Vietnam Pagodas

Đẩu Long Pagoda

Ninh Bình(Chùa Đẩu Long)

Overview & history

Đẩu Long Pagoda is an ancient pagoda, with its origins dating back to the Đinh – Lê dynasties in the 10th century. The pagoda has been recognised as a national historical and cultural monument. Although it is a pagoda in terms of architecture, it also simultaneously serves as a temple for worshipping nine deities from the surrounding villages. Đẩu Long Pagoda is located in the centre of Hoa Lư ward.

Location

Đẩu Long Pagoda is very close to the ancient quarter of Hoa Lư, in an alley off Xuân Thành street, Hoa Lư ward. The pagoda is situated on a plot of land of over 3 hectares. This architectural work has been classified as a national historical and cultural monument by decision dated 25/4/1994 of the Ministry of Culture and Information.

The pagoda is very close to Ninh Bình Stadium, about 200 metres to the northwest. Behind the pagoda is a large lake.

Name

In the classical name of Đẩu Long Pagoda, 'Đẩu' means the Đẩu star, as the pagoda is located in the north of the former Phúc Am commune, the direction where the Đẩu star shines; 'Long' means Dragon, as it is a place where the King once visited.

At the site, there remains a half-couplet carved in stone: "Thiên Đẩu Ngưu Quang Lâm Phạm Vũ" (translated: The Đẩu and Ngưu stars shine upon the pagoda), thus combining 'Đẩu' and 'Long' to form the name Đẩu Long Pagoda. The people of Hoa Lư city often abbreviate it as Đẩu Pagoda.

The legend is related to King Lê Hoàn, who, in 981 after defeating the Song invaders, returned in triumph and held a feast for the army and a celebration on this land of Phúc Thành, which gave rise to the pagoda. Therefore, Đẩu Long is a pagoda with relics formed a long time ago, with a history now over 1,000 years old.

It is said that in the area bordering the Hoa Lư citadel and Phúc Thành land, there are many pagodas with the name "Long": Đẩu Long Pagoda, Bát Long Pagoda, Hưng Long Pagoda, Bàn Long Pagoda, Nội Long Pagoda, Phúc Long Pagoda. These pagodas all refer to dragons or parts of the dragon, and are said to have been built by King Lê Hoàn, or were established during that period.

Venerated Figures

In addition to worshipping the Buddha, Đẩu Long Pagoda also venerates nine deities from various historical periods. These deities are also worshipped at other relics in the villages surrounding the pagoda and are brought here for joint worship at this communal pagoda. Đẩu Long Pagoda, which worships the Buddha, has naturally become a temple for national heroes and nature deities, the spiritual essence of the mountains and rivers of the majestic Tràng An land of Vietnam.

Quý Minh Deity: the deity guarding the southern gate of Hoa Lư's four gates.

Trần Quốc Tảng: originally worshipped at Lăng Temple, in the area of today's Ninh Bình Stadium; the temple was destroyed long ago.

Nguyễn Bặc: one of the "Four Pillars" of the court during the reign of Đinh Tiên Hoàng, worshipped at Hiềm Temple.

Emperor Lê Đại Hành: worshipped at Đồng Bến Temple in the area in front of the Ninh Bình Provincial Sports Hall.

Trương Hán Siêu: worshipped at Quan Thái Phó Temple; the temple was destroyed in 1952, and a new one has been built at the foot of Non Nước Mountain.

Trần Hưng Đạo

Thánh Mẫu (Holy Mother), worshipped at the foot of Kỳ Lân Mountain

Phổ Hộ Đại Vương, conferred the title Đoan Túc Trung Đẳng Thần.

Uy Huệ Vương, conferred the title Đoan Túc Tôn Thần; or Đức Khâm Minh Duệ Vũ Hoàng Đế.

Photos

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Visiting 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:

Location

Coordinates: 20.25985, 105.96644

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

Other pagodas in Ninh Bình

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Chùa Bà Đanh
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Chùa Đồng Vũ
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Chùa Tràn
Tràn Pagoda, also known as Phúc Lâm Tự, is an ancient pagoda. In the past, it was located in Tràn village, hence its name; today, it is situated in Khang Giang hamlet, Yên Đồng commune, Ninh Bình province. The pagoda was built during the Lý dynasty (late 11th century). Initially, it was constructed with earthen walls and thatched roofs; up to now, the pagoda has undergone three major restorations. On the bell tower of the pagoda, there remains a parallel sentence composed by Phạm Văn Nghị, a Nguyễn dynasty doctoral laureate.
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Chùa Tự Lạc
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Chùa Bà Ngô (Ninh Bình)
Chùa Bà Ngô (Ninh Bình)
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