Đại Bảo Tháp Tây Thiên

Phú Thọ(formerly Vĩnh Phúc)

Overview & history

The Đại Bảo Tháp Tây Thiên, also known as the Tây Thiên Mandala Stupa, is a Buddhist structure located at the centre of the Tây Thiên Special National Heritage Site, Đại Đình commune, Tam Đảo district, Vĩnh Phúc province.

The Đại Bảo Tháp is situated on the western side of the Tây Thiên basin, with the Thõng stream encircling its west, the Tây Thiên Festival Square to its east, and to the northeast are various temples and pagodas: Hạ Temple, Thiên Ân Pagoda, and Trúc Lâm Tây Thiên Zen Monastery.

History

According to the Shui Jing Zhu (Commentary on the Water Classic) written in the 4th century CE, in Tây Thiên at that time, "...the stupa and lecture hall built by King A Dục (Ashoka) still remained, and the locals who went to gather firewood called it Kim tượng...". Thus, from ancient times, Tây Thiên already had stupas dedicated to the Buddha, built by eminent monks from India.

In 2011, the Đại Bảo Tháp Tây Thiên was inaugurated for construction at the request of the Tây Thiên nuns, under the blessing, empowerment, and guidance of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa.

In 2014, the Đại Bảo Tháp had its first abbot appointed.

Architecture

The stupa is built in the architectural style of the Vajrayana Great Stupa found in the Himalayan region.

The stupa has a floor area of 1,500 m2 and stands 37 metres tall. Surrounding the stupa is a large lake named Hương Thủy, which connects to the Thõng stream. On the northwest side of the lake is the Liên Hoa Sinh Pavilion.

Photos

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Visiting tips

Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.