Description of the attraction
Tai Phuong Pagoda is very ancient, built in the 8th century on the top of the Cau Lau hill. To get into it, you need to overcome 239 steps, protected by the shade of centuries-old trees. The reward will be the exquisite beauty of the pagoda itself and a collection of amazing sculptures carved from breadfruit. They were made much later, in the 18th century. But unknown talented masters, who depicted the ascetic life of Buddhist monks in these statues, created real masterpieces. Which today are considered the main attraction of the pagoda.
Tai Phuong, or the Pagoda of the West, has been repeatedly restored over the long centuries of its existence, while the architectural concept has been changed in the spirit of the times. Today it consists of three structures, symbolizing the three forces that rule the world. The central building, overlooking the other two, represents heaven. The building behind him symbolizes the earth. The third building is dedicated to the sun, moon, stars and deities.
The main material of the pagoda is wood, it adequately reflected folk motives. Bas-reliefs in the form of phoenixes, dragons, ficus leaves, mulberries, lotus flowers, chrysanthemums are so skillfully carved by ancient craftsmen that they look like genuine works of art.
Another attraction of the pagoda are 16 sculptures of arhats - people worthy to bring secret knowledge to the world. These statues are in the natural growth of a person, differ in different poses and facial expressions - with a certain meaning and meaning. Which is considered a rarity for ancient sculptures.
Not far from the Tai Phuong pagoda, there is another interesting tourist attraction in Hanoi - the Confucian monastery.
