Chùa Tây Phương, Buddhist temple in Son Tay, Vietnam
Chùa Tây Phương is a Buddhist temple complex on a hillock in Sơn Tây, west of Hanoi, with three single-level buildings connected by stone steps. The site includes an upper prayer hall, a rear palace, and entrance chambers spreading across multiple levels.
The temple emerged in the 8th century and underwent a major renewal in 1636 during the Lê Dynasty. Another restoration took place in the late 18th century, giving the site its current appearance.
The wooden figures show Buddhist forms in seated positions, some with crossed legs, others with one foot resting on the knee. Visitors also see statues with raised hands or relaxed postures, representing different spiritual states.
The complex sits roughly 30 kilometers west of Hanoi and is open daily for visitors who can explore the buildings and grounds. The stone steps link the different levels, and visitors should wear sturdy shoes to manage the climb comfortably.
The arrangement of the three buildings forms the Chinese character for the number three and symbolizes the different sections of the complex. This architectural design combines spatial function with religious meaning, which is rarely found in Vietnamese temples.
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