Discover the National Treasure of the Dinh Dynasty Buddhist pillar collection in Ninh Binh

The collection of Buddhist pillars from the Dinh Dynasty, dating back to the 10th century, on display at the Ninh Binh Provincial Museum, has just been recognized as one of the 29 National Treasures by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, signed Decision No. 73 dated January 18, 2024.

According to research, the Buddhist pillars of the Dinh Dynasty in the Hoa Lu Capital were erected by King Dinh Khuong Lien of Nam Viet - the eldest son of King Dinh Tien Hoang.

The first Dinh Dynasty Buddhist scriptures pillar was discovered in 1963. In June 1964, during the process of digging and building a dike along the Hoang Long River in Truong Yen Commune, the second Buddhist scriptures pillar was discovered. In 1987, while digging and building a dike along the Hoang Long River wharf in the area from Truong Yen ferry to Con Than, about 130m to the east, the people of Truong Yen Commune continued to discover 14 Buddhist scriptures pillars (of which 3 pillars were still quite intact).

The Dinh Dynasty Buddhist Sutra Column Collection includes 49 artifacts with 29 inventory numbers (including sutra columns and parts of sutra columns crafted from stone, weighing nearly 120 kg).

The parts are assembled together using a mortise and tenon system, without adhesive additives, without using ties or other supporting materials, and are erected vertically on the ground.

On the sides of the column body are engraved Chinese characters. The number of Chinese characters on each column ranges from 545 to 563. Through research, these are the oldest and only remaining texts from the Dinh Dynasty; studying the Buddhist Sutra Columns helps to clarify an important historical period of the Dinh Tien Le Dynasty in the 10th century and the characters in history, architecture, art, and religion.

The Dinh Dynasty Buddhist Sutra Column Collection is considered to be a unique original artifact, not duplicated and with a unique form, of special historical and cultural value. Each sutra column is assembled from 6 parts, in which each part has a separate function, has a harmonious shape and proportion, and has a transition of shape and soft lines between the parts. The uniqueness in mortising to build a sutra column requires not only technique but also thinking, aesthetics, and skillful hands of the craftsman.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Khang, Director of Ninh Binh Provincial Museum, in addition to promoting the preservation, conservation and promotion of the value of National Treasures, in the coming time, the Museum will promote the display of this Collection of Buddhist Sutra Columns to widely disseminate and clarify the unique features of Hoa Lu Capital built by King Dinh and King Le in the 10th century to the general public, especially the young generation.

Located in the southernmost part of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is known as the capital of Vietnam under the three dynasties of Dinh, Le, and Ly. Therefore, this locality possesses many particularly important historical and cultural relics, marking important historical events of the Vietnamese people.

This place has many architectural works, cultural relics, and famous scenic spots intertwined like natural watercolor paintings with 1,821 relics, including 298 provincial relics and 81 national relics (including 3 Special National Relics).

Some important historical and cultural relics such as King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, King Le Dai Hanh Temple, Thai Vi Temple, Duc Thanh Nguyen Temple, Truong Han Sieu Temple, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda, Nhat Tru Pagoda, Phat Diem Stone Church...

Currently, Ninh Binh province owns 6 national treasures including: Buddhist pillars of Nhat Tru pagoda; Long bed in front of Bai Duong temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang; Long bed in front of Nghi Mon Ngoai temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang; Bo Phu Viet temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang; Bo Phu Viet temple of King Le Dai Hanh and the collection of Buddhist pillars of Dinh dynasty. This is a great pride of the people of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Preserving, maintaining and promoting the value of national artifacts and treasures not only honors historical values ​​but also contributes to building local brands in the province's tourism development.