Introduction
Ninh Binh is famous for Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Bich Dong Pagoda, but few know about Am Tien Cave and Pagoda. The Am Tien Pagoda is located deep in the valley of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and hidden from everyone’s sight. Few know that the Am Tien Pagoda and Cave have many stories associated with previous dynasties. So, what mysterious anecdotes are there about this temple? Let’s learn more about this ancient pagoda with Ninh Binh Private Car.
Am Tien Pagoda Location
The pagoda is located in the Ngu Phong Son mountain range, southeast of the Hoa Lu ancient capital relic area, in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The Am Tien Pagoda is hidden in a valley and halfway up a mountain.
In the past, this place was just a flooded valley peacefully surrounded by cliffs. But this place has gradually become famous recently for its peaceful and romantic scenery.
The Mystery of the Name Am Tien
Before this place became a pagoda, it was an execution ground for criminals. In the past, this place was used by King Dinh Tien Hoang to raise tigers and crocodiles and as an execution ground for serious criminals. Sinful people will be brought here to be prey for the animals.
After King Dinh Tien Hoang ascended the throne, he wanted to dominate the world with authority, so he placed a large oil cauldron in the courtyard and raised fierce tigers. This implies that those who commit serious crimes will be dropped into a cauldron of oil and fed to tigers. Because the terrain around Am Tien Pagoda is rocky mountains and wetlands, it is suitable for raising tigers and building an execution ground.
Therefore, Am Tien Pagoda is the place chosen and named by Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong to neutralize the hatred and resentment of the souls of death row prisoners. In the last days of her life, Queen Duong Van Nga also chose this as her place of practice.
Historical Value of Am Tien Pagoda
Am Tien Pagoda Cave is halfway up the mountain, so visitors must go through 200 stone steps to reach the pagoda. If viewed from afar and above, Am Tien Cave is shaped like a dragon’s mouth, which is also why this cave is called Dragon Cave.
Am Tien Cave has Am Tien Pagoda, a place to worship Buddha, Queen Duong Van Nga, Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong, and some famous people of the Dinh dynasty. According to historical records, Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong was a monk who practiced in caves, recited sutras, and preached Dharma. He was also the one who built the stone pedestals to worship Buddha, which still exist today.
What’s special is that in the cave, many stalactites are up to tens of thousands of years old, and there are many shapes of rice plants, money trees, Buddha’s hands, and shining lotus buds. Visitors can go deep into the cave to see beautiful stalactites and pray before Buddha statues.
Which season should you go to the Am Tien Pagoda?
Ninh Binh has a temperate climate all year round and is divided into four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. With each different time, the Ninh Binh land will have a different beauty. Spring is the color of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festivals, summer is the golden color of Ninh Binh rice fields, autumn is the Ninh Binh lotus pond blooming, and winter is quiet.
See more at: Best Time To Visit Ninh Binh.
Visitors can visit Am Tien Pagoda – Tuyet Tinh Coc at any time of the year. However, each time is different; there will be a few notes. For example, many festivals often occur at the beginning of the year. The surrounding tourist areas will be more crowded than usual, especially at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Am Tien Pagoda. So, if you like quiet, you can consider going in the summer or fall.
Where to Visit When Coming to Am Tien Pagoda
Am Tien Cave
The Am Tien Pagoda and Cave are on towering cliffs amidst the clouds and sky. The Am Tien Pagoda will be a perfect backdrop for your photos. The remarkable thing is that Am Tien Cave is more than 500m above sea level. So the climate around this area is often cool, especially in the summer, and you can wear beautiful dresses.
The second highlight of Am Tien Cave is the clear and quiet lake. This lake adds to this cave’s mysterious and peaceful atmosphere. The road around the lake has been built spaciously and cleanly, so you can walk or cycle around. If you don’t want to exercise by walking or cycling, you can take a boat tour on the Am Tien Lake.
Visit the Stone City Gate
Near the Am Tien Pagoda and Cave, a wall is considered the Great Wall. The city gate is made from stone and has been here for thousands of years. This is proof of a golden era that has passed in Vietnamese history.
Visit the Am Tien Pagoda
The Am Tien Pagoda has recently been invested in and renovated into a 2-story and 4-roof architecture using yin and yang roof tiles. The interior architecture is made of ironwood and meticulously carved, creating soft, elegant lines. The front hall also has a system of gilded wooden doors, highlighting the sacredness of the place of worship.
Currently, many valuable antiques are still preserved here. This is a valuable historical source of information about the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Dai Co Viet. It also helps historians learn more about historical events and figures who have contributed to the country.
A few notes when coming to Am Tien Pagoda
- You will often have to walk and climb stairs at the Am Tien Pagoda. You must prepare enough hats to replenish energy, drink water, and snacks to avoid the sun.
- You should wear sneakers or flat shoes to move around the rocky terrain in Am Tien cave easily. You should not wear high heels because they are not suitable for climbing.
- Go to Great Tinh at the end of the year (October, November, December) and the beginning (January, February). You should go before 4 pm because, at this time, it will get quite dark.
- Maintain general hygiene and do not throw trash indiscriminately, affecting the surrounding landscape.
- The Am Tien Pagoda is sacred, so consider neat and polite clothing.
Conclusion
Am Tien Pagoda is a sacred pagoda that has a quiet beauty. Not only that, but it is also associated with stories about dynasties in Vietnamese history. If you can visit Ninh Binh, don’t forget to visit this temple. You can pray in caves and temples or take beautiful photos by the lake. And if you don’t know how to get here, you can contact Ninh Binh Private Car so we can assist you.