Vinh Long is a famous land with many fertile islands, large eco-tourism areas, and vast fruit gardens. Furthermore, this is the land associated with pagodas and other impressive architectural works, including Phu Ly Pagoda, Van Thanh Temple, That Phu Temple, Tien Chau Pagoda, and Long Thanh Communal House. Among them, Phu Ly Pagoda features distinctive Khmer architecture, consistently attracting large numbers of tourists to visit and worship, and is one of the spiritual tourist destinations known for its peaceful, impressive scenery.
General information about Phu Ly Pagoda
Phu Ly (Phù Ly) Pagoda is located in Dong Thanh Ward, Vinh Long Province. Although located deep in the Phu Ly hamlet, Phu Ly Pagoda is a spiritual place that attracts many Buddhists and tourists from the Mekong Delta, who visit and worship there every year. And from Ho Chi Minh City, it takes around 3 hours to drive here; therefore, a private car to Vinh Long would be the best option for visiting the pagoda, especially when you are traveling with a group.
Phu Ly Pagoda was built in 1672, on an area of more than 2 hectares. According to Venerable Son Thang, deputy abbot of the pagoda, this place was once very wild, with many tigers, snakes, and other wild animals. People who went to the pagoda had to go in large groups, carrying weapons to protect themselves against animals. After that, the abbots set up a group to chase away the beasts for three days and three nights until the beasts were gone. Over time, the pagoda was rebuilt to become as majestic as it is today.
Unique architecture of the pagoda
Phu Ly Pagoda is one of the pagodas built in the Indian style, associated with the culture of the Southern Khmer people. Surrounding the pagoda are giant, hundred-year-old ancient trees, creating a solemn and extremely charming area that makes you completely feel cool and peaceful when you come to visit.
At Phu Ly Pagoda, the most prominent and important is the main hall. The main hall symbolizes Mount Meru, a sacred mountain and the place where gods come to practice Brahmanical doctrine. Surrounding the main hall are towers, symbolizing small mountains that surround the sacred Mount Meru.
On the roof of the main hall, there is a tower. Around the tower, artisans decorated and embossed many dragon images with their heads raised, facing both sides. The dragon’s body is decorated like a boat racing amid the vast waves. The dragon’s tail curves and reaches up to the blue sky. Under the roof of the main hall, there are many images of the goddess Kay No with a pretty, gentle face, wings spread wide, legs standing straight, chest thrust forward, arms raised high to support the fringe of the roof, serves as the connection point between the rows of columns and the roof of the main hall, creating flexibility and lightness in the architectural art of the Khmer people.
Visiting Phu Ly Pagoda, Buddhists and tourists also notice that the image of Krut, a half-bird god, is a decoration at the top of the four corner columns of the main hall, supporting the main hall’s roof. In addition, there are hundreds of images of Krut embossed and decorated on the walls along the foot of the main hall.
Entering the main hall, we will see a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus throne in the preaching posture, worshiped right in the center of the hall. The frescoes decorate the ceiling, doors, columns, and porches, featuring motifs of dragons, snakes, flowers, leaves, and birds that tell the story of Shakyamuni Buddha from his birth and youth to his entry into Nirvana and attainment of Buddhahood.
The highlight of the architectural art of Phu Ly Pagoda is also shown through the system of flagpole complexes. It is called a complex because the flagpole was built in the middle of the pagoda grounds, on a large yard, surrounded by many statues of lions, goddesses, dragons, and Naga snakes, all in the main color yellow. This architectural complex is built on 3 layers of steps. The bottom has the largest area with 8 lion statues placed in 4 directions.
Every year, at Phu Ly Pagoda, many traditional Khmer cultural festivals take place, such as the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, the Sel Dolta Ceremony, the Ok Om Bok Ceremony, and the Katina Clothing Offering Ceremony.
Useful information about Phu Ly Pagoda
- Best for: solo, pilgrims.
- Entrance: Free
- Tourist spots nearby: Vinh Long Ancient House Ecological Area, Vinh Long Museum, Vinh Sang Tourist Area, That Phu Temple (Ong Temple), May Islet, Ceramic Brick Village, Trà Ôn floating market…
Source: collected by An
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