Vinh Trung Pagode

          The Vinh Trang Pagode - is a Buddhist temple near My Tho in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. It is one of the most famous temples in the region. It was built in 1849 and consists of a total of 178 columns.
The sprawling temple stands on a 2-acre plot of fruit trees in the village of My Phong (3 km from the center in My Tho), on the banks of the Bao Dinh Canal. In the mid-19th century, the temple was created through the efforts of a district chief. The temple was completed in 1850, but it suffered severe damage only ten years later when the French colonial troops fought against the army of the Nguyen Dynasty to gain control of what is now South Vietnam. The reconstruction was successful, but the temple later fell into disuse. The temple was completely renovated at the end of 1890.

The important triple gate was built in 1933 by the labor of artisans from the imperial capital of Hu in central Vietnam. The central gate is made of steel, while the two side gates are made of concrete and shaped like a historic fortress. The triple gate has an upper floor with a large gate above it. On the right is the statue of Thích Chanh Hau and on the left is a statue of Thích Minh Dan. The front of the temple is designed in a style that combines European and Asian architecture. In the main hall of the temple there are several statues of different Buddhas. The standing Buddha stands for Amitabha Buddha, which symbolizes ultimate bliss and compassion.

The laughing Buddha symbolizes happiness and happiness and has become a god of happiness all over the world. The Reclining Buddha represents Gautama Buddha, before entering parinirvana, the death of one who has attained nirvana during his lifetime and is freed from the painful cycle of samsara or rebirth.
The pagoda consists of five separate buildings, two decorative courtyards and 178 intricately designed pillars. The temple houses more than 60 precious statues made of copper, wood and terracotta. The most treasured relics include 18 arhats (Buddhist followers who attained nirvana) carved from a jackfruit tree in 1907. There is also a bronze bell on the grounds cast in 1854.
The sculptures of 18 arhats are carved from wood and were made in 1907 by a group of southern craftsmen. Each statue is about 80 centimeters long and 58 centimeters wide.

Vinh Trung Pagode Tuin

The pagoda is framed by beautifully manicured gardens with many potted plants, fruit trees and bonsai trees, which provide a peaceful atmosphere. The scent of incense enriches the air, and monks stroll the grounds, keeping the property in excellent condition. Former monks who cared for the pagoda were buried on the property and their graves are decorated with engraved stones.
In the shade of one of the trees is the stupa of Thich Chanh Hau, in which his ashes are kept. He rebuilt the Vinh Trang Pagoda in 1895.
 

Vinh Trung Pagode

A better place to explore the Mekong Delta is Ben Tre (in the menu).