The sculptural masterpiece, 2.1 metres tall and weighing 3.5 tonnes, was made from a 20-tonne block of blue jade found in Van Chan district of northern mountainous Yen Bai province. It is considered the largest piece of pure jade found in Vietnam so far.
The statue is based on the terracotta Buddha Shakyamuni that dates 300 years, which is also worshipped at the pagoda.
In May of this year, the jade statue was carried in a procession during the Lord Buddha’s birthday celebrations in Thai Nguyen province .
Tung Van pagoda, built 327 years ago under the reign of King Le Huy Tong, is the largest ancient pagoda in Vinh Tuong district. The seven-section pagoda is home to many precious objects including bronze bells and terracotta statues. The pagoda was recognised as a national cultural heritage site in 1964.
The ceremony, held jointly by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Vinh Phuc provincial Buddhist Sangha, drew a large number of visitors and Buddhist followers and pilgrims from across the country.
