Soc Lon Pagoda is a large, ancient Khmer pagoda built nearly 100 years ago, with a distinctive architectural style, and was ranked among the country’s top 100 most popular cultural and spiritual tourist destinations in 2016. Visiting Soc Lon Pagoda, tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the distinctive culture of the Khmer people living in Dong Nai.

Overview of Soc Lon Pagoda

Soc Lon Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chùa Sóc Lớn; chùa means “pagoda”) is considered one of the oldest Khmer pagodas in Dong Nai Province. Construction began in 1931, and it was officially inaugurated in 1937. Since 1954, Soc Lon Pagoda has become the cultural, religious, and spiritual center of the Khmer community in Loc Khanh commune.

Soc Lon Pagoda

It is also a historical relic in Vietnam. During the resistance wars against the French and Americans, the pagoda served as a hiding place for many revolutionary fighters. During this period, the pagoda suffered three B-52 bombings, severely damaging the main hall. However, by 2009, Soc Lon Pagoda had been restored and given a new look, while retaining its original, distinctive beauty.

Unique architecture of the Soc Lon Pagoda 

Soc Lon Pagoda bears the strong imprint of Theravada Buddhism, composed of three main elements: landscape, architectural complex, and sculptural art (primarily concentrated in the sanctum). According to the worldview of Khmer Theravada Buddhism, the main hall symbolizes Mount Tudi, where the Buddha resided, while the outer world is inhabited by deities and mythical creatures. Under this concept, Khmer pagodas are always decorated with a series of statues of deities and mythical creatures, arranged from the outer gate to the main hall in ascending tiers. Each symbol is explained through Buddhist stories and legends, creating a spiritual atmosphere around the pagoda.

Soc Lon Pagoda

Soc Lon Pagoda is an architectural complex including the main gate, sanctum, preaching hall, Bodhi tower, etc., built on flat, spacious terrain with the following features:

Main Gate: The gate is cast in concrete and features a modern architectural style. At the top of the gate is a carving of the Buddha’s birth, and the section connecting to the roof is reinforced by a Kinnara (a half-human, half-bird) statue with outstretched arms supporting the eaves. The Kinnara statue is chosen by the Khmer people as a symbol of beauty and strength, with the idea of ​​resisting nature to protect and safeguard humanity. In addition, the fence surrounding the grounds is decorated with stories of Hanuman, the monkey, and the 12 zodiac animals.

Soc Lon Pagoda

Sanctum: This is one of the important structures, a large-scale architectural design that showcases a unique style blending traditional Khmer architecture and art.

Soc Lon Pagoda

The Sala (Preaching Hall) consists of two levels: the ground floor and the ceremonial hall. The upper floor houses the monks’ reception room. Outside the Sala are Gadura statues supporting the roof columns, symbolizing beauty and the unity and strength of the nation as a whole. The vertical columns are adorned with bas-reliefs of celestial beings – signifying solemnity and protection. The horizontal columns are decorated with bas-reliefs of the god Rahu, the god of wind, devouring the moon.

Soc Lon pagoda

Inside the Sala, besides the altar with the golden statue of Buddha Shakyamuni placed prominently in the center, to the right is an altar dedicated to the Venerable monks who made significant contributions to the pagoda’s construction and renovation. With its decorative bas-reliefs reflecting the distinct Khmer national identity, the Sala evokes a sense of solemnity and a peaceful, serene state of mind for devotees.

Soc Lon Pagoda

Bo De (Bodhi) Tower: With a small base and four equal sides, the pagoda’s architecture is pyramidal, gradually narrowing towards the top. The pagoda has three levels symbolizing the Three Jewels and the liberation of humanity. The statue of Brahma, the celestial king, is a replica of the peak of Mount Xome, where he resides.

Soc Lon Pagoda

In the center of the grounds is a landscaped garden and Buddhist statues, creating an ancient and solemn Buddhist atmosphere.

Unique festivals at Soc Lon Pagoda

Besides the famous pagodas in Dong Nai, Soc Lon Pagoda is also a leading cultural and religious center of this region. If you visit during holidays and festivals, you will have the opportunity to participate in many unique festival activities such as the Lunar New Year celebration, the opening ceremony of the Khmer language summer class, the Rains Retreat, the Dolta filial piety festival (Khmer Vu Lan), the Magha Puja (Buddha’s Enlightenment Festival), the Visakha Puja (Buddha’s Birthday Festival)…

Soc Lon Pagoda

In addition, the pagoda regularly organizes meaningful fundraising and charitable activities.

Source: collected by An

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