Ghositaram Pagoda is one of the unique tourist destinations in Bac Lieu that clearly shows the Buddhist cultural beliefs of the Khmer people in the South of Vietnam. This is one of the Khmer pagodas with the most beautiful space and architecture in the Mekong Delta region.
Overview about Ghositaram Pagoda
Ghositaram Pagoda is located in Cu Lao Hamlet, Hung Hoi Commune, Vinh Loi District, Bac Lieu Province, like a “museum of fine arts” demonstrating the talent of Khmer artisans. Ghositaram Pagoda, also known as Cu Lao Pagoda, was built in 1860 on a 4-hectare land, in front of the pagoda gate there is a row of towering palm trees, a familiar image of the Western landscape.
Ghositaram Pagoda includes many typical areas of a Khmer pagoda, such as: main hall, monks’ quarters, lecture hall, stupa, school, an annex… Over time, the pagoda gradually fell into disrepair, so in 2001 the main hall was rebuilt, and completed in 2010. This is considered the largest main hall among pagodas in Vietnam with an area of over 427 m², over 36 m high.
Ghositaram Pagoda is not only famous for its brilliant red and yellow colors but is also known as the largest Khmer pagoda in Vietnam, attracting many visitors from near and far.
- Address: Cu Lao Hamlet, Hung Hoi Commune, Vinh Loi District, Bac Lieu Province.
- Opening hours: 6:00-19:00
- Ticket price: Free
Unique architecture of Ghositaram Pagoda
The entire structure was built according to the traditional architecture of ancient Khmer Theravada Buddhism, harmoniously combined with modern architecture. The splendid, magnificent Ghositaram Pagoda will impress you at first sight.
The decorative patterns and reliefs bearing the mark of Angkor, from lotus petal motifs with gentle, graceful curves to strong, balanced asterisks, are always present on every window and porch.
From afar, the large main hall appears radiant with the red-yellow tones typical of Khmer pagodas. The roof is structured into many layers, overlapping each other, creating a soaring space in the blue sky.
The outside and inside are decorated with hundreds of different images according to the Buddhist Tripitaka legend. Everywhere in the main hall are carved and molded patterns of high artistic value, creating a cultural work imbued with national identity.
Main hall
Between the rows of pillars are carved many reliefs vividly depicting stories and anecdotes about the life of Buddha and Buddhist teachings that attract viewers. It is known that it took the artisans up to 4 years to complete the motifs and decorative patterns of the entire pagoda.
In the pagoda grounds, there are also two flagpoles over 40m high, two towers preserving the remains of Buddhist followers through the generations, a crematorium and many other auxiliary works. All of them glorify the majestic and splendid beauty but also the closeness and warmth of the pagoda.
The pagoda’s connection to the Khmer people
Ghositaram Pagoda is a place of study for Khmer children. According to Khmer custom, grown-up boys (around 14-15 years old) must enter the pagoda to show filial piety to their parents, learn Buddhist scriptures and knowledge necessary for life. It is a school that teaches general knowledge, teaches Vietnamese, Khmer, and five-tone music… After completing their monastic duties, they return to secular life, using their knowledge to help their families, repay their parents’ upbringing, and serve society.
During important festivals of the Khmer community such as Dolta, Offering Robes, Chol Chnam Thmay, etc., Ghositaram Pagoda attracts a large number of followers and tourists to attend.
The pagoda is not only a place for sightseeing and pilgrimage, but also a popular photo spot for young people. The colors and Khmer-style architecture of Ghositaram Pagoda help you take impressive and outstanding photos, not inferior to the famous temple lands of Thailand or Cambodia.
Source: collected by An
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