Seeking Spirituality in Bac Giang's Garden of Towers

Bo Da pagoda, also known as Bo Pagoda, is located on Bo Da mountain in the Phuong Hoang mountain range, in the territory of Thuong Lat village, Tien Son commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province. This is an ancient pagoda with a pure beauty imprinted with the passage of time and unmistakable unique architecture.

Bo Da Pagoda is hundreds of years old. (Photo: VTC)

According to historical data, Bo Da Pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century. By the 18th century, under King Le Du Tong, it continued to be expanded. With a location surrounded by mountains, in the distance is the shadow of the winding Cau River, this pagoda is always covered with a peaceful and calm color that makes people feel lighter as soon as they arrive.

The ruins are surrounded by tall mountains. (Photo: VTC)

Bo Da pagoda relic area is spread out. This area includes many large and small structures, among which the main ones are Bo Da Son, Tu An, and Tam Duc ancient pagodas, a tower garden, and a shrine pond.

The architecture of this pagoda does not focus on grandeur and magnificence. Instead, it gives visitors a feeling of purity, openness, and simplicity. The ruin is also different from other traditional Buddhist structures in the North with the "internal and external" architecture and a solid wall system.

Walls covered with earthen materials mixed with lush green flora create a pure and fresh space. (Photo: VTC)

The peaceful scene inside the ancient pagoda. (Photo: VTC)

The inner structures, dozens of large and small rows of houses are connected through mossy corridors. Meanwhile, the courtyard and pagoda grounds are surrounded by high and thick earthen walls. In particular, the walls, gates, and some structures in the relic site were built with very unique techniques of wall construction and small ceramic tiles.

Every corner of this pagoda exudes nostalgia. (Photo: VTC)

A house bearing the style of Northern architecture. (Photo: VTC)

The carved motifs in this pagoda's architecture have an artistic style interwoven between the Le Trung Hung period (18th century) and the Nguyen Dynasty (19th century) with many special themes such as cloud patterns, spirals, chrysanthemums, flip-leaf shapes, and summoned beasts.

Subtle decorative motifs adorn the structures. (Photo: VTC)

The most special feature for visitors when they come to visit this place is the tower area located in an area of nearly 8,000m2. This is the resting place of more than 1,000 monks who have lived at this temple through the ages. With around 100 ancient towers arranged into rows, the Bo Da pagoda tower garden is considered the most beautiful and largest in Vietnam.

The resting area of the monks. (Photo: VTC)

Bo Da Pagoda is also an ideal place for photographers who are passionate about ancient architecture. (Photo: VTC)

This pagoda has been recognized as a special national relic in 2016. The set of Buddhist scriptures carved on wood stored inside Bo Da pagoda is also considered to be the oldest of the Lam Te Zen line.

This place is not only a relic preserving cultural and historical values, but Bo Da Pagoda is also an ideal place for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and find peace of mind amidst the religious space. Whether visitors come to admire, visit the architecture, or to calm down in the hustle and bustle of life, a trip to Bo Da Pagoda will not disappoint.

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