Phat Tich Pagoda located in Phat Tich commune, Tien Du district (Bac Ninh) is known as an ancient pagoda nearly a thousand years old with unique ancient architecture, formed from the Ly dynasty, this is also a place to store unique national treasures that cannot be found anywhere else.
Also known as Van Phuc Pagoda, currently preserves two unique national treasures: Amitabha Buddha statue, and a set of 10 stone animal statues.
The blue stone statue of Amitayus Buddha
The Amitabha Buddha statue is worshiped in the main hall of Phat Tich Pagoda, dating from the 11th century, during the medieval period. Dimensions: 1.86 m high; including the pedestal, it is 2.69 m; pedestal circumference: 5.92 m.
The statue is carved from a whole block of blue stone consisting of 2 parts: the statue and the pedestal. The statue is slender, sitting cross-legged, with two hands facing up, placed in front of the abdomen, resting lightly on the thighs, the folds of the tight-fitting coat with graceful curves hanging down, covering the legs.
The benevolent face, the thin, delicately curved eyelashes are depicted with a soft, continuous line, phoenix eyes, and a high neck with three folds.
The pedestal is decorated with lotus petals, water wave patterns, dragons,… and is represented as a blooming flower with two layers of petals. The motifs are all carved meticulously, and softly.
The pedestal base is a pyramidal block, cut into four steps, with an octagonal plan. The pedestal base is decorated with dragons, waves, clouds, and swirling fire.
The Amitabha Buddha statue is the largest and most beautiful stone Buddha statue of the Ly Dynasty in Vietnam. The decorative motifs on the pedestal reflect indigenous art of high skilled and talent workers from this period.
The new Amitabha Buddha statue was built of green stone, over 27 m high, weighing 3,000 tons, placed on the top of Phat Tich Mountain, 108 m above sea level of Phat Tich Pagoda.
The ten stone animal satues
Another unique national treasure at Phat Tich Pagoda is a set of 10 stone animal statues placed on the second step of the 3 levels of the pagoda foundation, including lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and horses. Two of each type, lying on a lotus pedestal carved from large blocks of stone, thousands of years old.
The rhinoceros statue symbolizing those who practice diligently until the day of liberation.
The lion image symbolizes the power to protect the Buddha Dharma, and is often placed on both sides of the entrance to pagodas.
The elephant statue on the right of the Three Jewels has lost its tusks and trunk. Elephants are considered symbols of physical and mental strength, as well as responsibility and truthfulness.
The stone horse on the right of the Three Jewels. Horses are considered a symbol of energy and effort in practicing Buddhism, a means of transport for the mind. And the buffalo symbolizes certainty, loyalty, gentleness, diligence, and honesty.
The ten stone sacred animals are divided into 2 rows, placed symmetrically in front of the Three Jewels. According to the stele “Van Phuc Dai Thien Tu Bi” erected in 1686, talking about the construction of Phat Tich Pagoda, these statues were carved at the same time as the pagoda was built.
The current stupa of Phat Tich Pagoda is a newly built structure, reminiscent of the ancient tower of the pagoda during its heyday.
When surveying for restoration, the foundation of the Ly Dynasty tower was discovered to be still intact under the pagoda, along with many relics representing the art of building Phat Tich Pagoda, which is also a unique art of building during the Ly Dynasty, and is currently preserved in its original form.
Source: collected by An
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