Exploring Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple – Home to the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia

Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple is a majestic Buddhist temple featuring the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. It is not only a spiritual destination attracting Buddhists from near and far, but also a highlight of Son Tay tourism when combined with nearby attractions. Today, let's dive into all about Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple in the following article!

1. Where is Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple located?

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.

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 Nguyên Buddhist temple in Son Tay, Hanoi

2. Guide on how to get to Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple

Located over 40km from central Hanoi, reaching Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple is quite convenient. You can choose various modes of transportation such as taxi, motorbike, private car, or bus. However, private vehicles are often preferred for their convenience, flexibility, and speed.

From central Hanoi, you can travel along National Highway 32 or the Láng Hòa Lạc expressway to reach Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple. The travel time by motorbike, car, or taxi is approximately over 1 hour.

Additionally, if you have more time or want to save on transportation costs, you can opt for the bus. You can take bus route 74, which runs from My Dinh Bus Station – Pham Hung – Me Tri – Thang Long Avenue – Viettel High-tech Center – Highway 21B – Tung Thien Street – Institute 105 – Thanh Vi – Xuan Khanh. The fare is 9,000 VND per trip, with a frequency of approximately 30 minutes per trip. Remember to check the correct bus stop to get off!

3. Explore the history of Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple

Before being known as Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple, the Buddhist temple was called Co Lieu Buddhist temple (Ancient Buddhist temple Deserted)  located in Son Dong, Son Tay town today. According to inscriptions on stone steles, the Buddhist temple was built very early, around the beginning of the 16th century under the Ly dynasty. Enduring many ups and downs in history along with the devastation of war, Khai Nguyên Buddhist temple was almost completely destroyed.

In 2003, with the consent of all levels of government, in response to invitations from local people and Buddhist followers, Venerable Thich Dao Thinh was appointed to take care of, preside over, build, and serve the religious beliefs at the Buddhist temple. Venerable Thich Dao Thinh requested the commune People's Committee to relocate the Buddhist temple to its original location (in front of the current Central Buddhist temple gate) and proposed a plan to the city government for expansion and renovation of this area.

Main hall area

The new Buddhist temple is built on the old foundation, simulating the architecture of the damaged Buddhist temple but still exuding the characteristic beauty and valuable historical values of the Buddhist temple.

Exploring Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Compared to many other Buddhist temples in the northern region, although Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is not overly ancient, it still exudes a sense of tranquility and solemnity. Situated on an area of ​​over 500m2, the architecture inside the Buddhist temple is extremely delicate, harmonizing between the structures and nature.

4.1. Architecture of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

After nearly two decades, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple has now emerged with a grand scale and an architectural style blending tradition with modernity. The Buddhist temple carries the beauty of ancient architecture combined with modern lines, attracting many visitors.

Entrance Path to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is constructed in the architectural style of 'internal cultivation, external international'. The main worshipping halls are arranged in the 'front Buddha, rear ancestors' style, complemented by auxiliary structures such as the monk's path, left-right wings, gratitude tower, bell tower, and drum tower.

In front of the Buddhist temple, there is a large rectangular-shaped lake, with its water appearing emerald green throughout the year. In the middle of the lake stands a pavilion resembling the shape of the One Pillar Buddhist temple. This area venerates Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, particularly featuring the precious Kṣitigarbha Sutra, which attracts the attention of many Buddhists when they visit Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple.

Panoramic view of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple from above

The main hall of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is a one-story building covering a total area of ​​400m2. Prominent in the main hall is the Western Trinity Altar, nearly 10m tall, solemnly standing as if tirelessly extending compassion to all sentient beings.

The scene inside the Main Hall of the Buddhist temple

The inner area of ​​the Buddhist temple is very spacious, covering ​​6 hectares, which is where people often come to participate in summer retreats. The retreats at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple are also well received by people, students, and students from neighboring areas.

Visit the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Southeast Asia

The remarkable highlight of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is the largest statue of Amitabha Buddha in Southeast Asia, standing 72 meters tall, with a pedestal area of ​​up to 1200 square meters, which commenced construction in May 2015. The statue has a sturdy structure and is crafted with exquisite detail.

