The imprint of the Truc Lam Buddhist space through archaeological documents.

BAC NINH - Recent archaeological discoveries at ancient temple ruins in Bac Ninh province have provided important scientific data contributing to clarifying the appearance, age, and role of the ancient temple system within the Buddhist landscape of the Western Yen Tu region. This confirms the historical, cultural, and religious depth of this area across many dynasties, notably the imprint of Truc Lam Buddhism during the Tran dynasty in the development of the ancient Kinh Bac region.

Unveiling a major Buddhist center from the Tran Dynasty through thousands of artifacts.

In December 2025, archaeological excavations at Hoanh Mo Pagoda, covering an area of ​​approximately 200 m² in Hoanh Son residential area (Lang Giang commune), uncovered thousands of artifacts, including architectural materials, bricks, tiles, glazed pottery, stoneware, and statues, dating from the Tran Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty. The results indicate that Hoanh Mo Pagoda was a large-scale Buddhist center, with a continuous cultural stratum existing from the 13th-14th centuries (Tran Dynasty), through the Le Trung Hung period (17th-18th centuries) to the Nguyen Dynasty (19th-20th centuries). Notably, the Tran Dynasty architectural layer was clearly and consistently revealed. The central structure has a rectangular plan, approximately 12 m x 8 m, surrounded by a system of paved courtyards, notably featuring lime-patterned bricks.

Artifacts discovered at the archaeological excavation site of Hoành Mô Pagoda, Lạng Giang commune.

According to Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Head of the Historical Archaeology Department (Vietnam Institute of Archaeology), lime-colored bricks were a high-class architectural material, usually only found in important royal or national temple buildings during the Tran Dynasty. The discovery of a courtyard paved with lime-colored bricks at Hoanh Mo Pagoda shows that this pagoda once received significant investment from the court and held an important position in the national Buddhist system. Furthermore, the construction techniques at Hoanh Mo bear the strong imprint of Tran Dynasty architecture. The foundations were firmly compacted with clay and laterite gravel, and the base was reinforced with standardized brickwork without the use of binding agents.

This is the result of an expanded excavation following initial discoveries in 2024, with nearly 1,300 artifacts collected. Continued excavations at this site have uncovered more foundations and architectural platforms from various periods, contributing to clarifying the scale and historical development of the site.

At the same time, the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, in collaboration with the Bac Ninh Provincial Museum No. 1, conducted excavations at the ruins of Hon Thap Pagoda (Cam Ly commune), located on the slopes of the Huyen Dinh mountain range. The 2025 excavation results revealed two layers of superimposed architecture, mainly from the Le Trung Hung and Nguyen dynasties. Notably, the scattered appearance of celadon pottery fragments and earthenware from the Tran dynasty led scientists to hypothesize that Hon Thap Pagoda may have been built during the Tran dynasty, and later renovated and expanded in subsequent periods. According to ancient texts, Son Thap Pagoda (Hon Thap) was once a resting place for Emperor Tran Nhan Tong on his journey to Yen Tu for ascetic practice. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the National Museum of History, although the Hoanh Mo Pagoda and Hon Thap Pagoda differ in topography and scale, both demonstrate the persistent and systematic presence of Truc Lam Buddhism in the ancient Bac Ninh region.

Preserving and promoting the value of historical sites in conjunction with tourism development.

The land of Bac Ninh has a long history, closely linked to the Red River civilization and the Kinh Bac culture. Discoveries at Hoanh Mo Pagoda and Hon Thap Pagoda have contributed to clarifying the Truc Lam Buddhist space in the Western Yen Tu region, affirming the role of this area in the cultural and religious history of Dai Viet, especially during the Tran dynasty. These initial archaeological results not only enrich the treasure trove of Bac Ninh's cultural heritage but also contribute to spreading the depth of history, culture, and spirit of Truc Lam Buddhism in contemporary life.

Archaeological findings at Hoanh Mo Pagoda and Hon Thap Pagoda demonstrate the enduring presence of Truc Lam Buddhism in the ancient Bac Ninh region. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has directed specialized units to complete the scientific documentation at the site, carry out proper excavation pit filling and preservation techniques, preserve artifacts according to regulations, and research and propose plans for restoration, rehabilitation, and dating of the relics. Local authorities are strengthening public awareness campaigns, demarcating and protecting the excavation area; and raising awareness and responsibility among officials and the public in preserving, protecting, and promoting the value of the heritage.

However, in reality, these relics are still affected by the daily life and farming activities of the local people. Dr. Ha Van Can, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, believes that demarcating and protecting the excavated areas is an urgent requirement, and that further research is needed to clarify the overall structure and development history of each relic.

Appreciating the value of the archaeological excavation results at Hoanh Mo Pagoda and Hon Thap Pagoda, the provincial People's Committee leaders assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate with specialized agencies to complete the scientific dossier, develop a plan for expanded excavation and overall preservation; and research options for displaying and introducing artifacts in conjunction with tourism development.

Mr. Truong Quang Hai, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that he has directed the specialized unit to complete the scientific documentation at the site, carry out the excavation pit filling for preservation using proper techniques, preserve artifacts according to regulations, and research and propose plans for restoration, rehabilitation, and dating of the relic. Along with that, the local government is strengthening propaganda, demarcating protected areas, ensuring safety in the excavation site; and raising awareness and responsibility of officials and the people in preserving, protecting, and promoting the value of the heritage.

 

Vi Le Thanh

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/dau-an-khong-gian-phat-giao-truc-lam-qua-tu-lieu-khao-co-postid438822.bbg