Only move the national treasure Stone Buddhist Altar when absolutely necessary.

VHO - Regarding the national treasure, the stone Buddhist altar, in accordance with the opinion of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Official Letter No. 4839/BVHTTDL-DSVH on the plan for preserving this artifact, relocation for restoration work should only be carried out when absolutely necessary and a plan for protecting the artifact during the relocation process must be ensured.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recently issued Official Letter No. 2332/BVHTTDL-DSVH, signed by Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong, to the People's Committee of Phu Tho province regarding the appraisal of the project to restore and renovate Xuan Lung Pagoda.

Accordingly, on May 12th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism received Official Letter No. 2351/UBND KGVX from the People's Committee of Phu Tho province requesting the appraisal of the project to restore and renovate Xuan Lung Pagoda, Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district.

Xuan Lung Pagoda suffered heavy damage after the fire.

After conducting a review and assessment, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism gave its opinion on the agreement for the project to restore and renovate Xuan Lung Pagoda relic site, including the following contents: overall site plan;

Reconstruct the Three Treasures Hall (according to the building's architecture before the fire); rebuild the main gate, the Mother Goddess house, and the restrooms; construct a new lecture hall, monks' quarters, ceremonial hall, incense burning pavilion, kitchen, and restrooms; renovate the courtyard, garden, and technical infrastructure.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism noted that, for the lecture hall, the scale should be reduced; and for the plan to reconstruct the Three Jewels, the roof structure should be designed according to the model of the structure before the fire.

Regarding the interior layout and altar arrangement, it is requested that arched doorways not be installed along the axes mentioned in the document; and that fluorescent tube lights not be used for interior lighting.

Regarding the artifacts at the Three Treasures Temple, before the fire, the temple still preserved a system of statues and religious objects of historical and artistic value (including clay and wooden statues). Therefore, we request that the People's Committee of Phu Tho province direct the relevant agencies to continue surveying and evaluating the system of artifacts and religious objects, and propose solutions for maximum restoration and preservation. In cases where reuse is not possible, select valuable artifacts for preservation at the historical site.

The stone Buddhist altar - a national treasure - at Xuan Lung Pagoda after the fire.

Regarding the national treasure, the stone Buddhist altar, in accordance with the opinion of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Official Letter No. 4839/BVHTTDL-DSVH on the plan for preserving this artifact, relocation for restoration work should only be carried out when absolutely necessary and a plan for protecting the artifact during the relocation process must be ensured.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also proposed adjusting the design plan for the ceremonial house to feature a closed gable wall (without a curved roof).

The dossier needs to clarify the construction history of the buildings, include color photographs of the current state, documentation of the Three Treasures Hall before the fire; and written opinions from the people regarding the overall site plan, the plan for restoration, renovation, new construction, and the arrangement of worship at the buildings.

Previously, in November 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent Official Letter No. 4839/BVHTTDL-DSVH to the People's Committee of Phu Tho province proposing solutions for the protection, preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of relics and artifacts at Xuan Lung Pagoda.

Based on the report of the working group and the actual situation at the scene of the Xuân Lũng pagoda fire, the working group assessed that the architecture and the system of artifacts (national treasures, clay statues, wooden statues) were all affected.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has requested the People's Committee of Phu Tho province to promptly assess and conclude on the cause of the fire to clarify responsibility; and to strengthen the protection and preservation of other historical sites throughout the province.

On October 23, 2024, the national historical site of Xuan Lung Pagoda (also known as Pho Quang Pagoda), Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district, Phu Tho province, caught fire. Pho Quang Pagoda is a national historical and cultural relic, recognized by the state in Decision No. 92-VHTT/QD dated July 10, 1980, of the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/chi-di-doi-bao-vat-quoc-gia-ban-tho-phat-bang-da-khi-that-su-can-thiet-137487.html