Chen Kieu Pagoda

Located in the Southern Khmer pagoda system in Soc Trang, Chen Kieu Pagoda is known as one of the pagodas with a "unique" architectural style that leaves a deep impression in the hearts of visitors. The outstanding feature of this temple is the walls. It is not evenly cemented, tiled or painted like other temples. The walls of this temple are covered with pieces of cups, plates, and ceramics that look very unique but extremely beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Chen Kieu Pagoda, also known as Sa Lon Pagoda, is located in Dai Tam commune, My Xuyen district, Soc Trang province, located right on National Highway 1A, about 12 km from Soc Trang city, in the direction from Soc Trang city to Bac Lieu. The pagoda's Khmer name is Wath Sro Loun. For ease of pronunciation, the word Sro Loun is spelled Sa Lon. Sro Loun originates from the word Chro Luong - the name of a canal running along the village road that used to be near the pagoda, and that name is also used to name the pagoda. In 1815, Chen Kieu Pagoda began to be built with materials like leaves, wood, soil... like many other Khmer pagodas. During the war, under the devastation of bombs and bullets, the main hall of the pagoda was seriously damaged. In 1969, the pagoda was rebuilt according to today's architecture, including: Main hall, sala, stupa, place for prayer books, etc. During the construction process, due to lack of materials, the monks came up with an idea. The idea is to donate cups and plates from people in Phum and Soc to put on the wall. This idea not only saves construction costs but also creates impressive decorative motifs. Since then, the pagoda has also been known by the people by its second name: "Chen Kieu Pagoda". Khmer artisans cleverly took advantage of these cups and plates to decorate the walls and towers, creating a harmonious and impressive architectural work. New items are placed directly on the wall, or made into convenient fences surrounding hallways or stair handrails, while broken or chipped items are arranged and assembled into decorative patterns. fancy. The first impression when entering the temple is the three-entrance gate with three towers carved with vibrant patterns and colors in the traditional Cambodian Angkor style. Among the three towers, the middle tower stands out with a glass cage inside, enshrining a majestic sitting Buddha statue. Surrounding the pagoda is a fence decorated with the image of the dancing goddess Apsara, symbolizing peace and prosperity. On both sides of the entrance gate are two stone lion statues, facing the street as if protecting the temple. On the gate wall are the words Khmer and national language: "Sa Lon Pagoda (Chen Kieu)". Along the entrance to the pagoda are two rows of statues of the god Kayno (kerno), these are statues with the face of the fairy Apsara - symbolizing eternal beauty and the body of the god Garuda - symbolizing strength. The campus of Chen Kieu Pagoda is very large with many cool green trees, making visitors feel very comfortable. Like other Khmer pagodas, the roof of Chen Kieu Pagoda consists of 3 staggered roofs, the top roof being the smallest. At the edge of each roof layer there are decorative patterns, motifs, and traditional statues of Khmer culture, carrying the wish for peace and escape. The triangular roof is beautifully decorated like a colorful carpet exposed to the sky. The two ends of the knife on both sides are curved as if there is a spiritual communion with the savior of human souls, blessing and protecting sentient beings for peace and happiness. The most outstanding and impressive architecture on the facade of the main hall is the column heads decorated with the image of the winged goddess Kayno. These statues of the goddess Kayno are in a rising position to support the roof's fringe, creating a transition between the vertical direction of the columns and the horizontal direction of the roof. The main hall of the pagoda is spacious and airy, with 16 rows of large columns. Around the pillars are carved and embossed with images from Khmer cultural legends. On both sides of the wall are many paintings telling the story of Shakyamuni Buddha from birth until attainment of enlightenment. The walls and paintings are even more special when decorated and shaped with broken pieces of cups and plates. The worship space is a complex of 20 large and small Buddha statues, with many standing, lying, and sitting positions, arranged reasonably and artistically. The smoke of incense and the light of candles swaying with each gentle breeze make the already solemn temple even more solemn. In the middle of the courtyard of Chen Kieu Pagoda is a flagpole, with a vivid image of the Nagar snake spreading its 5 heads, referring to the legend of a snake spreading its head to protect the Buddha from the rain while he was meditating. The Nagar snake is an important decorative motif in Khmer Buddhist sculpture. The Khmer people of Soc Trang in particular and the South in general are influenced by Indian Buddhism, so Theravada Buddhism is the main religion that governs their spiritual life. That's why they only worship Shakyamuni Buddha, not other Bodhisattvas or Avalokiteshvara. Furthermore, Khmer people believe that their ancestors are snake mothers, so they worship snakes and snake images often appear in temples. Behind the pagoda is the Garden where Shakyamuni Buddha preached and entered Nirvana. This is an architectural complex consisting of many large and small Buddha statues, vividly simulating the process of birth, searching for truth, enlightenment until entering Nirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. Chen Kieu Pagoda is a famous pagoda in Soc Trang, an indispensable spiritual pilgrimage site for the lives of people and the Khmer community. It is a sacred place for people to find peace and tranquility. Coming to Chen Kieu Pagoda, in addition to admiring the unique architecture of the pagoda, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Khmer people. For those who love to explore or check-in with ancient architectural works, this is an ideal place. Every corner of the temple can become an artistic background for thousands of likes, guaranteed to surprise many people when posted.

Soc Trang 1109 view From January to December

Ngày cập nhật : 01/04/2023