Phat Tich (Buddha’s Trace) Pagoda, located in Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, is a cultural and historical relic in Viet Nam which contains cultural and sculptural values of the Ly Dynasty.
Phat Tich Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, and underwent several transformations throughout the years. It was first renovated during the Ly Dynasty. In 1057, King Ly Thanh Tong had a tower erected and a golden statue made. Later in the 17th century, the pagoda was enlarged. Unfortunately, the pagoda was ravaged by the war in 1947 and was rebuilt again in a simpler style in 1958. And in 1991, the pagoda has been reconstructed following ancient architectural designs.
Among the remains of the pagoda is the Amitabha Buddha stone statue dating back from the 10th-11th centuries, which is considered precious object. The columns of the pagoda are decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and orchestra with artisans playing various types of traditional musical instruments.
The Amitabha Buddha stone statue dating back from the 10th-11th centuries
According to historical records, Phat Tich Pagoda was as an importance national pagoda, where the Kings of Ly Dynasty often come to hold the Buddhist ceremonies and pray peaceful and prosperous for the country and safety for people. This was not only a Buddhist cultural center but also the place where Buddhist monks were trained. With such special values, Phat Tich deserves as a national vestige where preserves national treasures.
Phat Tich Pagoda was the place where exhibit the largest Buddha Gem statue in Viet Nam – weighing 4.5 tons and standing 3.5 meters high, engraved out of Nephrite stone block, from 16 to 22 of May 2009. The world itinerary of the Buddha Gem statute has been put together to promote world peace. Before arriving at Phat Tich Pagoda, the Buddha Gem statue had visited Da Nang, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Thap in Viet Nam. After leaving Phat Tich Pagoda, the statue traveled to other places in the world such as USA, Taiwan etc. before being settled at the Peace Tower in Bendigo, New South Wales, Australia.
In 2010, the project of renovating and restoring the Historical Cultural Vestige of Phat Tich Pagoda has almost completed which cost 75 billion VND sourced from the State budget and donations from organizations, individuals and Buddhist followers nationwide. The Phat Tich pagoda has named project to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
The giant Buddha statue has been placed on the Phat Tich Mountain.
Now coming to Phat Tich Pagoda, visitors will have chance to contemplate a new wonder of Bac Ninh Province. That is the statue - 27 metres high (including Buddha's throne and pedestal) and weighs more than 3,000 tonnes which considered as one of the largest stone statues in Southeast Asia and the first of its kind in Viet Nam. It has constructed since February 2007. The statue is shaped based on the model of Amitabha Buddha statue which was made of stone during the Ly Dynasty - a masterpiece of the national fine-art with skillful lines. Therefore, the making of pattern and clothing creases for the giant Buddha statue is a very painstaking work. This giant work is the achievements of tireless labor of many people. Hundreds of artisans from Ninh Van Stone Village (Ninh Binh Province) have worked hard for almost four years under the difficult construction conditions on the mountain. They had to use rail to transport tens-tonnes rocks up to the mountain to preserve the surroundings. The construction of the statue was referenced by many experts. This work was also strictly reviewed and approved.
The giant Buddha statue has been placed on the Phat Tich Mountain at the 108 metres above sea-level with the inner wishes of natural potential as this is place of sacred mountain, Mount of Buddha, marking first place where the Buddhism rose up in Viet Nam.
If tourists in Vietnam Travel have chance to visit Bac Ninh Province, Phat Tich Pagoda is a must-see place that should not be missed!
