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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> Vietnam >> But Thap Pagoda, Vietnam (December 2008) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

But Thap Pagoda, Vietnam (December 2008)

The But Thap Pagoda is one of the finest pagodas in the northern part of Vietnam. It was rebuilt in the 17th century by the Chinese Zen Buddhist priest Chuyet Chuyet. Legend has it that when leaving his former pagoda on the northern bank of the Duong River, Chuyet Chuyet saw a flock of flying swallows suddenly swooping down and perching on the ground on the southern bank. He decided to rebuild the pagoda there and named it Ninh Phuc Tu, which means “peace and blessing”. Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc, a daughter of Lord Trinh Trang, is also responsible for the pagoda. After her husband died, her father forced her to marry King Le Than Tong (1619-1643). The Queen then devoted herself to the Buddhism (more than to her husband) and raised money to restore the pagoda, which she did with the help of Chuyet Chuyet. The name “But Thap” was given by King Tu Duc in 1876 when he saw the beautiful stone stupa shaped like a pen at this pagoda. The literary name of the stupa was “Bao Nghiem,” which means “to pay a debt of gratitude to the master for his strict teaching.”
But Thap Pagoda cover page.
But Thap Pagoda cover page.		 Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hanoi (But Thap Pagoda is 10 km. away).
Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hanoi (But Thap Pagoda is 10 km. away).		 Entrance to the But Thap Pagoda, which is located on the banks of the Duong River in Dinh To Commune.
Entrance to the But Thap Pagoda, which is located on the banks of the Duong River in Dinh To Commune.		 The pagoda was built under the dynasty of King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.
The pagoda was built under the dynasty of King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.
It was rebuilt in the 17th century (Le Dynasty) by Chinese Zen Buddhist priest Zhus Zhus, known as Chuyet Chuyet in Vietnamese.
It was rebuilt in the 17th century (Le Dynasty) by Chinese Zen Buddhist priest Zhus Zhus, known as Chuyet Chuyet in Vietnamese.		 Me posing by a carved incense burner with storks on both sides of it at the entrance of But Thap Pagoda.
Me posing by a carved incense burner with storks on both sides of it at the entrance of But Thap Pagoda.		 The pagoda was built according to Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100 meters.
The pagoda was built according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100 meters.		 Many Buddhas inside the pagoda. It is one of the finest pagodas in the north and is known as Vietnam’s first Buddhist center.
Many Buddhas inside the pagoda. It is one of the finest pagodas in the north and is known as Vietnam’s first Buddhist center.
Close-up of a wooden image at But Thap Pagoda.
Close-up of a wooden image at But Thap Pagoda.		 Wooden image of a man who is praying.
Wooden image of a man who is praying.		 Wooden images of monks in different positions.
Wooden images of monks in different positions.		 View of one of the Courtyards of But Thap Pagoda.
View of one of the Courtyards of But Thap Pagoda.
Pathway in the But Thap Pagoda with palm trees.
Pathway in the But Thap Pagoda with palm trees.		 A Buddhist lantern decoration hanging from the But Thap pagoda ceiling.
A Buddhist lantern decoration hanging from the But Thap pagoda ceiling.		 A decorative dragon with a dragon banner behind it.
A decorative dragon with a dragon banner behind it.		 Note the 13-meter tower in the background.
Note the 13-meter tower in the background.
Two 13-meter towers, Ton Duc and Bao Nghiem made of white stone, make the pagoda seem higher and more majestic.
Two 13-meter towers, Ton Duc and Bao Nghiem made of white stone, make the pagoda seem higher and more majestic.		 After passing the 3 entrance gates and a bell tower, is the main temple where there are more than 50 statues of different sizes.
After passing the 3 entrance gates and a bell tower, is the main temple where there are more than 50 statues of different sizes.		 An impressive wooden statue in the main temple complex.
An impressive wooden statue in the main temple complex.

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