Ba Lang Pagoda

Ba Lang Pagoda, whose literary name is Quan Am Vien, is an architectural and artistic relic.

Following the small path along the foot of the majestic Tram Mountain, we come across a pagoda lying peacefully against the Tu Tram range, facing the lake; that pagoda is named Ba Lang Pagoda. The pagoda was honored to be ranked as a National Historical Relic in 1962. This place is the common spiritual haven of three ancient villages: Phuong Ban, Long Tien, and Long Chau.

The ancient pagoda was built during the reign of Le Hy Tong under the name Quan Am Vien. It was once a place of Buddhist practice and a retreat in search of tranquility for royal consorts and princesses of the Le dynasty, who wished to leave the gilded court for a realm of bliss, cast off worldly dust, and seek deliverance through rebirth, entrusting their good wishes to the solemn incense smoke.

In the Tay Son era, Admiral Dang Tien Dong, while marching through this area, saw the ancient, peaceful pagoda and resolved to contribute money to repair it. Moved by his generosity, local people still commonly call the pagoda by the familiar name: Ong Dang Pagoda.

The pagoda began restoration to its original state in 2024. Although the ancient statues have gradually worn away over time, the sacred character of the pagoda remains intact in the four stone lotus pedestals placed outside, and in the ancient bronze bell cast during the reign of King Bao Dai. The pagoda also preserves an ancient stone stele engraved with Han characters

very delicately; to this day, through many historical ups and downs, the characters carved on the stone stele remain intact.

Stepping into the modest three-bay Tam Bao hall, we seem to enter a traditional artistic space. Inanimate wood grains were given soul by the hands of ancient craftsmen through carvings of apricot trees and pine trees turning into dragons. The pagoda has a ceremony preparation house and a guest house on both sides, like the arms of a throne holding the Tu Tram range.

Through many upheavals, the pagoda has always remained open to welcome local people and pilgrims from all directions to come and offer incense to the Buddha, praying for a peaceful life and favorable harvests.

Although Ba Lang Pagoda is small and simple, it is always a beautiful quiet note, reminding today's generation of their roots and gratitude to their ancestors.