The pagoda of Keo is located at Dung Nhue Hamlet, Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province. This pagoda was built during 1133-1154 by Monk Duong Khong Lo on an area of 7,200m2
Monk Duong Khong Lo is a monk and famous doctor who successfully treated King Ly Than Tong (1133-1138) from a serious disease. He was then honoured by the King with the title of Quoc Su (Prince’s Master), and provided with money and land to build the pagoda.
Passing a large area and a lake, visitors will see a three-entrance gate opening; shrines of Buddha and his disciples. Then the temple comes into view, it is dedicated to Duong Khong Lo, and included several shrines such as the Gia Roi, Thien Huong Phuc Quoc and Thuong Dien. The two passages, which separate the pagoda and temple areas, have curved roofs that join together at the bell tower. The pagoda has got 17 structures composed of 128 compartments. The three-storey bell tower is 11.06m in height and has got 12 roofs with 12 charming curved corners. This is an original architectural work, evoking a freshly boomed lotus rising by the straight high areca trees. The pagoda displays the artistic features of wood installation. On the first storey of the bell tower, a 1.87m wide musical stone instrument (khanh) is hung over. On the second storey, there is a bell cast in 1686, and on the third and the highest storeys are bells cast in 1796.
The offerings in the temple are carved or engraved with elaborate designs. Some designs of four centimeters diameter contain nine engraved dragons. The Keo Pagoda, with a total of 120 chambers, has the appearance of a blooming lotus. It is now a tourist attraction and a pride and joy for the Vietnamese architects. At present, the pagoda preserves many valuable votive objects. At its back sanctuary, there is a statue of a zen master made of aloe wood, a bell cast in the Le Dynasty, and khanh and porcelain. The Keo Pagoda festival (held on the fifteen of the ninth lunar) is a big cultural event, which attracts many pilgrims and tourists.
