Away 130km from Hanoi capital, there located Keo Pagoda in Vu Thu District of Thai Binh Province. The pagoda is constructed by Duong Khong Lo, a Monk and famous doctor during Ly Dynasty.

History

Legend had it that Duong Khong Lo built Keo Pagoda between 1133 and 1154. Duong Khong Lo is a name of a Monk and famous doctor in Ly Dynasty. After successfully cured King Ly Than Tong from a serious disease, he was honorably given the title of Quoc Su (Royal Teacher) and plenty of money and land to build the pagoda.

Architecture

Architecturally, Keo Pagoda is impressive to both domestic and foreign tourists who have chance to visit the pagoda at least once time. The pagoda stretches the area of 7,200 square meters, bordering the Red River. There are two passages which separate the pagoda and temple. They are decorated with curved roofs that join together at the 11.5 meter-iron wood bell tower. This iron wood bell tower has three stories, each of which possesses its own tiled roof and bronze bell. Up to now, Keo Pagoda has proudly preserved one of the few surviving sets of rod puppets in Vietnam.

It is said that Keo Pagoda is a home to a wealth of ancient relics which ranges from intricately engraved wooden dragons to a collection of over 100 statues. Here is also preserved many valuable antiques, such as a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, some pottery ware and altars from the Le Dynasty, imperial boats, etc. It is surprising that all of them are kept intact as they were during the time of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty in 16th century.

Keo Temple Festival

Annually, Keo Temple Festival is celebrated from 13^th to 15^th of the 9^th lunar month, 100 days after the death of the Monk Duong Khong Lo. During the festival, many religious and traditional rituals and customs are taken to respect the Buddhist Monk who rendered great merits to the people and the country. Also, lots of different traditional cultural activities are shown so as to reflect the specific and unique lifestyle of people, which is deeply influenced by the agricultural culture of the Red River Delta. Keo Temple Festival attracts hundreds of tourists every year.