KompongNigrodha Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) receives Provincial Monument Ranking Certificate

Ceremony to receive the Provincial Monument Ranking Certificate of KompongNigrodha Pagoda Historical Relic (Kompong Chray Pagoda)

KompongNigrodha Pagoda (Kompong Chray Pagoda) in Pali means Banyan tree wharf, and is also known by other names by locals such as Bat Pagoda and Cave Pagoda. The pagoda was built in 1637 AD (ie 2181 AD).

Side gate of KompongNigrodha pagoda (Kompong Chray pagoda)

Located in a cool green space, KompongNigrodha Pagoda is surrounded by hundreds of ancient trees, such as stars, hundreds of years old. This natural environment has created conditions for many species of birds to live, contributing to the formation of a peaceful space, close to nature. In particular, the pagoda is a harmonious architectural complex, with a landscape surrounded by rivers and lakes, close to the local market, creating a lively and unique ecological picture. The combination of the ancient, solemn look with the simple, poetic features has created a unique mark, creating a rare characteristic for this relic.

Main hall of KompongNigrodha temple

During the resistance war against French colonialism and American imperialism, KompongNigrodha Pagoda was a red address, rich in revolutionary tradition, making great contributions to the cause of fighting for national independence. The pagoda was also a place to organize propaganda and disseminate the Party's policies and guidelines to monks and Buddhists. This role played an important role in fostering patriotism, creating solidarity, a key factor in determining the success of the struggle movements, contributing to the victory of national liberation and national reunification. To this day, the spirit of great national solidarity between Kinh and Khmer people at the pagoda continues to be promoted and spread.

Not only is it an important center of belief and religious activities of the Khmer people, KompongNigrodha Pagoda is also a typical cultural and tourist symbol of Tra Vinh province. This is a place to preserve and promote the unique traditional cultural and artistic values of the Khmer people through moraleducation activities and teaching the Khmer Pali language to monks and Buddhists. In addition, the pagoda also opens training classes and teaches wood carving, contributing to the preservation and development of traditional local crafts.

With such outstanding historical and cultural values, on May 19, 2025, the Chairman of Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 1158/QD-UBND ranking KompongNigrodha Pagoda as a provincial-level relic of the historical relic type.

Mr. Thach Boi, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, presented the Certificate of recognition of provincial relic to Mr. Huynh Kim Chung, Chairman of Chau Thanh Town People's Committee and Mr. Thach Xuong, Abbot of KompongNigrodha Pagoda.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Thach Boi requested the Party committees, authorities and local departments to strictly implement the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage; promote propaganda and education in many forms and with rich content to raise awareness of people, especially the young generation, about the meaning, value and importance of preserving and promoting relics.

Chau Thanh District People's Committee researched and developed a plan to link study tours at the relic with tourism development, considering this as one of the bright spots in the exploitation of cultural tourism resources along with local tourism activities. At the same time, coordinate well with provincial departments and branches, have solutions for preservation, renovation and restoration to do a good job of preserving and promoting the value of the relic comprehensively and effectively.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also requested the abbot, monks, the Board of Directors and Buddhists of KompongNigrodha Pagoda to continue to promote the spirit of solidarity, develop good relationships in society, strengthen religious and belief activities; gradually develop infrastructure, maintain good trees, enhance the green, clean and beautiful landscape environment, especially maintain and organize traditional festivals and good customs and practices to meet the increasing demand for spiritual and cultural enjoyment of local people and attract a large number of tourists from near and far to visit, experience and study, contributing significantly to the development of tourism in the province.

At the same time, strengthen the management, preservation and promotion of the value of relics. Maintain and organize well the opening of Khmer Pali classes; training classes, teaching wood carving for monks and people.

Ms. Thach Thi Sa Thy, Chairman of Chau Thanh District People's Committee, awarded a certificate of merit to the collective that had outstanding achievements in collecting documents and contributing to the construction of the dossier to propose the recognition of KompongNigrodha Pagoda (Kompong Chray Pagoda) as a provincial-level historical relic.

Mr. Do Minh Tien, Vice Chairman of Chau Thanh District People's Committee, awarded certificates of merit to individuals who had outstanding achievements in collecting documents and contributing to the construction of the dossier to propose the recognition of KompongNigrodha Pagoda (Kompong Chray Pagoda) as a provincial-level historical relic.

The abbot of KompongNigrodha Pagoda, Thach Xuong, presented souvenirs to Mr. Thach Boi and Mrs. Thach Thi Sa Thy.

On this occasion, Chau Thanh District People's Committee awarded certificates of merit to 1 collective and 3 individuals who had outstanding achievements in collecting documents and contributing to the dossier to propose recognizing KompongNigrodha Pagoda (Kompong Chray Pagoda) as a provincial-level historical relic.