Western pagoda displays unique hot and cold bed pair of Bac Lieu prince

Soc Trang - In addition to its unique architecture, Chen Kieu Pagoda also attracts attention when displaying a mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet, a sofa, and two winter and summer beds of the son of Bac Lieu.

Chen Kieu Pagoda, also known as Srolon Pagoda, is located north of National Highway 1A in Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, about 12km from Soc Trang city center towards Bac Lieu.

The pagoda was built before 1815. Initially, the pagoda was built with simple bamboo and leaves. In 1945, during the restoration and construction process, due to the scarcity of materials and lack of funds, the pagoda mobilized people to donate bowls and plates to cover the walls. From then on, the pagoda was called the Cup Pagoda.

*Chen Kieu Pagoda is a must-see destination for visitors from near and far when coming to Soc Trang. Photo: Phuong Anh*

The outstanding architectural work in the Chen Kieu pagoda complex is the main hall, built in both traditional Khmer architectural style and a cultural exchange between the Kinh and Chinese ethnic groups.

The roof structure of the main hall has three overlapping sloping roofs. The roof is made of cement and inlaid entirely with small ceramic tiles combined with broken pieces of bowls and plates, like a carpet exposed to the sky.

*Unique decorative patterns from cups and plates.*

The pagoda also has a mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet, a set of sofas and two winter and summer beds, which were bought by the pagoda in 1948 from the family of the Bac Lieu Prince - a famous and wealthy man in Bac Lieu province. The pair of beds are made of huynh dan wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

This pair of beds is known as two “opposite” beds, because one is cool in the summer, the other is warm in the winter. The hot bed has a surface made from three panels of rosewood, the cold bed is covered with cool marble.

Winter and summer beds, bought by the temple in 1948 from the family of the Bac Lieu Prince - a famous rich man at one time in Bac Lieu province. — *The winter bed was bought by the temple from the family of the Prince of Bac Lieu. Photo: Phuong Anh*

In particular, Chen Kieu Pagoda also develops the craft of wood carving. From ancient tree stumps, monks create unique works of art. These are spiritual products of the Khmer people that are gradually being restored, serving visitors to admire and take souvenir photos.

Chen Kieu Pagoda is a place for cultural and religious activities, a place to hold traditional festivals of the Khmer people such as the Age-bearing Ceremony, Ancestor Worship Ceremony, Moon Worship Ceremony, and Kasaya Offering Ceremony...

With its unique architecture, each year Chen Kieu Pagoda attracts tens of thousands of tourists to visit and worship. In 2022, Chen Kieu Pagoda is one of 7 unique architectural works within the framework of the program "Top 7 Impressions of Vietnam ".

Phuong Anh

Source: https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/ngoi-chua-mien-tay-trung-cap-giuong-nong-lanh-doc-la-cua-cong-tu-bac-lieu-1363283.html