National Treasure - Statue of Avalokiteshvara at Cung Kiem pagoda

National Treasure - Statue of Avalokiteshvara.

National Treasure - Statue of Avalokiteshvara at Cung Kiem pagoda is being preserved in the cemetery, placed on a high ground, and close to the back wall. Its right is the “Thượng điện” (Upper Palace) building.

Overview of the Statue of Avalokiteshvara (Picture: Internet).

The Statue is 88.7cm high including 2 main parts: The pedestal is 36.9cm high and the body is 51.8cm high. It is created in a mediating and half-lotus posture with the delicate and soft cravings. The oval and kind face exudes Buddhist compassion. The head wearing crown hat is meticulously decorated with stylized designs of lotus flowers, apricot blossoms, and wire flowers.

Cung Kiem pagoda, Nhan Hoa ward, Que Vo town.

This is the only stone statue of Avalokiteshvara which is in the shape of a pedestal with the appearance of a pair of sea monsters with their heads raising high, overcoming the ocean waves, facing each other while wearing lotus stems.

A corner of Cung Kiem pagoda.

The notable unique feature of the statue of Avalokiteshvara at Cung Kiem pagoda is the inscription engraved on the statue. A total of 67 Chinese letters have been determined by the researchers, among which 39 letters are engraved on the back of the statue and 28 letters are engraved on the statue's pedestal. The inscription provides information about the date of creation, address, and names of meritorious believers.

The gate of Cung Kiem pagoda.

The statue has a particularly significant meaning to the history of Buddhism as well as the history of Vietnamese statue creation. The statue of Avalokiteshvara at Cung Kiem pagoda is an accurate evidence to prove that the belief in worshiping Avalokiteshvara of our country has existed since early times, especially in Northern Vietnam since the 15^th century.