Bac Ninh, also known as Kinh Bac region, is considered the most sacred ancient land in Vietnam, the ancestral land of Vietnam Buddhism, the homeland of Ly Dynasty and also the main town in the north of former Thang Long, Hanoi. Talking about Bac Ninh, people often think about its famous ancient temples such as Dau Pagoda, But Thap Pagoda, Phat Tich Pagoda and Kinh Duong Vuong Temple. Located in the Red River Delta of the northern part of the country, the province's name derives from Sino-Vietnamese "northern serenity". Bac Ninh is rich in culture and is known nationally for Quan họ folk music. Quan ho was recognised as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO in 2009.
The Dâu pagoda (chùa Dâu), as known as Cổ Châu, Luy Lâu, Diên Ứng, Thiền Đình, situated in Thanh Khuong village, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province. According to history, Dâu is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam and where the exchange of between Buddhist from India and the northern. The pagoda was built in the second century (contructed in 187 and completed in 226). Phap Van goddess is whorshiped in there, so Phap Van is seem as its.
Dâu pagoda contains a big tower, a lot of ancient stone statue, many sacred Buddhistic statues. In which, Hoa Phong is a big and tall tower, placed in the center. The tower was built by large bricks, heated in a very long time. After many of years, Hoa Phong has still remained majestically and solidly. In a addtion to, Phap Van pagoda has tens of precious statue such as: the nineteen Arhats, King of Hell, Bodhisattva. It also owns a big ancient stone sheep statue and four lengendary gods, who rule four directions, is 1.6 meters of height. There are many monks (practitioners) come here to practice enlightenment. Here also trains 500 monks, nuns to contribute sharply in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Through ups and downs of time, Dâu is still sacred, grave, popular and attractive. The pagoda attracts hundreds of internal, external Buddhists every year. Besides, plenty of visitors come here to explore the beauty of architecture. Buddhists visit Dâu pagoda to pray for lucky, happiness, and peace in soul.
