Ever wondered what it felt like to step back in time? Here at Chùa Kim Quan that feeling is real. Its history intertwines deeply with the formation and growth of ancient Kim Quan village.
Welcome to Chùa Kim Quan also known as Ân Quang Tự. The pagoda sits on elevated land in what was once Kim Quan village. This area used to be part of Kim Quan, Lệ Mật and Trường Lâm communes. It belonged to Gia Thụy canton. That was in Gia Lâm district of Bắc Ninh province. In 1961 it became part of Hanoi. Then in 2003 Việt Hưng commune became Việt Hưng ward. It is now part of Long Biên district in Hanoi.
Imagine the early days of Kim Quan. It was once Bạch Thổ a village now known as thôn Giang Cao in Bát Tràng commune. Life was tough. The village was on the Red River’s banks. Each rainy season brought floods that submerged everything. Land eroded and crops failed. Homes were swept away leaving villagers in poverty.
Then came Lê Hiển Tông. He reigned from 1448 to 1504. A compassionate mandarin named Đạt Chiêu saw their plight. He petitioned the king to grant the villagers new land. They established Kim Quan village as we know it today.
Look around. Notice the layout of Chùa Kim Quan. It includes the Tam quan a triple gate. There is a courtyard the main pagoda ancestor worship hall and mẫu worship hall. There is even a garden. Sadly the pagoda’s grounds have shrunk over time. This happened due to war and urbanization.
The pagoda’s structure forms a D shape. The front section is the Tiền đường or front hall. It features three rooms and two lean-tos. Its roof boasts a unique “thượng tam hạ tứ” design. The ridge ends showcase tiger-shaped decorations. The front has three entrances with intricately carved doors. These doors depict the four seasons. These are represented by pine bamboo chrysanthemum and apricot. You will also see books peaches and Buddha’s hand fruit.
Inside Chùa Kim Quan pay attention to the elaborate carvings. They depict familiar images. Dragons clouds daggers leaves and tiger faces are all present. They symbolize nature’s power and reflect farmers’ prayers for water and good weather.
The pagoda is renowned for its round statues in the Thượng điện or upper hall. The innermost layer features an Amitabha Buddha statue. It is seated in meditation with coiled hair. His face is serene and his eyes gaze downward. Standing beside him are Avalokiteśvara and Mahasthamaprapta. These two serve as assistants to Amitabha Buddha. They stand tall one holding a cloud with a wheel symbol. The other holds a jade scepter and a vase of nectar.
At the center is the Nine Dragon Column. It depicts the newborn Buddha. He stands with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth. Dragons spray water to bathe him. After his bath he took seven steps forward. He declared “Above the heavens and below only I am the most honored.” Clouds surround the dragons Buddhas and Bodhisattvas representing a complete Buddha realm.
To the left is the statue of Brahmā and to the right is Indra. These statues highlight the artistic value. They feature refined lines and balanced composition. The details of lotus petals flowers belts and robes reveal the skill of folk artisans.
Notice the artwork. The statues parallel sentences are lacquered in red and gilded with gold. This gives the Thượng điện a shimmering mystical quality. Besides the Tiền đường there are altars dedicated to Đức Thánh Tăng. There are altars for mẫu Đức ông and the pagoda’s founding monks.
Despite enduring natural and social changes Chùa Kim Quan retains valuable artifacts. Among these are a large sign reading “Ân Quang tự”. There are also parallel sentences bronze candle holders and porcelain incense burners. Look for the large bell. It dates back to 1919 during the reign of Khải Định. Its inscription reads “Kim Quan tự chung.” The bell’s lower part displays images of the four sacred creatures. They are the dragon unicorn turtle and phoenix. Also on display are six steles dating from 1911 to 1931.
Chùa Kim Quan stands as a testament to history. It preserves cultural and historical relics. It was recognized as a historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1992.
Take a moment to appreciate this gem. It stands as proof of Hanoi’s rich heritage. It offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.