Chen Kieu pagoda, a unique site in Soc Trang province
Thứ Hai, 12/02/2024, 14:22
Located along National Highway No 1, about 10km from Soc Trang city in Soc Trang province, Chen Kieu (also known as Sro Loun Pagoda or Sa Lon Pagoda) in Dai Tam commune, My Xuyen district, stands out as a prominent Khmer pagoda in the Hau River region. What sets it apart is its distinctive decorative technique, using porcelain bowls and plates affixed to walls.
Located along National Highway No 1, about 10km from Soc Trang city in Soc Trang province, Chen Kieu (also known as Sro Loun Pagoda or Sa Lon Pagoda) in Dai Tam commune, My Xuyen district, stands out as a prominent Khmer pagoda in the Hau River region. What sets it apart is its distinctive decorative technique, using porcelain bowls and plates affixed to walls.
The Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang has hundreds of Khmer pagodas, but the Mahatup, Sa Lon and Day Om Pu pagodas are considered the most beautiful.Sa Lon, located only 12 km away from Soc Trang town's centre, was originally a simple structure made of wood and leaves in the 19th century. It was reconstructed in 1969.Around the pagoda is a fence decorated with the images of Apsara dancing goddess, symbolizing peace and prosperity. On both sides of the path to the pagoda are statues of the Kerno goddess, who has the face of the Apsara goddess, symbolizing eternal beauty, and the body of the Garuda mythologic bird, symbolizing power. Inside the main hall of Sa Lon Pagoda, only Shakyamuni Buddha is worshipped. Visiting Chen Kieu Pagoda, visitors admire its unique architecture, learn about the Khmer culture, take photos in the brilliant sunflower garden, and enjoy food specialties of Soc Trang province.Chen Kieu pagoda is modeled as a cup, built with many cups and plates, and decorated with broken ceramic pieces, so it’s also called the ‘cup pagoda’ by the local people.
