Did the spirits of ancient heroes ever grace Đĩnh Gia Quất? This question hangs in the air as we stand before this sacred place. Đĩnh Gia Quất is more than just a structure. It’s a vessel of history, echoing with the whispers of generations past and the hopes of those yet to come.
Đĩnh Gia Quất, also known as Sùng Pháp Pagoda, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Thường Thanh village. This village boasts a rich history stretching back thousands of years. The very ground beneath our feet is steeped in tradition, a legacy preserved in the cultural practices of its people and the historical relics that dot the landscape. These relics include temples, shrines, and pagodas like Đĩnh Gia Quất. Each structure plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of the community, serving as a place of worship for deities believed to have protected the village from invaders during the reign of the Hung Kings. These deities, Cao Sơn, Minh Triết, and Minh Trữ Đại Vương, are revered as protectors.
Originally, Sùng Pháp Pagoda was built on open land near the village center. It was once a larger complex with multiple structures. These included the Tam Quan gate, the Tam Bảo main hall, the Tả house, and the Hữu vu. Time, however, has taken its toll. In 1972, during the B52 bombing campaign, the pagoda suffered significant damage. Many of its original structures were destroyed. What we see today is the result of extensive renovations in recent years. The Tam Bảo main hall, with its seven compartments facing southeast, adheres to traditional Vietnamese architectural principles. A brick courtyard lies in front, shaded by a canopy of lush trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Within Đĩnh Gia Quất’s walls reside numerous artifacts of historical and artistic significance. A collection of 19 statues, crafted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcases distinct artistic styles. Two bronze bells reside here. One, dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty, is inscribed with “Gia Quất tự chung,” meaning “Gia Quất Pagoda Bell,” adorned with decorative patterns and era markings. Three stone steles, erected in 1849 and 1850, bear inscriptions penned by scholar Tô Xuân Hiên in 1847. These inscriptions tell of two Thiếu Hướng halls built with contributions from Hoàng Đức Mỵ, his family, and fellow villagers Hoàng Đức Nhuệ and Hoàng Thự Việt. The steles also commemorate the villagers’ Buddhist practices and record the dates of their religious observances. A stele from 1858 details Hoàng Thự Việt’s contributions to the construction of the Đuống Hall. Đĩnh Gia Quất also houses horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, floral motifs, and an octagonal roof. Today, the local government and community work tirelessly to preserve this cultural gem. Đĩnh Gia Quất remains a vibrant center of spiritual and cultural life for the community. It’s a place where the past intertwines with the present, a tangible link to Thường Thanh village’s rich heritage.