1. General introduction to Long Cam Pagoda
Long Cam Pagoda is located on the southern slope of Oc Son Mountain, in Ha Trung commune, Thanh Hoa province. (Source: Collected)
Long Cam Pagoda is located on the southern slope of Oc Son Mountain, in Ha Trung commune, Thanh Hoa province. From the center of Thanh Hoa, you only need to travel about 28 km to the west, following convenient routes such as National Highway 1A and inter-provincial roads.
The campus of Long Cam Pagoda includes unique architectural works. Oc Son Mountain is cylindrical, rising amidst a flooded plain, surrounded by limestone mountains, forming a unique and impressive natural basin.
With a history of over 1,000 years, Long Cam Pagoda is associated with many significant events during the reign of King Ly Thai To. The pagoda was recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic in 1991, becoming a distinctive cultural and spiritual symbol of the Ha Trung region. Besides its role as a religious structure, the pagoda also preserves many valuable historical values of the nation.
2. History of Long Cam Pagoda and Sacred Anecdotes
2.1. Origin Story and the Legend of "The Dragon Assisting the King"
According to Venerable Thich Dam Hao, Deputy Abbot of Long Cam Pagoda, the pagoda was built after an event in the 11th year of Thuan Thien (1020), when King Ly Thai To marched his troops to the South. Legend has it that in a dream, the king encountered a deity on the summit of Oc Son Mountain who promised to aid his campaign.
When the southern campaign was successful, the king returned to the capital, remembering this sacred dream. To express his gratitude for the assistance, King Ly Thai To decided to build a pagoda on Oc Son Mountain, naming it "Long Cam". "Long" symbolizes the Dragon, the protective deity, while "Cam" signifies gratitude, reflecting the king's reverence for the divine grace.
2.2. Notable Renovations
Throughout its history, Long Cam Pagoda has been renovated and restored many times across different dynasties. During the Tran Dynasty, King Tran Thai Tong (1225-1258), while leading troops to fight Chiem Thanh (1252), camped here. The king also dreamed of encountering the deity of Oc Son Mountain, after which the campaign proceeded smoothly.
Throughout its history, Long Cam Pagoda has been renovated and restored many times across dynasties. (Source: Collection)
During the Nguyen Dynasty, a significant milestone in the history of Long Cam Pagoda was in 1843, when King Thieu Tri visited the pagoda during his northern inspection tour. Finding the scenery beautiful but the pagoda dilapidated, the king decided to have it renovated, bestowed a bronze bell, and commissioned a stele of merit. Under King Tu Duc, Venerable Monk Minh Nguyet built the Long Chuong Palace, contributing to the completion of the pagoda's architecture.
Entering the modern era (2003-2005), Long Cam Pagoda continued to be invested in for renovation and expansion through the cooperation of the province, Ha Trung district, and the Buddhist community. The Tam Quan Gate was rebuilt, and a new bronze bell weighing over 500 kg was cast, creating a deep and sacred resonant sound.
2.3. Long Cam Pagoda - Provincial-level Historical Relic
The recognition of Long Cam Pagoda as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic since 1991 honors the pagoda's immense value within Vietnam's heritage system. Despite numerous renovations, the pagoda still retains many ancient traces from different historical periods.
Long Cam Pagoda is not only prominent for preserving many precious artifacts but also a place that welcomes numerous visitors and Buddhists for worship and to learn about the nation's history. Today, the pagoda has become a typical spiritual cultural destination of Thanh Hoa, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of traditional heritage values.
3. Unique Architecture and Landscape of Long Cam Pagoda
3.1. Overall Architecture, from Tam Quan Gate to the Main Pagoda
The entire architectural space of Long Cam Pagoda is arranged sequentially, developing along the North-South axis to form a harmonious compound. First is the majestic Tam Quan Gate, welcoming visitors as they enter. Next is a spacious courtyard, leading to the main pagoda - the central structure comprising the Front Hall and Worship Hall.
The entire architectural space of the pagoda is developed along the North-South axis, forming a harmonious campus. (Source: Collected)
Immediately behind the main pagoda is the Mother's house, dedicated to worshipping the Holy Mothers, uniquely designed and facing East. The Ancestral House is located behind the Mother's house, honoring the contributions of the patriarchs who were associated with the pagoda. Auxiliary structures such as the guesthouse, warehouse, and kitchen are arranged at the rear and eastern sides, ensuring convenience while preserving the traditional space.
The Reliquary area is located to the East, about 15 m lower than the main courtyard, serving as the repository for the ashes or sarira of the Patriarchs and meritorious Buddhists. This layout creates an overall spiritual ambiance for Long Cam Pagoda, evoking a sense of solemnity and reverence for anyone who visits.
3.2. Precious Artifacts and Thousand-Year-Old Traces
Within the grounds of Long Cam Pagoda, many valuable ancient artifacts are preserved, most notably the 4 stone pillars carved with Han characters from the Ly Dynasty located at the main pagoda's eaves. These stone pillars, hundreds of years old, are rare remnants from the Ly period, holding significant historical and artistic value.
Artifacts such as steles, bronze bells, and stone chimes from the Le-Nguyen dynasties form a rich collection for the pagoda. Notably, the ancient stone chimes at Long Cam Pagoda produce a deep, resonant sound, like a bronze bell when gently tapped, distinctly different from new stone chimes which only emit a clacking sound.
Guardian statues, carved wooden screens, and ancient carved panels with large characters all showcase the sophistication of Nguyen Dynasty sculptural art in Thanh Hoa. These artifacts not only serve decorative purposes but also aid in studying the development of iconographic systems through different periods.
