Pilgrims from Mekong Delta flock to Bat Pagoda

Soc Trang (VNA) – Thousands of pilgrims from Mekong Delta provinces, mostly ethnic Khmer, flocked to the Chua Doi (Bat Pagoda) in Soc Trang province during weekend to celebrate the restoration of the famous monument.

Many were eager to see the new sanctuary dedicated to the Buddha at a three-day
inauguration ceremony held by the province’s Buddhist Clergy Society that ended
on March 7.

The 400-year-old pagoda, which is built in typical Khmer religious architectural
style and is famous for the myriad of bats taking shelter in trees in its
backyard, was accidentally burned down three years ago.

The incident shocked the Khmer community, but bats did not abandon the pagoda as
initially feared.

The restoration, which cost 2.6 billion VND (140,000USD), was kicked off two years
ago by the Institute of Relics Conversation which promised to restore the temple
to its original shape.

“We’re happy to see the sanctuary back to what it was before,” Lam Ren of
Vinh Chau District said. “My family paid its respects to the Buddha and prayed
for a good harvest this year.”
Venerable Lam Tu Linh, vice rector of the pagoda, said without expertise and
state finding, the restoration would not have been possible given the local
community cannot afford such a large expenditure. – Editem.