Chắng Pagoda - a sacred place beside the Mã Giang River.

Chang Pagoda (Ngoc Chau Temple) is located in Hoang Giang village, Cam Thuy commune. This is an ancient land, situated on the banks of the Ma River, with picturesque scenery and a long-standing population. Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, and the people within and outside the commune, the pagoda has been renovated and restored, meeting the spiritual needs of the people.

The historical, cultural and scenic site of Chang Pagoda (Ngoc Chau Temple).

At the foot of Mount Chắng lies the ancient Ngọc Châu pagoda, but locals still commonly refer to it as Chắng Pagoda. The pagoda was formerly part of Mường Dô, Thiệu Thiên prefecture, now Cẩm Thủy commune. According to documents preserved at the Cẩm Thủy Commune's Culture and Social Affairs Department, Chắng Pagoda was built during the Trần Dynasty. During the resistance against the Ming army, it became an important base for the Lam Sơn rebels. 800 meters south of Chắng Pagoda is Thung Voi (traditionally believed to be where the Lam Sơn rebels kept their elephants), and 800 meters east of the Mã River as the crow flies is Chẹ fort, still bearing traces of the rebels' military outpost... Along the Mã River from Cẩm Vân to Cẩm Giang commune (formerly), now Cẩm Thủy commune, there are six places of worship dedicated to Mrs. Trịnh Thị Nương (Le Lợi's cousin), a rebel who died in the Lỗi Giang battle.

During the period 1967-1980, the site served as a military encampment for an arms factory and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Psychiatric Hospital. Through historical upheavals and wars, only the foundations and cave systems of the ancient temple remain. In 1980, to fulfill the religious aspirations of the people of Gia Du and Hoang Giang villages, the temple was restored and renovated. From 2018-2021, with the support of the State, philanthropists, and visitors from all over, the temple underwent further restoration and renovation of various structures, including the Buddhist shrine, the Mother Goddess shrine, and the Four Blessings Hall, fulfilling the wishes of the people.

Mr. Trinh Van Muoi, from Truong Ngoc village, Cam Thuy commune – a person who has made many contributions to the restoration and preservation of the historical site – shared: “I am always proud that my place of residence has an ancient and sacred temple that is classified as a provincial-level historical, cultural, and scenic site. Therefore, I regularly go to the temple to do volunteer work for the temple and participate in charitable activities so that the temple has more funds to improve the landscape around the historical site. In the future, I will continue to promote and encourage my descendants and fellow villagers to participate in protecting, preserving, and promoting the values ​​of the historical site.”

With its historical and cultural value, Chang Pagoda was recognized as a provincial-level historical, cultural, and scenic site in 2015. Every year, from the 5th to the 7th of the first lunar month, the Chang Pagoda Festival is held. This is an occasion for the people of the region to remember those who contributed to the development of Cam Thuy land, the national heroes who fought against foreign invaders during the national liberation wars; and to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity for the country.

“I often come to Chang Pagoda to light incense and pray for the health and safety of my family. Coming here, with its tranquil atmosphere and the faint scent of incense, I feel a sense of peace and serenity. I hope that in the future, the government will continue to pay attention to restoring and preserving this place so that it lives up to its status as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic and scenic spot,” shared Ms. Le Thi Sau from Dien Lu commune, a visitor to Chang Pagoda.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cam Thuy commune, said: Cam Thuy commune continues to mobilize resources to repair, restore, and improve the landscape around the pagoda; and strengthen efforts to ensure the safety of tourists. The commune also connects Chang Pagoda with nearby tourist attractions and historical sites, such as: Ban Bu historical and cultural site (Ngoc Lac commune), Cung Temple (Cam Tu commune); Rong Pagoda (Cam Thach commune)... to form and develop spiritual and cultural tourism.

Text and photos: Huong Thuy

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chua-chang-coi-thieng-ben-dong-ma-giang-278367.htm