3.3. Miniature Landscapes and Heritage Trees within the Pagoda Grounds
The grounds of Long Cam Pagoda feature many ancient, long-standing trees, creating a cool green space and imparting a sacred atmosphere. The ancient banyan tree and the 500-year-old Ngau tree beside the pagoda not only adorn the landscape but are also deeply connected to the spiritual lives of the local people.
The scenery around Long Cam Pagoda is also a blend of the ancient architecture of the pagoda and the beautiful nature of Oc Son Mountain. (Source: Collected)
The miniature landscapes are designed harmoniously with the statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the Koi fish pond, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to the pagoda's space. These details contribute to creating an atmosphere suitable for worship and contemplation.
The scenery around Long Cam Pagoda is also a blend of the ancient architecture of the pagoda and the beautiful nature of Oc Son Mountain. From the pagoda's courtyard, visitors can gaze out at the peaceful fields and villages below, painting a poetic natural scene.
4. Experiences of worship, festivals, and activities at Long Cam Pagoda
4.1. Pilgrimage journey to Long Cam Pagoda
Long Cam Pagoda is a suitable stop for visitors to visit, sightsee, and worship when coming to Ha Trung. On major Buddhist holidays such as early spring prayers for peace, Buddha's Birthday festival, and many other important events of the year, the pagoda welcomes a large number of Buddhists and visitors from everywhere.
Long Cam Pagoda is a suitable stop for tourists to visit, sightsee, and worship when coming to Ha Trung. (Source: Collected)
Before visiting the pagoda for worship, tourists should prepare modest, polite attire to suit the spiritual space. It is advisable to wear neat clothing, avoid tank tops, shorts, or overly short outfits; prioritize comfortable footwear, easy to remove when entering shrines.
The solemnity of Long Cam Pagoda creates an ideal environment to find inner peace. The sound of the temple bell with a 500 kg bell combined with the ancient stone chime creates a sacred space, easily helping you calm your soul amidst the ancient pagoda.
4.2. Spiritual rituals, activities, and experiences to try
The Ceremony for national peace and prosperity held at Long Cam Pagoda is a meaningful occasion for tourists to light incense to pray for peace for the country, family, and oneself. Offering incense to commemorate the figures associated with the pagoda's history is also an opportunity to preserve and promote traditions.
The relic area in the pagoda is a place for tourists to explore deeper into the development of Long Cam Pagoda through different periods. You can listen to monks and nuns recount sacred stories and legends related to this ancient pagoda.
If you want a deep spiritual experience, Long Cam Pagoda often organizes meditation guidance programs and chanting under the guidance of the pagoda. These activities offer opportunities to practice and feel peace and tranquility in the sacred space of the realm of Buddha.
Additionally, tourists can combine a visit to Nui Nua - Am Tien, a destination rich in historical layers and spiritual nuances of Thanh Hoa. This area is being oriented to add more exploration experiences through the Huyen Tich Am Tien project, promising to contribute to developing the tour route in the direction of culture - spirituality combined with the region's ecology. As a result, tourists can easily plan a day trip or a short itinerary, connecting relics - landscapes - local experiences.
5. Useful tips when visiting Long Cam Pagoda
5.1. Tips for visiting, taking beautiful photos, and virtual living at Long Cam Pagoda
The Tam Quan Gate area of Long Cam Pagoda is a favorite photo spot where ancient architecture can be combined with the mountains behind. The main pagoda with its traditional 'chong ruong gia chieng' roof brings photos with the essence of ancient Vietnamese architecture. The pagoda courtyard faces Oc Son Mountain, opening up a majestic mountain landscape, making the photos more sacred and profound.
The main pagoda with its traditional tiered roof featuring carved wooden beams offers photos rich in ancient Vietnamese architecture. (Source: Collected)
The Xa Ly Area is a quiet space, very suitable for capturing contemplative photos. The ancient trees within the pagoda grounds are also a unique highlight, creating a backdrop for meaningful souvenir photos.
The ideal time for photography at Long Cam Pagoda is early morning with soft light, or at dusk when the pale golden sun creates a magical effect. When taking photos, visitors should pay attention to maintaining solemnity, do not photograph in prohibited areas, and avoid using flash in the main halls to maintain the tranquility of the pagoda.
5.2. Prepare necessary items, protect health when visiting pagodas
When visiting Long Cam Pagoda, visitors should prioritize convenient, easy-to-remove footwear as they will be moving constantly when entering the main halls. Bring sufficient drinking water, hats, and sunglasses to avoid the sun, especially when climbing Oc Son Mountain. A light jacket will be useful in the evening as the temperature on the mountain can be cooler.
Weather greatly impacts the visiting experience. During the rainy season, prepare raincoats in case of sudden rain, as the mountain path can be wet and slippery. On hot sunny days, remember to replenish water and protect your skin to avoid fatigue from the heat.
Elderly visitors and children climbing the mountain should go with relatives for support, as the paths have certain slopes. For those with health issues such as heart disease or high blood pressure, they should consult a doctor before planning to visit Long Cam Pagoda. Thorough preparation will ensure a safer and more complete trip.
Long Cam Pagoda is a special destination, where thousand-year historical values converge, exquisite traditional architecture, and a serene spiritual space amidst picturesque natural scenery. The pilgrimage journey to this ancient pagoda will bring profound experiences of spiritual culture and national history. Save Long Cam Pagoda in your Thanh Hoa exploration plan to fully appreciate the sacred beauty of the ancient capital land.
