From its origins in 990 to its modern-day splendor, Ang Pagoda stands as a testament to Khmer architectural artistry.
Built in 990, Ang Pagoda in Tra Vinh City, Tra Vinh Province, has undergone numerous restorations and embellishments over the centuries. Despite these changes, it still retains the unique traditional architecture of the Khmer people in the South.
According to documents provided by the Ang Pagoda Management Board, Ang Pagoda is one of the earliest Khmer pagodas in the Southern region. Initially, it was a small structure with typical Khmer cultural architecture. The first significant restoration took place in 1965, using bamboo and leaves.
In 1842, the pagoda was reconstructed using precious wood, brick walls, and a tiled roof. While the main hall was renovated, it still maintains its original architectural style. The interior of the main hall is a testament to ancient Khmer art and showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Indian architectural influences.
The main hall, built 1.4 meters high from green stone and paved with ancient Chinese tiles, is surrounded by a high fence. In front of it stands the only five-peaked stupa in Tra Vinh. The main hall's roof features a unique wooden frame structure with three levels of tiled roofs, the top two being notably high and steep. The eaves are adorned with reclining dragons and curved dragon scales.Inside the main hall, 12 precious wooden pillars, decorated with dragons and painted in gold, support the structure. The walls and ceiling are covered with large murals depicting the life of Buddha Shakyamuni from birth to nirvana.A large Buddha statue, standing 2.1 meters high, is placed in the center of the main hall, surrounded by 55 large and small Buddha statues made of cement and precious wood.
The dormitories, dining hall, and corridor of the main hall feature elaborate carvings.
The corridor in front of the main hall is decorated with statues of fairies (Keyno), a common motif in Khmer pagodas in the South. Close-up views reveal the statues of gods (Krud) with traditional Khmer cultural influences.The pagoda grounds include a large lake surrounded by ancient green trees and gilded towers. In 1994, Ang Pagoda was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as a National Historical - Cultural Relic, an important piece of artistic architecture.Ang Pagoda serves as a center for cultural and religious activities for the Khmer people in Tra Vinh province and the Southern region. It is especially vibrant during the Oc Oom Boc festival on the full moon day of October each year.Viewed from above, many structures of Ang Pagoda show signs of deterioration over time. The pagoda underwent a major renovation in 2011, preserving the traditional architecture of the Khmer ethnic group while restoring the main hall, sala, and monks' quarters.The Ang Pagoda complex spans about 4 hectares and is part of the Ao Ba Om scenic complex, a well-known tourist attraction in Tra Vinh.
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