market, Ong Temple, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery, Can Tho Grand Prison, Can Tho Museum, Traditional craft village of making rice noodle, Pothisomron Pagoda…
Source: collected by An
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