Van Duc Pagoda: Where precious artifacts are kept in Hoi An

Van Duc Pagoda is a stunning masterpiece in Hoi An, renowned for its unique architecture with intricate details. It is also a famous spiritual site, attracting both locals and travelers from afar for worship and reflection.

1. About Van Duc Pagoda: Location and history

Van Duc Pagoda is located on a secluded piece of land along the right bank of the De Vong River in Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An. It is surrounded by about 6 hectares of land adorned with willows and fruit trees.

Van Duc Pagoda began as a modest thatched bamboo hut. Four years later, with the support of the local community, Monk Minh Luong expanded the structure, replacing the bamboo with wood. In the early 18th century, Monk Thuc Khoan (33rd generation) took over as the abbot and rebuilt the pagoda using brick and lime. By the late 18th century, abbot Pho Triem (36th generation) undertook extensive renovations, adding a front hall, rear chamber, and east and west wings, while keeping the pagoda facing northeast. In the early 20th century, abbot Hoang Nhon (40th generation) made further renovations, reorienting the pagoda to face southwest, establishing the architectural design that endures today.

Van Duc Pagoda in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

2. How was Van Duc Pagoda in Hoi An built?

Van Duc Pagoda was built on a 600-square-meter area in a U shape, with all sections interconnected for convenient religious activities. The complex includes a front hall, main sanctuary, rear chamber, east and west wings, monks' quarters, and kitchen.

The pagoda was initially constructed with lime, brick, and wood, and later incorporated cement during the early 20th-century restoration. Despite these updates, the classic architecture remains intact. The roof is tiled in the yin-yang style, with curved ridges decorated with motifs like dragons, lions, turtles, and phoenixes.

The pagoda's collection of statues is rich in artistic value. Most figures, including those of Amitabha, Shakyamuni, and Maitreya, are made from a composite material. Other statues, such as Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, Kṣitigarbha, Skanda, Acala, Bodhidharma, Guan Yu, and the Five Elements, are gilded, painted, and crafted from a blend of lime, clay, paint, and silk. These statues range in height from 0.25 to 1.5 meters.

3. How precious are the artifacts in Van Duc Pagoda?

Van Duc Pagoda features 115 wooden printing blocks used for reproducing ancient Buddhist texts. These blocks vary in size. 9 measure between 70 and 78.5 centimeters, 85 range from 44.5 to 50 centimeters, and 23 are between 56 and 65 centimeters. Of these, 106 are printed on both sides.

Most blocks are intricately carved with Chinese characters, some including images of protective deities, Kṣitigarbha, and assemblies of Buddhas. Notably, some woodblocks at Van Duc Pagoda are dated, including those with texts on Amitabha, the Diamond Sutra, and Avalokiteshvara from 1482. Many of these were carved in Vietnam during the Le dynasty.

Van Duc Pagoda in Hoi An features valuable antiques (Source: Collected)

In addition, the pagoda also stores:

• A large bronze bell of 1.2 meters tall with a diameter of 0.58 meters, featuring dragon-shaped handles and lotus patterns.
• Four dragon and phoenix carvings on wood and stone bases, featuring floral and leaf patterns.
• A collection of ceramic items from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including plates, cups, incense burners, and vases.

4. The cultural significance of Van Duc Pagoda

Van Duc Pagoda is a stunning example of artistic achievement with its exceptional layout, architectural style, and interior design. Recognized in the mid-19th century as a significant landmark in Hoi An, it represents the quintessential folk architecture of the region. Van Duc Pagoda is also a rich source of information for historical, ethnological, and sociological research. Due to its extensive history, the pagoda serves as a gathering place for religious traditions, showcasing profound cultural influences through the ages.

5. Guide for your first visit to Van Duc Pagoda in Hoi An

5.1. How to get there?

To reach Van Duc Pagoda from Hoi An Ancient Town, you will need to drive approximately 5 kilometers. Begin your journey from the ancient town and head onto Nguyen Phuc Tan Street. Continue straight until you reach Cao Hong Lanh Street, then turn onto Hung Vuong Street. Follow this street until you merge onto Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, also known as Road DT607. Proceed on this road, then turn onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street. Continue straight until you reach Trang Keo 1 Street, then turn onto Cam Ha Street. Follow Cam Ha Street to Van Duc Pagoda.

Van Duc Pagoda is dedicated to Buddhism (Source: Collected)

5.2. When is the best time to visit?

Every year, Van Duc Pagoda comes alive with vibrant celebrations of major Buddhist festivals, including the Buddha's Birthday (15th day - 4th lunar month), Avalokiteshvara Day (19th day, 6th lunar month), Vu Lan Festival (15th day - 7th lunar month), and Buddha’s Enlightenment Day (12th day - 12th lunar month). Devotees also honor the legacy of Monk Minh Luong and Monk Hanh Thien with special memorial services. These occasions offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.

5.3. What to note for your visit?

For first-time visitors, here are some important guidelines:

• Dress modestly for the sacred space
• Speak quietly 
• Avoid making noise, laughing, or moving around excessively to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda
• Do not touch the artifacts
• Bring simple offerings, if any

Van Duc Pagoda is a remarkable testament to both the cultural heritage and spiritual depth of Hoi An. The pagoda’s unique architecture and historical importance, along with its vibrant ceremonies and peaceful atmosphere, make it a must-see in Hoi An.

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