Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda, 400 years of architectural history

Keo Hanh Thien pagoda is located in Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. This is one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam whose architecture has been preserved intact over its 400 year-old history. 

The area of the pagoda is spacious and situated to proudly exhibit the fine craftsmanship of the old architecture. It contains 13 roomy shrines with 121 sections harmonious reflecting in the lake. Both sides of lane are tiled with brick.

Legend has it that the pagoda was originally built in bonze by Duong Khong Lo along the bank of Red River in 1061 during the Ly Thanh Tong Dynasty in Giao Thuy, Ha Thanh (Giao Thuy district, Nam Dinh province now).

After nearly 500 years of existence, in 1611, the high tide of the Red River flooded Giao Thuy village where the pagoda is located. A part of the population moved to another place and established Hanh Thien village and build a new Keo pagoda, which is commonly called Keo Ha pagoda or Keo Hanh Thien pagoda.

The other part of population moved to the left bank of the Red River, established Dung Nhue village in Thai Binh province and also built a pagoda there which is called Keo Thuong.

The previously built architecture of Keo Hanh Thien pagoda largely affected the construction of Keo pagoda in Thai Binh province. In front of the pagoda there is a semicircular lake, which is pure blue water. The bell tower and curved roof reflected in the lake are grave and dreamlike.

Apart from the beautiful architecture, the pagoda also preserves valuable antiques of the 17^th century, the period of the Later Le Dynasty, including a worshipping platform, bell, noted steles, horizontal lacquered boards, and parallel sentences. 

Behind the pagoda there is a temple for Buddhist priest, Khong Lo,                       who cured diseases for King Ly Nhan Tong