Xiem Can Pagoda, the most magnificent Khmer temple in Bac Lieu

Referring to Bac Lieu, people not only remember the cradle of the art of Don Ca Tai Tu but also are impressed with the system of historical relics, unique cultural and religious works of the Kinh – Khmer – Hoa ethnic group. In particular, Bac Lieu is home to Xiem Can Pagoda, one of the temples with the most unique and beautiful architecture in the southwestern provinces.

Xiem Can Pagoda is located in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bac Lieu city, where it is about 7km from the city center, so it is quite convenient for tourists to have the opportunity to visit the temple when coming to Bac Lieu. In particular, Xiem Can Pagoda is also located on the road with many unique attractions of Bac Lieu such as Bac Lieu’s Prince’s house, Bac Lieu bird garden or wind power fields…

Photo: @deven.hwang.

Xiem Can Pagoda was started construction on May 7, 1887 with an area of ​​up to 4500 m2. Although not the oldest Khmer work, but Xiem Can Pagoda is one of the most impressive architectural works of the Khmer people in the South.

Initially, Siam Can Pagoda was named Khmer as Komphisako, ie deep sea, the meaning of this name is to show the depth and wisdom of the Buddha. In addition, the temple is also known by the name Komphirsakor Pret. Chru (meaning deep river).

However, after a part of the Chinese migrated here and found the name Komphirsakor Pret Chru too difficult to read, they translated from “Pret Chru” to the name Siamese. Xiem Can means “bordering the water”, meaning that the temple is located on a coastal alluvial beach because in the past this temple was only about 500m from the sea.

Photo: @kin_autt.

According to the Khmer’s concept, the Buddha’s path of cultivation and fruition is from West to East, so all architectural works of Xiem Can Pagoda are facing the East. Xiem Can Pagoda includes many items such as: the surrounding wall, the main hall, the three-way gate, the bell tower, the sala, the tomb tower…

Up to now, Xiem Can Pagoda has undergone 9 generations of abbots and has been restored and repaired several times. The highlight of Xiem Can pagoda compared to many other Khmer temples is the meticulousness and feat of each decorative motif on the wall, roof or pillar. Besides, the pagoda is also surrounded by a solid fence with many impressive patterns.

Photo: @hao_ng_.

Looking back from afar, Siam Can Pagoda stands out with its yellow color and the gate with the typical pointed tower in Angkor architecture. Besides the image of Buddha in the middle, below the nameplate of the temple gate are meticulously carved images of two Krut birds and two winding five-headed snakes. Going from the main entrance, visitors will pass by two rows of old trees that give shade.

The main hall with the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is the most outstanding work of the Siam Can pagoda complex. This place is not only carved with delicate and meticulous motifs but also has beautiful frescoes or reliefs. The main hall has a roof structure in many floors, the layers overlap to form a soaring space, combined with sharp peaks.

The reliefs, frescoes inside Xiem Can pagoda. Photo: @catie_bui.

On either side of the hall are many towers and a small crematorium located under a cool tree canopy. With the way of painting and decorating with many beautiful patterns, these core towers not only “radiate” ancient and contemplative features, but also create vividness and “eye-catching” extremely. Besides, Xiem Can Pagoda There is also a pillar with a 5-headed Nagar statue or a sala carved with the image of Xanac leading the white horse to bring the Thai from Sidatta across the river to find the way to enlightenment…

In addition to being an outstanding temple with unique Khmer architecture, Xiem Can Pagoda is also a place to preserve and form many typical cultural features in the spiritual life of Khmer people. At present, the pagoda still preserves the ancient Khmer books written on leaves about 70 pages thick and has an ancient lecture hall preserving the folk tales from the past to the present.

Photo: @camngan_237.

If you visit Bac Lieu on Khmer festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Ok Om bok or Don Ta festival, you will surely enjoy the splendidly decorated Siamese pagoda and bustling atmosphere of the Khmer people. Khmer people in Bac Lieu.

Đăng bởi: Thống Đặng