PAGODA BUT THAP (FROM THE BRUSH TOWER)
This pagoda takes its name from an octagonal stone tower which, within the enclosure, recalls the shape of a paintbrush.
The pagoda takes its name from an octagonal stone tower, which, within the enclosure, is reminiscent of the shape of a paintbrush. Originally known as the Ninh Phuc Tu pagoda (Peace and Blessing) and under the literary name of Bao Nghiem (Expression of gratitude to the Master for the correctness of his teaching), the pagoda was renamed But Thap in 1876 by Emperor Tu Duc because of the shape of its stupa. The stupa is dedicated to the monk Chuyet Cong.
The date of construction of the pagoda is uncertain, but it is probably under the reign of King Trân Nhân Tong, in the 13th century (Trân dynasty). It was restored in the 17th century, the 18th century and, finally, very recently. In the 17th century, it benefited from the patronage of Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc, daughter of Lord Trinh Trang. The queen was forcibly married to King Le Thân Tông (1619-1643) and dedicated herself to religious life. She raised the funds needed to restore the pagoda and passed on to posterity by signing Ngoc Am Chi Nam, considered the first Han-Nom dictionary.
There are many statues in the pagoda, including a Kuan-Yin (Goddess of Mercy) 3.70 m high, with 1,000 arms, 1,000 eyes, 42 arms expressing a different gesture. It was carved by a man named Truong Tho Nam in 1656 (Hind Lê dynasty).
In the Tich Thiên pagodon, a wooden revolving tower is also remarkable. 8 m high, it is engraved on its eight sides with motifs related to Buddhism.
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