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Architectural and Artistic Heritage Hoà Thạnh Pagoda Nhon Hung Commune, Tinh Bien District

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         Hòa Thạnh Pagoda, commonly referred to by locals as Jackfruit Tree Pagoda, is a significant architectural and artistic relic located in Nhơn Hưng commune, Tịnh Biên district. The pagoda is approximately 70 kilometers from Long Xuyên, accessible by traveling through Châu Đốc to Tịnh Biên. Upon reaching Nhà Bàng, visitors turn right and continue past the Nhơn Hưng People's Committee for about 3 kilometers to reach the site.

         Visitors to Chùa Hòa Thạnh often experience a sense of tranquility amidst the serene and picturesque natural surroundings. The pagoda's spacious grounds are shaded by tall trees, creating a harmonious blend with nature. This setting imparts an atmosphere of solemnity, ancient beauty, and reflective silence, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual and cultural enrichment.

         In terms of artistic value, Chùa Hòa Thạnh is a treasure trove of local cultural history and art. The pagoda's construction covers an area of approximately 500 square meters, featuring four roofs, round wooden pillars, and walls made from a mixture of lime, oyster shell, and egg white. The artistic highlight of the pagoda is its wooden statues, primarily carved from jackfruit wood. Local artisans skillfully crafted 19 different types of statues, ranging in height from 0.4 meters to 1.4 meters. These include statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Guardian, Hell King, Kṣitigarbha, Nam Tào (Crux), Bắc Đẩu (Big Dipper), and others. Each statue is meticulously sculpted with precise modeling techniques, showcasing dignified appearances and well-crafted attire. The details, such as hands holding symbolic items, heads adorned with crowns, and postures either standing on pedestals or sitting on animals, Diting or lotus, etc, convey a high level of craftsmanship. The statues' balanced proportions and intricate carvings are further enhanced by their vibrant gold and red lacquer, which highlight their aesthetic beauty and attract viewers.

         From a historical perspective, Hòa Thạnh Pagoda holds significant importance. In the early 20th century, the pagoda was built in the remote rural area of Nhơn Hưng ward, Tịnh Biên town, during a period when French colonial rule had firmly established its dominion over Vietnam. Under the colonial feudal regime, the French exercised strict control and repression over all activities of the local population. They deployed many spies and informants to hunt down revolutionary scholars and patriotic intellectuals, and they harshly suppressed and eliminated uprisings by the people. In the early 1920s, President Ho Chi Minh's father, Nguyễn Sinh Sắc, visited this area to spread patriotic ideas. Between 1921 and 1923, he frequented and stayed in various places such as Hòa Thạnh Pagoda (Tinh Bien district), Giồng Thành Pagoda (formerly Tan Chau district, now Phu Tan), and White Pagoda (An Phu district). This dissemination of patriotic sentiments fostered a deep sense of nationalism and anti-colonial sentiment among the local populace. This ideological foundation later facilitated the activities of the Communist Party and the development of revolutionary movements in the region.

         Throughout the nine years of resistance against the French, Hoà Thạnh Pagoda served as a stronghold for revolutionary activities. The Trần Thắng military unit stationed there established a facility for manufacturing weapons to combat the enemy. During the anti-American resistance, Hoà Thạnh Pagoda had secret bunkers to hide cadres and organized various activities. During the Southwest Border War, the pagoda and the Nhơn Hưng commune became strongholds that repelled Khmer Rouge's attacks from the Cambodian border, maintaining the integrity of An Giang's borders.

   Hoà Thạnh Pagoda is a cultural monument of the people of An Giang, marking numerous significant historical events in the defense and construction of the homeland. The pagoda's architectural and artistic value was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information, which classified it as a national relic under Decision No. 983/VH-QĐ dated August 4, 1992.

Author: admin

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