Promoting the value of the National Treasure Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Stele

Masterpiece of Ly Dynasty stele

According to historical documents, the Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda stele was erected in 1107 along with the construction of Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda (one of the oldest pagodas in Tuyen Quang ) under the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong (Can Duc) under the reign of Long Phu Nguyen Hoa. The person who carved the stele and built the pagoda was Thai Pho Ha Hung Tong, governor of Vi Long Chau. The person who composed the stele was Ly Thua An, who lived under the reigns of Ly Nhan Tong (1072 - 1127) and Ly Than Tong (1128 - 1137).

The stele is 1.39m high, 0.18m thick, carved from a single block of green stone, the base of the stele is attached to the back of a stone turtle 1.50m long, 0.9m wide and 0.32m high. The content of the stele consists of 25 lines with 1,130 words, recording Buddhist teachings and the merits of the Ha family. Stele of Bao Ninh Pagoda

Sung Phuc is a unique original artifact, with historical value in many aspects. Researchers have evaluated this as a stele with great historical and religious value, a literary masterpiece, on par with the masterpiece stele inscriptions of the Ly Dynasty.

After nearly 1000 years of history, Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda collapsed completely, leaving only ruins. In 1961, during the production process, people discovered an ancient stone stele at the foot of Dan Han mountain, in Yen Nguyen commune, southwest of Chiem Hoa district.

Tourists visit the National Treasure Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Stele.

The intact stele is carved from a single block of green stone, mounted on the back of a stone turtle. The stele's forehead is engraved with a large line: "Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Tu Bi" meaning Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda Stele. Mr. Ly Manh Thang, Director of Tuyen Quang Provincial Museum, said: Based on the remaining traces on the ground and through many archaeological surveys in May 2005, the words inscribed in the stele can visualize the scale of the pagoda when it was first built, quite impressive, facing south.

Later, realizing the great value of the relic, the Party Committee, government and people of Chiem Hoa district restored the pagoda, where the stele is displayed, to meet the religious and cultural needs of Buddhists, local people and tourists from all over. According to observations, Bao Ninh Sung Phuc pagoda is located in a high and dry place with lush trees all year round.

Pilgrimage through the red brick steps covered with moss due to time, visitors will reach the main temple. The peaceful Zen gate with the endless green of ancient trees, fruit trees, flowers and vegetables will make you feel peaceful and serene.

Heritage tourism development

In December 2023, the archaeological site of Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda continued to be ranked as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In order to promote the value of the relic, the Provincial People's Committee requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of Chiem Hoa district, the People's Committee of Yen Nguyen commune (where the relic is ranked as a national monument) and relevant agencies according to their functions, tasks and powers to be responsible for managing, preserving and exploiting the value of the national relic in accordance with the provisions of law.

In order to educate the tradition of patriotism, the morality of "When drinking water, remember its source", gratitude and honor the merits of ancestors, historical figures, and those who have made many contributions to the formation and development of the country, every year on the 8th of the 4th lunar month, the People's Committee of Yen Nguyen commune, Chiem Hoa district solemnly organizes the Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda Festival associated with the Buddha's birthday and Buddhist calendar to meet the spiritual and worshiping needs of visitors from all directions.

The festival consists of two parts: The ceremony includes Buddha worship rituals, Buddha's Birthday offering ceremony with Buddha bathing ritual and animal release; the festival part includes many art performances, sports competitions, folk games, exhibitions, and introductions of local agricultural products...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hoa, Deputy Head of the Heritage Management Department, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed that the Provincial Museum is currently coordinating with the police and local authorities to have the best plans and solutions to protect and preserve the province's national treasures. Security cameras, fire prevention and protection work have been strengthened, helping to protect and prevent from a distance and early signs of possible damage to the treasures. Avoiding cases of damage such as the Nguyen Dynasty throne treasure in Thai Hoa Palace in Hue relics that recently caused public uproar.

Comrade Cam Van Dung, Chairman of Yen Nguyen Commune People's Committee, said: The local government has been coordinating well with the Provincial Museum and the Management Board of Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda in the work of protecting the National Treasure. The commune has promoted to the people of the villages the value of Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda and the National Treasure Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Stele so that they can protect, preserve and promote it together.

In addition to organizing the annual Bao Ninh Sung Phuc Pagoda Festival, the commune really wants travel companies to help link up tours and connections to help tourists learn about and experience the heritage. The commune also hopes that competent authorities and the Provincial Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will coordinate in renovating, planning, and enhancing ancillary services for the relic. The locality also directs Bao Ninh village to focus on preserving and promoting the local Tay ethnic identity, such as traditional stilt house architecture, costumes, cuisine, folk games, and music. Only by doing so can the relic attract tourists from near and far.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/phat-huy-gia-tri-bao-vat-quoc-gia-van-bia-bao-ninh-sung-phuc-212744.html