TWO WORSHIPED STATUES OF NHAN SON PAGODA AND THE KINH’S BELIEF TRANSFORMATION ACROSS BINH DINH PROVINCE

Abstract

At present, Nhan Son pagoda in Binh Dinh province has worshiped two ancient stone statues associated with its thrilling stories. These two statues have undergone changes in their appearances and names with different spiritual symbolic meanings. This change comes from the religious dynamics of the local resident community. We apply Clifford Geertz's interpretative views and ethnographic fieldwork methodology with notes manipulation in attendance observations, in-depth interviews, combined with secondary sources for analysis, explain the changes of the two stone statues: from the role of the protector of Dvarapala in the temple complex of the capital of Do Ban, to the majesty of the two Ong Da and finally the blessing elation of Ong Do Ong Den.