The majestic figure of the Buddha sits in a dignified posture, radiating compassion and wisdom from His serene face. In His left hand, the Buddha holds a blooming pink lotus flower, while His right hand is in the gesture of fearlessness. Between the palms of the Buddha's hands are the Dharma wheels, symbolizing the profound teachings of Buddhism.

The largest statue of Amitabha Buddha in Southeast Asia at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple during the construction phase

The pedestal of the Amitabha Buddha statue at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is a giant lotus with 3 layers and 56 petals. The statue embodies the distinctive features of Vietnamese Buddhist culture. The message of this Buddha statue is: 'For world peace, national prosperity, global harmony, sentient beings' happiness, and the flourishing of the Dharma.'

The main statue of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is designed with 11 floors and stands 72m tall, with 10floors featuring elevators and staircases. Each floor is decorated in its own unique style. Particularly, the 11th floor houses and worships the heart of the Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade imported from Canada, weighing over 1 ton. This is one of the most sacred and remarkable masterpieces of the main statue.

Jade Amitabha Buddha Statue in the 2th floor

Moreover, beneath the basement of the main statue hall of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple, there is an area depicting the 18 layers of hell to convey the meaning of the six realms of reincarnation, helping practitioners understand the law of karma to cultivate virtues.

4.3. Nearly 2,000 Buddha Statues in the Three Treasures

In addition to the largest statue of Amitabha Buddha in Southeast Asia, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple also attracts visitors from all over the world with a system of nearly 2,000 large and small Amitabha Buddha statues in the Three Treasures hall, creating a unique architectural form.

Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple attracts visitors with a system of nearly 2,000 large and small Buddha statues in the Three Treasures hall.

In addition, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple also preserves some valuable relics such as: Two stone steles dated to the 19th year of Canh Hung era (1759) and the 14th year of Gia Long era (1815), a bronze bell dated to the 22nd year of Tu Duc era (1870). These are valuable historical sources that demonstrate the cultural and historical value of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple.

4.4. Activities at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Summer meditation retreats

Every year, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple organizes summer meditation retreats with the participation of monks, Buddhists, students, and scholars. Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is not only a place of worship but also a place that fosters friendships and love among people. Typically, the summer retreats at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple last for about a month, with two sessions in June and July.

Summer meditation retreats at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

Moreover, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple also conducts teachings for those who follow the Buddhist faith. Through this, thousands of participants have gained a clearer understanding of the importance of doing good, positive personal transformation, practicing kindness, and appreciating the values of life.

Dharma sharing activities

Instead of outdoor picnics in eco-tourism areas or amusement parks, many families have chosen to visit Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple to enjoy vegetarian meals, engage in virtuous activities, and learn more about Buddhist teachings. Visits to the Buddhist temple always bring peace to the soul and happiness in life.

Scenes of a festival taking place at the Buddhist temple

Medical treatment

Moreover, Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple is renowned far and wide for its ancient remedies that cure various illnesses related to the liver, gallbladder, skin, and more. The Buddhist temple's traditional remedies have garnered widespread praise, attracting numerous visitors seeking these secret formulas.

5. Exploring Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple: Tips and Insights

5.1. When is the Best Time to Visit Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple?

The weather in Son Tay is cool throughout the year, so you can plan a trip to Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple at any time. According to experience, if you want to participate in the Buddhist temple's festivals, you can visit on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month or during festivals. Especially in the summer (around June - July), the monks at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple organize retreats with many spiritually enriching lessons. If you have time, visit the Buddhist temple during this period to listen to the teachings of the monks.

Scenery at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

5.2. Things to Note When Visiting Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

To fully experience the visit and Buddhist rituals at Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple, consider the following:

6. Some Tourist Attractions Near Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple

During your exploration of Khai Nguyen Buddhist temple, you can also visit some famous tourist spots in Son Tay as follows:

Duong Lam Ancient Village