Xiem Can Pagoda is known as the ancient pagoda and the largest religious center of the Khmer people in Bac Lieu in particular and the Southwest region in general. Xiem Can Pagoda has been around for more than a century but is still preserved, majestic and splendid, a destination for Buddhist followers. This place has a unique architecture, with extremely sophisticated decorative patterns creating a unique mark of traditional Khmer culture.
Overview about Xiem Can Pagoda
Xiem Can Pagoda is an architectural work that started in 1887. The pagoda was built with the great contribution of a wealthy couple in the area (Mr. Nen & Mrs. Nget) who had great faith in Buddhism, in addition to the contributions of more than 30 other households in the area such as contributing to clearing trees and land to build the pagoda. In the beginning, the pagoda was named Komp Hisako, which in Khmer means erudition, wisdom and depth of Buddhism.
Over time, the pagoda was renamed Xiem Can, this name originated from the Teochew language, the language of the Chinese people of Chaozhou origin who currently live in Bac Lieu quite a lot. Xiem Can means “Waterside”, this name originated from the previous terrain of this place located next to the coastal alluvial plain, but due to alluvial deposition, the pagoda is now about 5km from the sea.
The best time to visit Xiem Can Pagoda
The Southwest has quite pleasant weather, with 2 distinct rainy and sunny seasons. The sunny season starts from December to April and the rainy season is from May to November. Both the rainy season and the sunny season here have their own characteristics, so when traveling to the Southwest, you can choose any season of the year.
As for Xiem Can Pagoda, this is a place where many monks practice, and it is also a place where Khmer people gather to learn to read, dance, sing, or learn a trade. Every year, many traditional Khmer festivals take place, attracting many Khmer people to attend. If you come during the festival, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and learn more about the traditional culture of the Khmer people. The festivals that often take place during the year are:
- New Year – Chol Chnam Thmay takes place on 3 days, April 14, 15, 16 of the solar calendar.
- Ancestor worship ceremony – Sen dolta takes place on 3 days, October 8, 9, 10 of the solar calendar.
- Kathanhna robe offering ceremony takes place from September 16 to October 15 of the lunar calendar.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Bac Lieu or visit Xiem Can Pagoda, you can choose holidays to participate and learn more about the traditional culture of the Khmer people.
The architecture of Xiem Can Pagoda
The difference of Xiem Can Pagoda is the sophistication and meticulousness in every detail, whether it is the walls, roofs and pillars, … all are elaborately decorated, colorful. Besides, the pagoda has up to 115 statues, a stone stele and a bell from 1887. These structures are hundreds of meters apart, interspersed with courtyards and rows of cool green trees, the space exudes a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.
The architectural complex of Xiem Can Pagoda consists of many items facing East, built according to the typical Southern Buddhist but bearing the mark of Angkor-Cambodia architecture. The most prominent is the main hall of the pagoda. The main hall is built in a rectangular shape with a width of 18m, a length of 36m, the main front facing East. The entrance to the main hall has 18 steps to go up, above is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
The main hall of Xiem Can Pagoda
The walls, ceilings, and pillars of the main hall are decorated with elaborate, and colorful frescoes. The highlight is the large-scale frescoes telling the story of Buddha’s life from birth to his practice to attain enlightenment. The corner of each roof is decorated with a long, curved, soft snake tail and is delicately carved and sculpted with many patterns, … a masterpiece that captivates many people.
From afar, the image of the pagoda appears in your eyes with its outstanding yellow color. Surrounding the pagoda is a solid fence with many impressive patterns. In the campus, there are many trees planted in straight rows.
Photo source: VOV
The gate of the Xiem Can pagoda is embossed with many meticulous, prominent patterns, with strong Khmer nuances. The gate nameplate is designed in the style of a pointed tower, typical of Angkorian architecture, with an image of a Buddha statue sitting in the middle, majestically.
In addition, below the gate nameplate are two Krut birds and two five-headed snakes wriggling. Printed against the blue sky is the roof structure in many overlapping layers, creating a soaring space, blending with the pointed top like a tower. On the roof folds are Khmer dragon statues, with double dragon heads, spread dragon bodies and dragon tails that curve upwards like flames. The roof system is designed in harmony with the typical architectural style of Angkor temples. If you look closely, you will be surprised by each carving on the roof and columns, which are like works of art, decorated with images of Khmer dragons, Nagar snakes, Krud birds, etc., extremely vividly.
The grounds have dozens of large and small Buddha statues of various sizes, depicting the various incarnations of Buddha.
Opposite the main hall and the tomb tower area is the tower – statue complex, including 3 main towers and Buddha statues in different meditation postures. Some statues are built according to Buddhist legends. This is the space connecting the main hall, the tomb tower area and the sala area, etc. These structures all have a dominant yellow color combined with a system of colorful patterns that highlight the traditional Khmer architectural style.
Not only is the pagoda famous for its unique art and architecture, Xiem Can is also known as a place to preserve and form many beautiful cultural features in the spiritual life of the Khmer people. The pagoda also preserves a set of ancient Khmer books written on leaves up to 70 pages thick or an ancient lecture hall with old folk tales from ancient times. Xiem Can Pagoda is an outstanding architectural work, symbolizing the spiritual culture of the Khmer ethnic community, a famous destination in the Mekong Delta./.
Source: collected by An
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