Location: Yen Thanh Hamlet, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, about 100m north of King Le Dai Hanh Temple.
Characteristics: The pagoda owns a national treasure of the stone pillar carved with Buddhist scriptures.
◊ Architecture
(TITC) – Nhat Tru Pagoda is located on an area of over 3,000m² and belongs to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic Complex. It was built in the Pre-Le Dynasty according to the architecture in the shape of Han character 丁 (Dinh), including sanctum, ancestor house, living room, dinning room, stupas, etc. The pagoda’s roof is covered by titles and decorated with flanking dragons. The sanctum has Buddha statues which are red-lacquered and trimmed with gold.
The pagoda’s campus also has the shrines to worship Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva and Mother Goddess.
◊ The National Treasure of Stone Pillar Carved with Buddhist Scriptures
Nhat Tru Pagoda has preserved a stone pillar carved with Buddhist scriptures. It’s also called Lang Nghiem Pillar and was in 995. The 4.16m-high and 4.5 ton-weigh octagonal pillar is completely assembled by 6 stone parts without adhesives. The pillar’s body are carved Buddhist scriptures in Han characters with the contents of praising Buddhism and the talents of Shakyamuni Buddha.
In December 2015, Lang Nghiem Pillar became the first object in Ninh Binh Province recognized as National Treasure. This is a unique artifact with special historical and cultural values.
◊ Festivals
At present, Nhat Tru Pagoda is the place of many unique festivals. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the rite of offering Buddhist takes place in the pagoda to pray for the national security. On this occasion, a poetry night to commemorate Zen Master Do Phap Thuan is also held. On the 8th day of the forth lunar month, the pagoda holds the ceremony to pray for good weather and abundant harvest.
Nhat Tru Pagoda Festival takes place on the occasion of Truong Yen Festival at the beginning of the third lunar month.