A pagoda in southern Vietnam reflects Khmer glory

By Hong Ha   August 7, 2018 | 06:30 pm PT
100-year-old Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu Province harks back to times when the Khmer culture flourished in Vietnam.
Take a look at the majestic Khmer pagoda in Southern Vietnam

The Xiem Can Pagoda was built in 1887. “Xiem Can” means “adjacent to water” in Teochew, a variation of the Chinese language. The name comes from the fact that the land sits right next to a sand bar.

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The pagoda is reminiscent of places of worship found in Thailand and Cambodia.

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Angkor architectural elements can be found in the entrance to this pagoda.

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Xiem Can exudes peace and quiet at all times.

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Several tall trees provide a backdrop to the small towers where ashes of the deceased are placed. Such towers are distinctly Khmer.

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The Nirvana Buddha idol is one of the pagoda's highlights.

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"Kinh no," which means fairy in Khmer language, is one of many motifs found in the Xiem Can pagoda.

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The four-faced god or "prum" with each face representing a character in the four immeasurables of Buddhism: loving-kindness or benevolence, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

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Opposite to the sanctum is the main pillar with the symbol of Naga, the snake deity, which are lit up during festival days. 

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A signature design of Khmer culture on the temple roof.

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Xiem Can Pagoda is a famous place of worship as well as a tourist destination not just in Bac Lieu Province but also in the Mekong Delta as a whole. 

 
 
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