Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh) owns a massive architectural ensemble. It is located in an area of 700ha with 20 structures and holds many records of Vietnam. This is not only the largest temple in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia.
Records
The Buddha bronze statue, with a weight of 80 tons, which is positioned on the hill of Bai Dinh Pagoda, was recognized as the country's largest statue of Maitreya by Center of Vietnam Record. This is one of five new records of Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Outside Phap Chu Hall, there are 500 lindens from India, all of them are like memorial trees, attached with the names central leaders of Vietnam.
In addition, Chedi in Bai Dinh Pagoda with 13 floors is also regarded as the highest Chedi in Southeast Asia. This is the place for conservation of Buddhism Pearl from India and Burma.
History
Over 1000 years ago, in Ninh Binh, three successive dynasties were born, including Dinh, Anteria Le and Ly. Those three feudal dynasties were extremely interested in Buddhism, considered Buddhism as the national religion. Therefore, it is not completely strange when there are a lot of ancient pagodas in the province, and Bai Dinh Pagoda on Trang An Mountain is the most famous one.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex comprises an ancient pagoda and a new pagoda which was built in 2003. The pagoda is located on a ridge, between the immense valleys, fresh lakes and rocky ranges of mountains in the western gateway to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The architecture of the new pagoda is massive but still bears traditional characters .Consequently, this land soon became a popular destination for tourists all over the wall. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda is honored as the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. So, even in the construction, Bai Dinh Pagoda has still attracted a lot of visitors.
Architecture
The roof is a dark brown three-floor structure, with three curved roofs, looking like phoenix tails, they are similar to with the image of pagoda roofs in Vietnamese traditional architecture, which we can be easily catch up in Hue Imperial Citadel or in anywhere in Vietnam.
In particular, one of the most attractive features of Bai Dinh Pagoda is Arhant Corridor, with a total length of 1.8 km, running along both sides from Tam Quan Gate to Phap Chu Hall. Besides, 500 Arhant Statues made of the stone from Thanh Hoa look pretty vivid by the talented hands of the artisans of Ninh Van Village(Ninh Binh).
