The Long Doi Pagoda relic complex in Tien Son Ward is one of the famous scenic spots in Ninh Binh Province. Over time, the pagoda has retained its historical, cultural, and architectural values and remains a place to store many valuable treasures.
The thousand-year-old pagoda on Long Doi Mountain
Long Doi Pagoda, located in Tien Son Ward, Ninh Binh Province, is an ancient pagoda associated with the famous Sung Thien Dien Linh stone stela from the Ly dynasty. This is a relic of great historical, cultural, and archaeological value, and a cultural symbol of the ancient town of Son Nam and of Ninh Binh today. Nearly 1000 years old, Long Doi Pagoda is not only a special national relic, but also has valuable historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for the Vietnamese people.
Located on the top of Long Doi Mountain, surrounded by three rivers and backed by Diep Mountain, the pagoda has an extremely peaceful, quiet, and mysterious beauty. According to historical records, Long Doi Pagoda was built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and his wife, Queen Mother Y Lan, in 1054. In 1121, Emperor Ly Nhan Tong continued to restore and build the Sung Thien Dien Linh stone stele.
To reach the pagoda, visitors must climb nearly 400 stone steps and then walk on large slats along the mountainside. The cool, quiet space of the pagoda gives Buddhists and visitors a sense of peace, helping them escape the hustle and bustle of life outside.
Treasures still being preserved at the Long Doi pagoda
The Triple-gate (main gate) of the pagoda is tinged with ancient moss, surrounded by the cool green space of ancient trees. Right at the main gate in front of the Tam Bao (Three Jewels) building is the stele house containing the Sung Thien Dien Linh stone stele – a glorious Buddhist relic of the Ly Dynasty, which has been recognized as a National Treasure.
The stele is engraved on both sides with many important and valuable historical information, such as praising the merits and intelligence of Emperor Ly Nhan Tong and general and admiral Ly Thuong Kiet in building, constructing, and fighting to protect the country, reflecting the philosophy of Buddhism, the situation of Buddhism during the Ly Dynasty…
In addition to the Sung Thien Dien Linh stone stele, the pagoda still preserves many precious relics with strong traditional cultural values and historical imprints, such as: a bronze Maitreya statue, 6 Vajrapani statues, a Kinari bird-headed human statue, many decorative terracotta panels and patterned bricks from the Ly Dynasty period…
The Tam Bao building of the pagoda has 7 worshiping rooms and 3 Upper Halls, worshiping Maitreya Buddha in the middle, Buddhas, and Dharma Protectors.
On both sides of the pagoda corridor behind the Tam Bao building are 18 chambers worshiping the 18 Arhats. With rare historical and cultural value and a beauty that is both majestic and gentle, ancient and peaceful, Long Doi Pagoda has been designated a special national monument by the Prime Minister.
The Long Doi Pagoda Festival is usually held annually on the 21st day of the third lunar month, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world.
Nowadays, not only during festivals and Tet, many tourists and Buddhists from all over the world still make pilgrimages to visit Long Doi Pagoda, to pray for the best things, and to express their wishes and desires for the new year.
Source: collected by An
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