Đình Đào Xuyên

What secrets does Đinh Đào Xuyên hold? The gentle murmur of the Nghĩa Trệ River seems to whisper tales of this ancient temple. Đinh Đào Xuyên, also known as Thanh Ân Pagoda, rests peacefully in the Gia Lâm district of Hanoi. It’s a mere 15 kilometers from the bustling city center, yet it feels worlds away. The river, a tributary of the Đuống, flows alongside, connecting the temple to the grand Bắc Hưng Hải canal system. Two poetic lines grace the entrance of Đinh Đào Xuyên. They speak of “blue silk on green land, sweet fragrance pervades” and a “peaceful scene, pure heart”. A glimpse into the serene atmosphere that awaits within. A weathered stone stele, dated 1635, reveals Đinh Đào Xuyên’s origins. The temple’s restoration, it proclaims, was spearheaded by Madam Vương, wife of Hoàng Thế Nhất. He was a high-ranking official from Hà Tây province during the reign of the Lê Dynasty. The meticulous reconstruction spanned three years, from 1632 to 1635. The final year saw the completion of the impressive three-entrance gate, the hậu cung, and the main hall. Đinh Đào Xuyên, along with Ninh Hiệp Pagoda in Gia Lâm, served as spiritual sanctuaries for the Lâm Tế Buddhist sect. This sect traces its lineage back to the revered monk Chuyển Công Viên Văn. He arrived in Vietnam in 1630 from Bát Tháp Pagoda in Ninh Phúc and was later bestowed the title of Quảng Tự Đại Đắc Thiên Sư. Within Đinh Đào Xuyên’s hallowed halls resides a breathtaking statue of Quan Âm, the Thousand-Eyed and Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva. This magnificent sculpture likely dates back to the late 16th century. The statue itself stands an impressive 1.35 meters tall, excluding the lotus pedestal and the dragon upon which Quan Âm sits. With 42 large arms and 652 smaller arms, the statue radiates an aura of compassion and divine power. Each large arm holds a unique object or gesture. No two are alike. The smaller arms, layered intricately on either side and behind the statue, fan out like delicate nan quạt, creating a radiant halo. The statue’s serene face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, exudes tranquility. Adorned with precious stones, gold leaf, and vibrant lacquer, the statue commands reverence. The lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity, rises half a meter high, its intricate petals interwoven in two layers. The fierce dragon below, eyes wide and claws extended, embodies both protection and the untamed forces of nature. It serves as a reminder of Quan Âm’s power over worldly desires and attachments. Đinh Đào Xuyên served not only as a place of spiritual solace, but also played a role in Vietnam’s struggle for independence. During the resistance war against French colonialism (1946-1954), it housed the Gia Lâm district headquarters. The temple also served as a training ground for revolutionaries and a strategic post for the air defense command during the American War. Today, Đinh Đào Xuyên stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich history and artistic heritage. Recognized as a national architectural and artistic relic in 1990, it continues to inspire awe and reverence.