Reconstruction of the Xuan Lung Pagoda: Rescue after a devastating fire!

Reconstruction of the Xuan Lung Pagoda: Rescue after a devastating fire!

On May 12, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism received Official Notification No. 2351/UBND KGVX from the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee to assess the project to restore Xuan Lung Pagoda, also known as Pho Quang Pagoda. Considered a national relic, this pagoda is located in Xuan Lung Township, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province. A fire that broke out around 10 a.m. on October 23 caused significant property damage, but there were no injuries. Property damage is estimated at VND25 billion.

Xuan Lung Pagoda is of great cultural relevance not only because of its architectural significance but also because of the valuable artifacts it houses. The stone Buddha altar, a national treasure, was heavily sooted by the fire and has several damages. The altar was only recognized as a national treasure in 2021 and it is of utmost importance to take appropriate measures to protect and restore it.

Planned restoration measures

The ministry issued a statement on the agreement of the restoration project, which includes a variety of measures. This includes the overall planning of the relic site, the restoration of Tam Bao Temple to its original pre-fire architecture, and the reconstruction of key structures such as Tam Quan and a ceremonial house. A renovation of the courtyard, garden and technical infrastructure is also planned.

• Die Größe der Hörsäle soll reduziert werden.
• Die Inneneinrichtung des Tam Bao muss ohne Bogentüren an den in der Mitteilung genannten Achsen gestaltet werden.
• Die Verwendung von Leuchtstofflampen zur Innenbeleuchtung ist nicht gestattet.
• Das Artefaktsystem in Tam Bao wird auf historische und künstlerische Werte untersucht und bewertet.
• Bei den nicht wiederverwendbaren Artefakten sollen wertvolle Stücke als Reliquien aufbewahrt werden.
• Der Buddha-Altar aus Stein wird nur bei zwingender Notwendigkeit verlegt und muss während des Verlegungsprozesses besonders geschützt werden.

Urgency of the measures

The ministry calls on the People's Committee to entrust functional authorities and local authorities with the rapid implementation of both short-term and long-term measures. Immediate measures include assessing the cause of the fire and identifying and protecting the remaining structures and components of the monument. Particular attention should be paid to covering structures in order to avoid direct loads.

Long-term measures require scientific assessment of the material structure in order to develop effective conservation and restoration solutions. The ministry has also requested proposals to renovate the relics in accordance with legal requirements and the wishes of the population and local authorities.

In November 2024, the ministry had already published a communication on the problem of the Xuan Lung Pagoda, which included proposed solutions for protection and restoration. Experts have noted the severe damage to many items in the temple. With this in mind, it is crucial that everyone involved pulls together to preserve the cultural heritage of Xuan Lung Pagoda for future generations.

For more information on the upcoming restoration work and considerations, see the reports vietnam.vn and laodong.vn be considered.