The 'unique' temple in the West is built from tens of thousands of monolithic stones

Located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City (formerly Ward 2, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang), Vinh Hung Pagoda (Vinh Hung Ancestral Temple) is considered a "unique construction in the West" because it is built from tens of thousands of monolithic stones, combining the quintessence of Vietnamese and Japanese architecture.

The passion of a monk in the West

Vinh Hung Pagoda was originally called "Cay Diep Pagoda" because in the campus there was an ancient Diep tree that provided cool shade. Over time, with the architecture completely rebuilt from monolithic stone, people called it "Stone Pagoda".

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 1. — Vinh Hung Pagoda has a unique architecture, built entirely of stone, with a harmonious layout between Japanese and Vietnamese architecture.

Vinh Hung Pagoda was founded in 1912 by donor Dinh Thi Dinh with the desire to create a place for Buddhist followers to worship. This is one of the oldest pagodas associated with the religious and spiritual life of Can Tho people.

The most important milestone in the journey of restoration and construction of Vinh Hung Pagoda is associated with the merits of the late Venerable Thich Thanh Chuong (real name Tran Duc Lanh, 1965 - 2013, hometown in Tran De district, old Soc Trang).

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 2. — The temple was founded in 1912 and has undergone many renovations.

In 2009, Venerable Thich Thanh Chuong mobilized Buddhists at home and abroad to contribute funds, and at the same time invited the Venerables of the Buddhist Executive Committee of Soc Trang Province (old) to break ground for the major renovation of the ancient pagoda. The project began on September 9, 2009.

According to Ms. Phan To Quyen (73 years old, temple secretary), during the construction process, tens of thousands of stones were transported from the Central region by waterway. "Each trip of stones usually arrived at 6-7 pm, and it was not until 3 am the next morning that they were all transported to the temple. Everyone in the temple stayed up almost all night to transport and arrange them," Ms. Quyen shared.

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 3. — The temple is built entirely of rectangular monolithic stones, up to tens of thousands of stones.

Unfortunately, Venerable Thich Thanh Chuong fell seriously ill and passed away in March 2013, when the project was basically completed. His wish to build this unique stone pagoda has become the great spiritual legacy he left behind.

Vietnamese - Japanese fusion architecture made of monolithic stone

The special feature of Vinh Hung Pagoda is that the entire structure, from the three-entrance gate, main hall, temple yard, fence to Buddha tower, guardian statues... are all built of rectangular monolithic stone.

Venerable Thich Minh Tam, Deputy Abbot of the pagoda, said: "The stones have an average size of 0.3m x 0.2m x 0.2m, selected and meticulously cut by stonemasons from the Central region before being brought to Soc Trang. Tens of thousands of stones are stacked on top of each other, naturally bonded, keeping their raw color, creating solidity and solemnity."

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 4. — Tens of thousands of stones stacked on top of each other, naturally bonded

Right from the main gate, visitors will feel the peaceful atmosphere. The name "Vinh Hung Pagoda" is clearly engraved on the gate along with Chinese characters. Entering the yard, rows of green trees and ornamental flowers add to the serenity of the Zen monastery.

In front of the main hall, a pair of white stone lions carved delicately stand guard, welcoming visitors. The main hall is spacious, with tiled roofs decorated with tiger motifs, typical of Japanese architecture, creating an East Asian cultural exchange right in the middle of the Southwest. The wooden door system with delicate carvings adds to the ancient look.

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 5. — The stones have an average size of 0.3m x 0.2m x 0.2m, selected and meticulously cut by stonemasons in the Central region before being brought to Soc Trang.

Behind the main hall is the Ancestral Temple, where the statue of Bodhidharma, the founding patriarch and the previous abbots are enshrined. Next to it is a majestic 5-storey Buddhist tower, symbolizing the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and space, with a sacred, shining stupa on top.

Many rare Buddha statues in the "unique" temple in the West

Not only unique in its architecture, Vinh Hung Pagoda also possesses many Buddha statues crafted entirely from rare monolithic black stone. Among them, the most prominent are the statue of Sakyamuni, the statue of Guanyin holding her child and two majestic guardian statues.

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 6. — Shakyamuni Buddha statue is crafted entirely from rare monolithic black stone

Each statue is hand-carved by artisans, preserving the rustic look of the stone but still exuding a majestic and sacred aura. These are considered priceless treasures of the temple, contributing to the difference compared to many other Buddhist works in the area.

Today, Vinh Hung Pagoda is not only a place for religious activities of thousands of Buddhists but also a destination for sightseeing, worship and exploring unique architecture. Many young people come here to capture impressive check-in moments in the ancient space.

Ngôi chùa 'độc nhất miền Tây' xây dựng từ hàng chục ngàn viên đá nguyên khối- Ảnh 7. — Guardian statue made of black stone

During major holidays, the pagoda welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world to visit, burn incense and pray. Many foreign tourists also come here, amazed by the religious structure built from seemingly dry stone blocks but containing both cultural and spiritual depth.

This “unique” stone pagoda in the West is a testament to the faith, effort and dedication of many generations of monks and Buddhists. The stacked stone blocks not only create a sturdy pagoda, but also symbolize the strength of the community.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoi-chua-doc-nhat-mien-tay-xay-dung-tu-hang-chuc-ngan-vien-da-nguyen-khoi-185250910084144205.htm