(VOVworld) –Covering more than 2,000 square meters, Keo pagoda in Thai Binh province is comprised of a number of architectural structures including a three-door temple, a Buddha pagoda, a Genie temple, a bell tower, corridors, and a tower garden…
Keo pagoda, also known as Than Quang pagoda, is located in Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district, Thai Binh province. The pagoda is comprised of a pagoda that worships Buddha and a Genie temple that worships Duong Khong Lo, a monk of the Ly dynasty, who founded the pagoda. Monk Duong Khong Lowasborn in 1016 inGiaoThuy village, Ha Thanh district. He became a monk at 29. In 1061, after practicing Buddhism in India, he returned home and founded Nghiem Quang pagoda. In 1167, King Ly Anh Tong changed the name of the pagoda from Nghiem Quang to Than Quang.

The pagoda collapsed in a typhoonin 1611. It was rebuilt in 1632. At that time, the pagoda had 157 apartments covering 58,000 square meters. Now, the pagoda has 128 apartments covering 2,000 square meters. Despite being upgraded and repaired several times over the past 400 years, Keo pagoda retains its unique architecture from the 17^th century Le dynasty. In September 2012 it was designated a special national relic.

Keo pagoda’s interior was built in the shape of the letter Công (工), and its exterior is shaped like the letter Quốc (国). See the map of the pagoda

The pagoda beside an ancient banyan tree as seen from the dyke beside the Red River

Wooden pillars are typical of Keo pagoda

A rectangular lake in front of the pagoda creates a peaceful landscape

Red silk cotton trees besidethe lake enhance the pagoda’s beauty

The front hall worshiping the Buddha is designed in the shape of the letter Công (工)

A stone stele represents the artistic style of the Le dynasty

The pagoda’s structures are more imposing in direct sunlight

The peaceful pagoda yard

The pagoda boasts unique architectural styles

In the pagoda complex are a number of horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences dating back to the Nguyen dynasty

The bell tower is the most prominent feature of Keo pagoda. It is 11 meters high and has a three-layered roof

Wooden decorations on the bell tower. All the wooden tenons are fixed together without any iron

A stone plate and the main pillar of the bell tower