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Location: Keo Pagoda is located at Dung
Nhue Hamlet, Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province.
Characteristics: The pagoda was built during 1133-1154 by Monk Duong
Khong Lo on an area of 7,200m2
Monk Duong Khong Lo is a monk and famous doctor who successfully treated King Ly
Than Tong (1133-1138) from a serious disease. He was then honoured by the King
with the title of Quoc Su (Prince's Master), and provided with money and land to
build the pagoda.
Passing a large area and a lake, visitors will see a three-entrance gate
opening; shrines of Buddha and his disciples. Then the temple comes into view,
it is dedicated to Duong Khong Lo, and included several shrines such as the Gia
Roi, Thien Huong Phuc Quoc and Thuong Dien. The two passages, which separate the
pagoda and temple areas, have curved roofs that join together at the bell tower.
The pagoda has got 17 structures composed of 128 compartments. The three-storey
bell tower is 11.06m in height and has got 12 roofs with 12 charming curved
corners. This is an original architectural work, evoking a freshly boomed lotus
rising by the straight high areca trees. The pagoda displays the artistic
features of wood installation. On the first storey of the bell tower, a 1.87m
wide musical stone instrument (khanh) is hung over. On the second storey, there
is a bell cast in 1686, and on the third and the highest storey are bells cast
in 1796. The offerings in the temple are carved or engraved with elaborate
designs. Some designs of four centimeters diameter contain nine engraved
dragons. The Keo Pagoda, with a total of 120 chambers, has the appearance of a
blooming lotus. It is now a tourist attraction and a pride and joy for the
Vietnamese architects. At present, the pagoda preserves many valuable votive
objects. At its back sanctuary, there is a statue of a zen master made of aloe
wood, a bell cast in the Le Dynasty, and khanh and porcelain. The Keo Pagoda
festival (held on the fifteen of the ninth lunar) is a big cultural event, which
attracts many pilgrims and tourists.
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