Phuc Son Pagoda in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam, is a 300-year-old mountain temple renowned for its 13-tiered stupa and an extraordinary 8-tonne jade Buddha statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Recently renovated and rededicated, it has become a major pilgrimage site, blending centuries of history with modern spiritual tourism.
Historical Background
- Founded around 1680 during the Later Le dynasty, Phuc Son Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist sanctuaries in the culturally rich Kinh Bac region.
- The temple has played a role in Vietnam’s turbulent history:
- French and American wars: served as a guerrilla meeting ground, makeshift clinic, and refuge for soldiers and civilians.
- Despite damage and restorations, it still preserves ancient relics and Buddhist scriptures.
Architectural & Spiritual Highlights
- Phoenix Mountain setting: The pagoda sits on a peak whose contours resemble a phoenix poised to fly, symbolising rebirth and resilience.
- 13-tiered stupa: The pagoda’s centrepiece, housing sacred relics and the jade Buddha.
- Tam Bao prayer hall: A legacy of centuries of Buddhist devotion, transmitting teachings across generations.
- Night illumination: The stupa glows against the mountain backdrop, creating a mystical sight symbolic of Bac Ninh’s sacred landscape.
The Jade Buddha of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong
- Sculpted from a single block of jadeite weighing over 8 tonnes, sourced from the Cassiar Mountains in Canada.
- The statue was ceremoniously transported through Vietnam’s most important pagodas — Bai Dinh, Yen Tu, Vinh Nghiem, and Phat Tich — before being enshrined at Phuc Son.
- Depicts Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, revered as a spiritual monarch in Vietnamese Buddhism, in serene meditation.
- Symbolises mindfulness, clarity, and peaceful composure, radiating calm yet alert presence.
Modern Role & Pilgrimage
- Renovated in December 2023, the pagoda was ceremonially rededicated.
- In May 2025, it hosted a grand ceremony to enshrine Buddha relics, drawing thousands of pilgrims.
- Today, it serves as:
- A spiritual home for Buddhists in Bac Ninh and beyond.
- A centre for youth retreats and ethics classes, fostering moral and spiritual education.
- A growing hub for spiritual tourism, enhancing Bac Ninh’s cultural reputation.
Significance
Phuc Son Pagoda is more than a religious site. It is a cultural beacon, embodying Vietnam’s resilience, devotion, and artistry. Its rare jade Buddha and historical legacy make it a destination not only for pilgrims but also for those seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural fabric of northern Vietnam.
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