Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Introduction

Hanoi is a destination with many impressive cultural heritages. It is also a destination with many religious architectural works that attract tourists from near and far. One of the famous spiritual architectural works is Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple.

With its grand scale and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple attracts the attention of many tourists from near and far. The Buddhist temple has become one of the attractive spiritual tourist destinations near Hanoi, bringing pilgrims and sightseers many unforgettable experiences.

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple's grand scale and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Source: CLB Huong Tu Bi

Where is Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple ?

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple: formerly known as "Cổ Liêu Tự" (Ancient Buddhist temple Deserted) commonly known as Cheo Buddhist temple, located in Tay Ninh Village - Doai Phuong Commune - Hanoi City, close to the historical relic of Măng Sơn Temple., is a tranquil spiritual destination not only famous in Hanoi but also attracting a large number of tourists from afar to admire the scenery, offer incense, and pray for peace and blessings for their families. This is a majestic temple that owns the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.
 
The architecture of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple blends modern and traditional styles, characterized by concept. The worship halls follow a “Buddha in front, Ancestors in the back” arrangement. The both sides of the Buddhist temple houses the Monk House, left and right wings, the Gratitude tower, the bell tower, and the drum tower. Additionally, a large rectangular pond in front of the Buddhist temple remains clear like jade throughout the year. Atop the pond sits a pavilion mimicking the design of the One Pillar Buddhist temple. Inside the pavilion, there is a shrine to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and a collection of precious Ksitigarbha Sutras, attracting many Buddhist followers.

Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple is located 44km west of central Hanoi.

Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple welcomes visitors for sightseeing and worship from 07:00 to 20:00. The Buddhist temple is open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays and festivals.

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple in Doai Phuong Commune. Source: CLB Huong Tu BI

History of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple, also known as Cổ Liêu Tự (Ancient Buddhist temple Deserted), is a tranquil spiritual destination not only famous in Hanoi but also attracting a large number of tourists from afar to admire the scenery, offer incense, and pray for peace and blessings for their families.

This grand Buddhist temple is home to the largest statue of Buddha Amitabha in Southeast Asia. Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple has a history dating back to the early 16th century during the Later Le Dynasty. Through the years of rain and sun, the Buddhist temple has been restored and embellished many times by the people and Buddhists. Currently, the oldest historical relics of the Buddhist temple are two stone steles: one was carved in the 19th year of Cảnh Hưng (1759); one was carved in the 14th year of Gia Long (1816) and the bronze bell was cast in the 22nd year of Tự Đức (1870).

History of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple. Source: Chua Khai Nguyen - Doai Phuong Commune 

Unique architecture 

The current Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple has a blend of ancient and modern architecture. It is an architecture in the style of "inner public, outer private", the worshiping rooms are arranged in the style of "Buddha in front, Patriarch in back". At the end of the Buddhist temple is the monk's hall with the left and right wings, Gratitude Tower, bell tower, drum tower…

In addition, you will see a large rectangular lake in front of the Buddhist temple. This lake is clear and blue all year round. On the surface of the lake there is a pavilion simulating the shape of the One Pillar Buddhist temple. Here there is a shrine to Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and a precious Ksitigarbha sutra, attracting the attention of Buddhist followers.

The current Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple has a blend of ancient and modern architecture. 

What is in Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple ?

The largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia 

Currently, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is home to the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, with a height of 72m and a pedestal diameter of up to 1200m2.

Inside the statue are 11 floors. Of which, 11 floors are arranged for believers from near and far to visit the Bodhisattva shrine. The underworld floor is built into the six realms of reincarnation including many realms such as  heaven, hell, and purgatory.

The Buddha's left hand holds a pink lotus, while the right hand is in the teaching mudra gesture. In the center of the Buddha's right palm is a raised depiction of the Dharma Wheel. The statue's base is a massive lotus flower featuring three layers with 56 petals.

The statue's base is a massive lotus flower featuring three layers with 56 petals.

Each floor of the statue is decorated in a separate worship style. The highlight is the 11th floor of the statue - where the heart of Amitabha Buddha is placed and worshiped, made of a single block of Canadian jade, weighing more than one ton.

 The heart of Amitabha Buddhamade of a single block of Canadian jade, weighing more than one ton.

Admire nearly 2000 statues in the Three Jewels space

In the Three Jewels space, the system of 1.975 large and small Buddha statues creates a unique architectural form.

In addition, the Buddhist temple also preserves many ancient artifacts of long-standing historical value such as two stone steles dated Canh Hung 19 (1759) and Gia Long 14 (1816), along with a bronze bell dated Tu Duc 22 (1870). These relics are valuable historical sources showing the cultural and historical values ​​of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple.

In the Three Jewels space, the system of 1.975 large and small Buddha.

Ly Dynasty Patterns

The details of the patterns on the pillars, roof tiles or temple doors are all imbued with the Ly Dynasty style. The curved, symmetrical patterns not only increase the aesthetic value but also contribute to recreating the long-standing traditional culture, demonstrating the talent of ancient artisans.

Traces of Ly Dynasty patterns at the Buddhist temple.

Activities at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Some meaningful activities that visitors should participate in when coming to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple include:

• Vu Lan Festival: This is an opportunity for Buddhists and visitors to express their gratitude and filial piety to their parents. Vu Lan Festival at the Buddhist temple often includes activities of offering offerings, praying, and special art programs.
• Buddha's Birthday: Held in the fourth lunar month every year, the festival brings a solemn atmosphere with flowers offering rituals, bathing the Buddha, and meaningful sermons.
• Great candle lighting ceremony: The candle lighting activity is held to commemorate the Venerable Master of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple.

Some meaningful activities that visitors should participate in when coming to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple. Source: CLB Huong Tu Bi

How to get to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple ?

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, and you can easily get there by the following means:

• Motorbike or private car: This is the most popular and convenient option. From the center of Hanoi, you go in the direction of Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32, then turn onto the road leading to Son Tay. Travel time is about 1-1.5 hours.

• Bus: You can take bus routes from the center of Hanoi to Son Tay, such as route 70A or 70B. After arriving at Son Tay bus station, you can continue to take a motorbike taxi or taxi to the Buddhist temple.

• Technology car service: Currently, technology car services such as Grab or Be also support booking cars to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple, helping you save time and effort.

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, and you can easily get there.

Things to note when visiting Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

When visiting Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple, you need to note some important points below:

• Wear polite and discreet clothes, avoid short or revealing clothes.
• You should visit the Buddhist temple in spring or autumn to enjoy the cool air.
• Do not make noise, do not take pictures in the worship area and maintain the general hygiene of the Buddhist temple.
• Coming to this sacred Buddhist temple, people can pray for health, peace, fortune or career advancement for themselves, relatives and friends.
• Always show respect and reverence when visiting and performing rituals.
• Limit bringing food and drinks into the Buddhist temple grounds.

Things to note when visiting Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple. 

Conclusion

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is not only a spiritual tourist destination but also a place to help you find peace and serenity in your soul. Take the time to come here to experience and feel these values !