Binh Lam Pagoda
Tuyên Quang(formerly Hà Giang)(Chùa Bình Lâm)
Overview & history
Binh Lam Pagoda is located in Muong Nam hamlet, Phu Linh commune, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province. According to the bell's inscription, the pagoda dates to the Tran dynasty, in the upper Ba Dong district on the northern edge of Phu Linh of Dai Viet.
National-treasure bell
The Binh Lam bell was cast at noon on the full moon of the third month of the At Mui year (1295), under King Tran Anh Tong, funded by the local chief Nguyen Anh, his wife Nguyen Thi Ninh and lay devotees. It is 101 cm tall with a 59 cm mouth and weighs 193 kg; its handle is formed by two intertwined carp-scaled dragons crowned with a lotus bud, and the body bears three large Chinese characters meaning “In service of the Three Jewels”. On 30 December 2013 the Prime Minister recognized it as a National Treasure (Decision 2599/QD-TTg).
Significance
The bell's inscription is an original piece of Tran-dynasty literature reflecting the era's blend of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism and the role of Buddhism in binding frontier communities to the Tran court. It is among the earliest dated bells known in Vietnam.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit: