Huong Lang Pagoda

Huong Lang Pagoda, also called Lang Pagoda, is located in Huong Lang village, Minh Hai commune, Van Lam district. The pagoda was built by Queen Mother Y Lan in the 11^th century. It covers a nearly one - hectare area and includes many houses arranged in noi cong ngoai quoc architectural style (One of the pagoda’s main architectual styles in Vietnam). Starting from Tam quan (Three - door entrance), there is a three - step staircase leading to the main part that includes residence for the monks, then house of patriarchs and Buddhist hall. However, the pagoda was destroyed in the anti - French resistance war. It has been restored since 1955.

Huong Lang Pagoda has preserved many unique and special relics dating back to the Ly dynasty. The most precious relic is the stone lion statue called Mr. Sam (Thunder). It is carved out from a large stone slab, which is 2.8m long, 1.5m wide and 0.9m high. It used to be the pedestal of an unidentified statue that doesn’t exist any more. Two tips of the stone slab are carved into the head of the lion and its rear part. The lion’s face looks powerful, its nose is round and big, its eyes look like a pair of chicken eggs and it has a high forehead. Its bottom is well rounded, plump and is decorated with many spiral and chrysanthemum patterns. Huong Lang Pagoda has ten pairs of stone handrail with patterns of phoenix, weasel and chrysanthemum. It also has four rectangular stone pillars that prop up stone girders of former works, and many stone pedestals carved with lotus and chrysanthemum patterns.

In addition, Huong Lang Pagoda has a stone stele inscribing the pagoda’s restoration process that was conducted in the 16^th century.

The stone lion and handrails are the Ly dynasty’s invaluable sculpture works remaining in our country.