Exploring Bau Pagoda - The Largest Pagoda in Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province

Bau Pagoda (known as Thien Bao Tu in Vietnamese) is situated on Nguyen Van Troi Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province. According to historical documents, Bau Pagoda is over 1000 years old and is part of the Bau village community, the Bau river basin, and the current Bau market. It has been a center of cultural and spiritual activities for many generations of Buddhist followers from Chau Cau commune (in the past) and Phu Ly City – Ha Nam Province (today). In Chinese characters, the word 'Bau' originates from 'Bieu,' meaning a land rising in the midst of water. In ancient times, this area was a vast expanse of rivers and water, with a temple atop a raised land. Hence, the local people named the temple 'Bau Pagoda.'
 

Visitors to Bau Pagoda will notice a deep and wide lake in front of the pagoda, connected to the Day River, creating a beautiful landscape and adding tranquility to the pagoda. According to the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements, it is common for a temple to have a water feature in front, as per tradition. The temple symbolizes Yang, while the lake symbolizes Yin. The balance of Yang and Yin creates harmony in the heavens and the earth, and according to Feng Shui principles, a temple area is considered a solemn and respectful place. The water in front of the temple serves as a reminder for people to cleanse their hands and feet, shedding worldly dust before entering with a sincere heart for worship. In this way, the cultural and spiritual aspects of this place are not much different from other temples.

Notably, Bau Pagoda has recently undergone restoration and reconstruction, expanding upon the original structure. From a small three - compartment temple, after three years of renovation, the pagoda now covers an area of over 4000 square meters, making it the largest pagoda in Phu Ly City. Due to this reason, the current Bau Pagoda showcases a harmonious blend of traditional ethnic architecture and modern design of the era, reflecting the fusion of national beliefs and contemporary influences.

Bau Pagoda bears a striking resemblance to Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, with its three - tiered roofed entrance gate and a long, deep corridor surrounding it, connecting the various halls with stone bridges, creating a harmonious and serene landscape. The pagoda houses three majestic Buddha statues, adorned in a traditional style. In addition to the Buddha statues, the pagoda also features an altar dedicated to the Four Noble Truths, a belief widely followed in the northern folk religion.

Not only does Bau Pagoda blend traditional ethnic architecture with contemporary design, but it also preserves numerous valuable artifacts dating back to the Vinh Thinh Dynasty in the 6th year (1663), including 28 imperial edicts on the Dharma Cloud Buddha, with the last edict in the 9th year of King Khai Dinh. The pagoda is also home to a large bell measuring 0.95m in height and 0.57m in diameter, cast in the third spring of the Minh Mang Dynasty (1822). Additionally, the pagoda houses a green stone stele measuring 1.25m in height and 0.8m in width.
 

Like other temples and pagodas in the city, Bau Pagoda is a place with a rich blend of traditional and modern architectural styles in both exterior and interior decorations. This showcases that, despite the architectural elements in Ha Nam not differing significantly in style from those in other regions, Bau Pagoda still possesses unique features in its structures. Notably, these structures occupy spacious areas, offering panoramic views and are situated near Nguyen Khuyen Park, rather than being crowded in cramped urban spaces.

Besides Bau Pagoda, Ha Nam boasts many ancient and sacred temples, as well as other scenic attractions awaiting tourists to explore. If you're contemplating where to stay during your visit to Ha Nam, consider Tien Loc Palace Hotel. Centrally located in Phu Ly City along National Highway 1A, the hotel provides easy access to famous tourist destinations. With over 200 standard 3 - star rooms and top - notch services, Tien Loc Palace Hotel guarantees you and your loved ones a delightful and relaxing experience. Contact the hotel via hotline 02263 82 5555 for the most thoughtful advice and assistance!
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