More than 500 monks and nuns from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, along with thousands of Buddhist followers and tourists, attended the ceremony held on January 28.
Over 20,000 lanterns were lit on top of the mountain as part of celebrations for the debut of the Buddha statue.
Addressing the ceremony, Most Venerable Elder Vien Minh, deputy supreme patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, expressed hope that the Maitreya Buddha, that represents the prosperity and well-being of people, would bring good luck for Vietnam in the future.
Situated at over 900 meters above sea level on the peak of Ba Den Mountain, the statue has a height of 36 meters and width of 45 meters. Most notably, it is assembled using 6,688 natural sandstone pieces inspired by terraced fields.
The statue highlights a merciful smile and a big stomach, both of which are the typical characteristics of Maitreya Buddha.
Festival kicks off at Vietnam’s largest pagoda
The opening ceremony of the 2019 Bai Dinh Pagoda festival was held in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, the northern province of Ninh Binh on February 10 or the 6th day of the lunar new year.
Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ancient beauty amidst majestic scenery
Covering 5,100 ha, Tam Chuc complex is a perfect combination of ancient beauty and the mighty of the immense mountain.
Mysterious Nepal
Nepal is well-known for over 50 ancient temples and palaces built from the 14th-17th centuries which are wonderful destinations for tourists to discover the mysterious country. Here are some images and stories about the temples and relics in the Buddhist sanctuary along the rivers of Bagmati Vishumati that Vietnam Pictorial’s reporter Kim Phuong would like to introduce to readers.
Con Son-Kiep Bac Spring Festival opens in Hai Duong
NDO/VNA – The Con Son – Kiep Bac Spring Festival 2019 commenced in the northern province of Hai Duong on February 20, or the 16th day of the first lunar month.
The Ancient Pagoda of Van Nien
Van Nien Pagoda is located on Lac Long Quan Road to the west of the West Lake in Hanoi. The thousand-year-old pagoda is considered one of the most famous ones in the old capital of Thang Long.
