Pho Quang Pagoda Fire: National Treasure Shattered, 25 Billion VND in Horrific Damage

Netizens are extremely shocked by the news of the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda, Phu Tho Province. Unfortunately, the property damage, when the national treasure was broken into pieces, in addition to the total damage calculated in money up to 25 billion VND.

The fire at Pho Quang Pagoda (Xuan Lung Commune, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province) broke out around 10am this morning (October 23). Mr. Nguyen Trong Vinh, Vice Chairman of Xuan Lung Commune People's Committee, said that the fire did not cause any casualties but the main pagoda was severely damaged. This is extremely regrettable.

Pho Quang Pagoda (also known as Xuan Lung Pagoda) is a national relic, over 800 years old and preserves many valuable relics and antiques. In the main hall of the pagoda, there is a lotus stone pedestal that was recognized as a National Treasure at the end of 2021. The treasure is a rectangular stone pedestal but shaped like a lotus flower, used as a Buddhist altar.

Information from Lam Thao District People's Committee, about the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda (Xuan Lung Commune, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho) on the morning of October 23, there were initial damages.

Specifically, the large fire almost completely burned down the main hall of Pho Quang Pagoda, a pagoda that is about 800 years old. The place where the national treasure is kept, the lotus stone pedestal, had its petals broken. At the same time, 27 Buddha statues were completely burned down along with the facilities in the pagoda. The estimated damage after the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda is about 25 billion VND.

Currently, the authorities are blocking off the scene to investigate, verify and clarify the cause of the fire. Regarding the fire at Pho Quang Pagoda in Phu Tho, the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) has sent a document to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho province requesting that the authorities coordinate with local authorities to urgently inspect the site, take immediate measures to protect the national treasure, the Stone Buddha Altar, assess the extent of the damage and propose a solution.

According to culturalist Le Thoa (Hung Vuong Museum), the stone pedestal for the Buddhist altar was crafted in 1387 under the reign of King Tran Phe De. The stone Buddhist altar in the shape of the letter "Cong" is 3.3m long, over 1m high, over 1m wide, with a 5-tier structure assembled from 71 green stone slabs, looking very sturdy. The stone altar is described as having four sides carved with stylized multi-layered lotus petals, lively and sophisticated. The stone lotus petals have recessed edges, with a round dot in the middle.

The most special thing on the stone pedestal is the image of dragons carved in a closed circle like a stylized Bodhi leaf with the center being the sun's rays. In addition, there are carvings that cannot be explained forever. Mr. Ngo Duc Sau, Vice Chairman of Lam Thao District People's Committee, affirmed that this unique lotus stone pedestal is a priceless asset of the nation. The stone pedestal has been preserved intact by the people of Dong village, Xuan Lung, Lam Thao district for 7 centuries, has high practical value, and has made a positive contribution to the cause of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. The lotus stone pedestal antique at Pho Quang Pagoda has not been moved once in the past 7 centuries.

Many people in Phu Tho said that Pho Quang Pagoda is very ancient and sacred. At the same time, they expressed regret and sadness at the temple fire; the damage caused by the fire is estimated at about 25 billion VND, but the historical damage is immeasurable. In particular, the national treasure in Pho Quang Pagoda was partially broken.

Pho Quang Pagoda was built more than 800 years ago in the shape of the letter Cong, with tiled roofs and two levels. The pagoda was ranked as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1980, preserving many valuable relics and antiques, especially the stone Buddha altar from the Tran Dynasty with unique motifs and patterns, recognized as a National Treasure in 2021.