Ang Pagoda, also known as Wat Angkor Raig Borei, is an ancient temple in Ward 8, Tra Vinh city, Tra Vinh province. This is one of the largest and unique temples in this area with significant historical and cultural value.
Ang Pagoda, also known as Wat Angkor Raig Borei, is an ancient temple in Ward 8, Tra Vinh city, Tra Vinh province. This is one of the largest and unique temples in this area with significant historical and cultural value.
The temple looks dead from above. (Photo: Youth)
Ang Pagoda has a unique architecture with magnificent architectural towers. These towers are often vertical to the sky, creating an impressive and sacred appearance.
The pagoda was built in the 10th century (990) and then was restored and repaired many times, including new constructions such as monks' houses, temples, etc. Up to now, the temple has existed for more than two centuries, but the main hall still retains its original state.
Ang Pagoda has traditional Buddhist architecture, with the pagoda's facade facing east. The temple's architecture shows respect for Buddha Shakyamuni.
The entrance to the pagoda is protected by two rows of ancient star trees with large and tall trunks, creating an impressive and majestic space. This walkway passes through a wide moat, creating a fresh and cool space, adding to the sacredness of the temple.
Entrance gate to the temple (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
The pagoda's campus is about 4 hectares wide and full of plants, with many endemic plant species on sandy soil such as star plants, oil plants, bamboo plants and bamboo plants. On the campus, there are many old star trees and olive trees, creating shade for the ancient pagoda.
Temple grounds (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
The center of the Khmer temple is the main hall (Preah Vihea) worshiping Buddha, which converges and reflects the level of contemporary artisans in the arts of architecture, painting, sculpture... The main hall is supported by a pillar. system of 18 columns made of precious wood. In the main hall, there are 12 pillars decorated with dragon images and gilded vermilion.
Main hall (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
The roof of the main hall is uniquely structured with three levels and harmonious colors. The two top roofs are high and steep, creating a sacred feeling. The two gables are closed with two elaborately carved triangular wooden panels. The roof mounds have the snake god Naga with a curved crest, symbolizing the bridge between the earthly world and the world of Nirvana.
The main roof of the pagoda is uniquely constructed of a wooden frame with 3 levels of tiled roofs. (Photo: Youth)
The four walls of the main hall are decorated with murals representing aspects of Buddhist thought and the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. On the ceiling of the main hall there are four large frescoes representing four stages in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Inside the main hall. (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
In front of the main hall is a tower containing the remains of the abbots of the temple through the ages. What is special is that this tower has five tops, showing the influence of Hindu thought on the universe, nature and humans.
The tower in front of the main hall. (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
Ang Pagoda was ranked as a national historical-cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam in 1994.
This temple is often an attractive spot for Khmer people and people of other ethnic groups in the region, especially on traditional Buddhist festivals. Festivals such as Chol-chnam-thmay, Dolta and Ok-om-bok often attract large crowds of participants and visitors.
The sculptural motifs are rich in Khmer cultural identity. (Photo: thamhiemmekong.com)
Tra Vinh
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Update day
: 08/11/2023
V.Hoàng