Can Tho has a very large Khmer population. That’s why this place is famous for Khmer temples with unique architecture. Among them is Munir Ansay Pagoda – the most beautiful and sacred Khmer temple in Can Tho.
Munir Ansay Pagoda (also known as Munirensay) is located at 36 Hoa Binh Boulevard, Tan An, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. The pagoda was built in 1948 with only simple bamboo. Six years later, the new gate of the temple began to be built according to the famous Angkovat architecture. In 1964, the main hall began to be built. It took 40 years, until 1988, Munirensay Pagoda was officially completed after many restorations and constructions.
Munir Ansay Pagoda – a temple with unique architecture of Angkorwat
The unique architecture of Munir Ansay Temple
Besides Buddhist temples CTU, Temple Munir Ansay also has very striking architecture. The pagoda was built based on the unique architecture of the legendary Angkorvat temple. Inside the pagoda was built with main areas including temple gate, main hall, reception hall, Xa Loi Tower, tower for ashes, rows of monks, and auxiliary works. All are decorated with sophisticated and meticulous motifs with the typical yellow-orange main color tone, combined with unique blue.
Munir Ansay Temple seen from afar
The temple gate was built according to the typical architecture of the Kmer people. With the lower part are two pillars painted in blue and decorated with eye-catching golden patterns. In the middle are two iron doors also painted in gold. The most impressive point is that the top is built according to the unique architecture of the three jewel towers. With the tower in the middle of the tallest and two lower towers close to the sides.
Cong pagoda with 3 unique high towers
Check-in in front of the temple gate
From a distance, this gate is especially similar to Cambodia’s three Angkor wat temples. This architecture reminds me somewhat of the temple gates, the gate of the Tam Quan communal house of Vietnam with a little similarity. The two sides of the temple walls are also decorated with greenish yellow tones and unique image sculptures.
The outer wall is also beautifully decorated
Contrary to the noise and bustle in the center of Can Tho city, entering Munir Ansay Pagoda , you will feel strangely peaceful.
Stepping from the entrance gate, in the middle of the temple courtyard you will immediately see a splendid golden stupa decorated nicely. Right at the foot of the tower is a statue of Lord Shiva and surrounding trees. Behind the tower is a 2-storey main hall, on the left is a row of houses, on the right is a hall for receiving guests and having meals.
Inside Munir Ansay Temple is very peaceful and relaxing
The row of rising houses next to the main courtyard
The main hall is the center of the whole temple, built higher than the surrounding areas. In front of the main hall is a tower for Buddha’s relics and stairs leading up. At the truss columns, the arch of the main hall is decorated with embossed and delicately carved reliefs. The popular patterns are images of Reahu (Tiger), Fairy, God bird Kýno, Chan Yeak… These are all sacred images in the Brahmin religious culture of the Khmer.
Main hall of Munir Ansay temple with stairs leading up
Around the main hall is decorated with many splendid reliefs
From the main hall looking down at the temple grounds
Unique architecture like gilded Munir Ansay Temple
Learn about spiritual culture at Munir Ansay Temple
Munir Ansay Temple follows the Theravada school of Buddhism, with Hinayana thought. This is the typical Buddhist school of the South, worshiping only one Shakyamuni Buddha. Inside the main hall, there are only Buddha statues with many standing, lying and sitting postures. In particular, the main worshiping statue is placed in the highest position, sitting solemnly on a 3-storey lotus. 
Munir Ansay Temple is dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni only
In addition to worship, the temple also organizes teaching and spreading Buddhism to everyone in the region. In addition, the pagoda also does many charity works, providing free accommodation for Khmer students in extremely difficult circumstances.
The temple yard is quite large and airy, suitable for doing charity work at the temple
Every year, Munir Ansay Temple also organizes major festivals of the Khmer people in the South such as:
- Cholchonam Thomay Festival: This is the Khmer New Year’s Day, taking place on the 13th-15th day of the third lunar month every year.
- Ok-om-Book Festival: the ceremony to bring water takes place in the 10th lunar month.
- Donta Festival: The ceremony to worship grandparents takes place in the 8th lunar month.
- Kathina Cotton Offering Ceremony: The offering ceremony for the temple takes place from September 15 to October 15 of the lunar calendar.
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Munir Ansay Pagoda is also the place where many Khmer festivals are held
Munir Ansay Pagoda is the spiritual and cultural center of Tay Do land. Therefore, this place is an indispensable destination when traveling to Can Tho . Exploring Munir Ansay will help you take beautiful check-in photos and gain more understanding of the Buddhist culture of the Khmer ethnic people here.
Photo: Internet