Phong Phu Pagoda’s rock-carved images of 18 Arhats recognised as national treasure

The collection of rock-carved images of 18 Arhats at Lien Hoa Cave, Phong Phu Pagoda is an exceptional heritage, embodying a harmonious combination of historical, cultural, religious, artistic and documentary values.

Carved directly into the natural rock walls during the Tran dynasty, around the 13th century, the collection provides valuable evidence of Buddhism and the visual arts of Dai Viet under the Tran dynasty.

After nearly eight centuries, the images of the Arhats remain in the sacred space of Lien Hoa Cave at Phong Phu Pagoda, serving as a bridge between the past and present and reflecting the artistic skills, aesthetic thinking and religious life of Vietnamese ancestors throughout different historical periods.

At the ceremony, Pham Dinh Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced the Prime Minister’s decision recognising the collection as a National Treasure in the 14th recognition round and presented the Certificate to Tay Hoa Lu ward.

Addressing the ceremony, Chairman of the Tay Hoa Lu Ward People’s Committee Nguyen Quoc Hung said the recognition was a source of great honour and pride, while also placing a major responsibility on the locality to preserve, protect and promote the value of the National Treasure.

In the coming time, Tay Hoa Lu ward will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies and experts to protect the heritage in accordance with regulations, step up scientific research and digitise relevant materials, he said.

The locality will also develop appropriate and sustainable cultural and spiritual tourism products based on the heritage’s values, Hung added./.