[Video] A national historical and cultural relic is about to collapse

Currently, people are not allowed to visit or worship at the temple because of many potential dangers.

Historical and cultural value

The main pagoda, whose Chinese name is Canh Linh Tu, commonly known as Oi Pagoda, is located in the national historical and cultural relic complex of Duong Thai Pagoda in Duong Thai Trung village, Phuc Thanh commune (Kim Thanh). This is an ancient structure with unique architecture.

It is not clear when the Ca Pagoda was built, but it was already there during the Later Le Dynasty. The pagoda is located in the west, about 300 meters from Duong Thai communal house, in front is a rice field, behind is the winding Van River, flowing gently all year round. The pagoda garden is nearly 3 acres wide, with many lychees, longans, and jackfruits. There are trees nearly a hundred years old covering the pagoda. The Ca Pagoda worships Buddha according to the Truc Lam Zen sect with 3 upper rooms and 5 front rooms, the rafters are structured in the style of a stacked roof, lotus roof, and the roof is covered with pointed tiles.

During the anti-French period, Ca Pagoda was the revolutionary base of Viet Minh. In 1943, this place became a warehouse to hide weapons of our army. In 1958, Ca Pagoda was honored to welcome Prime Minister Pham Van Dong to visit. Here, the Prime Minister praised the people of Duong Thai village for having the best rice cultivation achievements in the district, advised the people to promote the achievements they have made, to protect historical and cultural relics to contribute to the cultural treasure of the nation, proving the history of a glorious resistance war.

Very serious degradation

Following the advice of Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, the people of Duong Thai Trung village have actively protected and preserved the Ca Pagoda, but they could not avoid the destruction of war and time. Currently, the pagoda's roof is degraded and many tiles are damaged. In 1990, the Ca Pagoda had its tiles replaced, and a damaged wooden part was replaced. In 1993, a three-door gate was built in the style of three mountains in front, but this was only a temporary solution.

Most of the wall behind the three sanctuaries worshiping Duc Thanh Ca collapsed.

Phuc Thanh Commune People's Committee had to use bamboo poles to prevent the pagoda from collapsing.

Many wooden beams and columns are termite-eaten and broken.

After storm No. 7 in 2021, despite being carefully secured and protected, most of the wall behind the three sanctuaries worshiping Duc Thanh Ca collapsed. This wall is 7.3 m long and 2.3 m high, built with ancient bricks, the mortar is not of the type with a solid structure but is soft when squeezed lightly, and absorbs a lot of water. The tiled roof behind the sanctuary also collapsed, the ancient tiles were partially broken. Many wooden beams and rafters are termite-eaten, rotten and at high risk of breaking. The two gable walls and the entire roof of the sanctuary area worshiping Duc Thanh Ca are at risk of collapsing, especially in the upcoming rainy season. Many antiques in the temple have been moved, but because the wall to block the sun and rain is missing, the space and objects in the temple are more vulnerable to damage.

The People's Committee of Phuc Thanh commune has cordoned off the area, warning people not to approach the dangerous area and continued to tie up and cover the temple roof with tarpaulin to protect the relic from rain and sun.

Seeing a national historical relic with unique architecture seriously degraded, everyone feels sorry.

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PHAM TUYET - QUANG AN