Unique architecture at Cay Thi Pagoda

According to some documents, Cay Thi Pagoda was built around the 17th century as a place for local people to practice and pray. In 1940, the pagoda was restored, with 5 main halls worshiping Buddha and 3 spacious wooden ancestral halls. In 1954, the pagoda was severely damaged by bombs after the French colonialists' raids. A few years later, with the efforts of local people, the building was restored but only 3 Buddha worshiping halls remained.

At the end of 2019, when Venerable Thich Hue Hanh returned to preside over the pagoda, standing in front of the simple, deserted ancient pagoda, he could not help but feel sad and wanted to restore it. After the constant efforts of the abbot, the local people and Buddhists from all over, Cay Thi Pagoda was restored and rebuilt. Cay Thi Pagoda is now majestically restored with unique architectural beauty, imbued with traditional Vietnamese style and the sophistication of East Asian architecture.

According to Venerable Thich Hue Hanh, the pagoda is named Cay Thi (Thi Tree) due to the presence of a centuries-old banyan tree next to the pagoda. According to the elders in the area, they saw the banyan tree as big as it is today since they were young. The wooden name “Cay Thi” was changed to the self-name (the pagoda’s name), becoming a symbol closely associated with the cultural and religious life of the local people.

Over time, the devastation of war and restoration, the ancient fig tree still grows green, provides shade, and becomes a "historical witness". Every year, around the beginning of the 5th lunar month, the tree blooms and by the first week of the 7th lunar month, the tree bears heavy fruit, giving off a faint, passionate fragrance that soothes the worries of the world.

The landscape at Cay Thi Pagoda creates a sense of peace.

The ancient fig tree is now over 10m tall, with a base circumference of about 2m, and has been determined by the Forest Industry Research Institute (under the Vietnam Forestry Science Institute) to be about 370 years old. Not only does it have historical value, the fig tree also has great spiritual significance for local people as well as Buddhists from all over the world who come here to worship.

Venerable Thich Hue Hanh shared: The ancient banyan tree is carefully cared for by the temple. The exterior of the temple can be restored to make the scenery more beautiful, adding more paths for people and Buddhists to visit. However, the ancient banyan tree needs to be cared for, preserved and maintained. Therefore, the root, trunk and branches of the banyan tree are kept intact and not decorated like many other trees. This is to promote and learn new things while still ensuring respect for the historical and natural values ​​of the banyan tree, which is hundreds of years old.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huyen (Thanh Tam commune, Thanh Liem) confided: Cay Thi Pagoda has existed for a long time, closely associated with the historical flow of the locality. Over the years, the pagoda and the ancient Thi tree not only have sacred meaning for Thanh Tam people but are also a spiritual support, a place for Buddhists to place their faith and wishes, for everything to be peaceful, smooth and favorable.

Located near famous tourist attractions of Ha Nam such as Tam Chuc Pagoda, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu... but Cay Thi Pagoda still attracts visitors because of its own unique and impressive features. Around the pagoda grounds, in addition to the natural beauty and the tranquility of the "old market", the pagoda has a majestic three-door gate, leading to a meditation garden among rows of green pine trees. Standing out in the complex is the 6m high granite statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara located on a high hill, the 2.5m high statue of Buddha placed in the main hall of the ancient pagoda area. From the outside looking in, on the left of the ancient pagoda is the shrine of Venerable Ananda, the first-class attendant of the Buddha, on the right is Venerable Kasyapa, the true successor of the first-class ascetic Buddha, next to Kasyapa. Besides, there is also a 4m high prayer wheel and 108 small prayer wheels arranged around... It is known that in the Cay Thi Pagoda complex there is also a lecture hall, library, kitchen... to serve Buddhists coming to meditate.

All of these create an indescribable solemnity, nobility, and tranquility. Attracting a large number of Buddhists and tourists from all over to visit and worship, especially on Vu Lan, festivals, and Tet holidays... In particular, during Vu Lan season, the ancient banyan tree at the pagoda bears a lot of fruit, as if it contained a joyful and joyful harmony, signaling the prosperity of the ancient pagoda named after the ancient tree "Banyan Tree Pagoda".

Gia Vinh

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/van-hoa/di-san/net-kien-truc-doc-dao-o-chua-cay-thi-160642.html