The Sung Thien Dien Linh stele – a prominent Buddhist exhibit under the Ly dynasty (1009-1225) that is placed in front of Long Doi Son pagoda in Duy Tien district of northern Ha Nam province has been recognised as a national treasure.
A ceremony was held on April 18 in the locality to announce the Prime Minister’s decision on the recognition.
The stele, which is 2.5m high, 1.75m wide, and 30cm thick, was planted in 1121. It is decorated with images of figuring dragons, cloud and water.
It records the life and career of the 4th King of the Ly dynasty - Ly Nhan Tong (1066-1127), who made great contributions to the development of Dai Viet, literally “Great Viet Nam”.
The Buddhist philosophies, folk rites, and the arts of sculpture, architecture, and water puppetry are also illustrated on the stele.
The Prime Minister on December 30, 2013 issued a decision to recognise 37 more national treasures, including the Sung Thien Dien Linh stele.
Earlier, in October 2012, the Government recognised 30 ancient items as national treasures.