A Timeless Work of Art
The Arhat corridors are meticulously constructed from approximately 3,500 cubic meters of round wood, reflecting exquisite Vietnamese craftsmanship. Each side of the corridor extends 1,700 meters and contains 117 compartments, forming a continuous, harmonious walkway that welcomes pilgrims and visitors alike.
Within these corridors stand 500 stone Arhat statues, each measuring around 2.5 meters in height and weighing roughly 4 tons. These statues were skillfully crafted by the talented artisans of Ninh Van stone village (Hoa Lu), famous for their artistry and devotion. Each Arhat represents a disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni — enlightened beings who have not yet reached full Buddhahood, and thus remain close to the human realm to protect, nurture, and guide sentient beings on their path.
A Pathway of Profound Meaning
Why are the Arhats enshrined in these corridors? In Buddhist tradition, their presence along the walkway symbolizes their role as compassionate guides, accompanying and inspiring those on the path to enlightenment. The layout of the corridor itself, extending from the three-entrance Tam Quan Gate toward the Dharma Master’s Palace, is designed as a symbolic journey toward the Buddha realm — a path of wisdom, peace, and spiritual awakening.
If you look closely along this sacred walkway, you will also see many jackfruit trees planted on both sides. These are not simply decorative: in Buddhism, the jackfruit tree holds deep spiritual significance. Its Sino-Vietnamese name is Paramita, meaning “to the other shore” — representing the crossing from ignorance to enlightenment, from suffering to liberation. Jackfruit wood has long been revered for building pagodas and Buddha statues, while its leaves are offered in rituals, further cementing its place as a sacred, symbolic tree of transformation and ultimate freedom.
Experience the Arhat Corridor
At Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Arhat Statue Corridor is far more than a record-setting architectural achievement; it is a spiritual journey in itself, inviting every visitor to pause, reflect, and feel the serene presence of these enlightened beings.
