Long Đọi Pagoda: Exploring Ha Nam's Thousand-Year-Old Spiritual Heights
Introduction and Historical Roots
Long Đọi Pagoda (Chùa Long Đọi Sơn), also known as Diên Linh Tự, is a pivotal historical and cultural destination in Tiên Sơn Commune, Duy Tiên Town, Ha Nam Province. Located majestically atop Đọi Mountain, the pagoda offers not only spiritual value but also exceptional insights into the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225), which marked the golden age of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Royal Construction: King Lý Thánh Tông and Queen Mother Ỷ Lan initially sponsored the pagoda’s construction around 1054–1058. Subsequently, King Lý Nhân Tông ordered major expansion, including the construction of the famed Sùng Thiện Diên Linh Tower and stele, completed between 1118 and 1121.
National Recognition: Due to its immense historical, cultural, and archaeological value, the Long Đọi Sơn Pagoda complex was officially recognized as a Special National Relic by the Prime Minister in 2017.
Architectural and Artistic Heritage
The pagoda’s architecture, while having undergone numerous restorations following damage from conflicts and time, retains significant features of the Lý Dynasty style.
The Ascent: Visitors climb approximately 373 large, ancient stone steps winding up the mountainside to reach the main sanctuary. From the top, you enjoy breathtaking, tranquil views of the surrounding rural landscape, often referred to as a place where “water and mountains meet in harmony” (sơn thủy hữu tình).
The Sùng Thiện Diên Linh Stele: This is arguably the most valuable artifact on the site, recognized as a National Treasure. The stele, carved in 1121, is one of the largest and most unique artifacts surviving from the Lý Dynasty. Furthermore, its detailed inscriptions provide invaluable historical documentation on the country’s governance, culture, economy, and people’s lives from 800 years ago.
Other Artifacts: The pagoda preserves a collection of other precious relics, including several life-sized Kim Cương statues (Vajrapani, guardian deities carved from monolithic stone) and decorative bricks and carvings featuring Lý Dynasty-era dancing figures and mythical birds.
Culture, Festivals, and the Pilgrim's Journey
Long Đọi Pagoda remains an active center for Buddhist worship and traditional culture.
Sacred Landscape: Local folklore mentions nine natural wells around the foot of the mountain, which people refer to as the Nine Eyes of the Dragon (Chín Mắt Rồng), adding a mystical layer to the spiritual journey.
Annual Festival: The annual Long Đọi Sơn Festival traditionally takes place during the first lunar month, featuring spiritual rituals, traditional folk games, and cultural performances. Therefore, if you visit during this time, you actively participate in a vibrant communal celebration.
A Space for Peace: Consequently, the combination of the mountain setting, the ancient architecture, and the quiet atmosphere provides a deeply serene and sacred space for worship and meditation.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: Tiên Sơn, Duy Tiên, Hà Nam, Vietnam. The pagoda is specifically located on Đọi Mountain (Núi Đọi).
Opening Hours: The pagoda is generally open daily during daylight hours (e.g., 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM), but specific hours may vary.
Entrance Fee: There is typically no formal entrance fee for the pagoda grounds, but visitors are encouraged to make small, voluntary donations to help with the preservation of this ancient relic.
Visitor Tips: Since visiting requires climbing nearly 400 steps, wear comfortable shoes. Remember to dress modestly out of respect for the sacred site.
