One Pillar Pagoda is one of the thousand-year-old architectural works with symbolic value of Hanoi. Dressed in extremely unique architecture, this place has become a spiritual and cultural destination not to be missed when visiting the capital.
Once recognized as a National Historical Architectural and Artistic Monument in 1962 and set a record as “The pagoda with the most unique architecture in Asia”, the One Pillar Pagoda possesses a unique architectural style. The small wooden pagoda is located on a large stone pillar. Placed in the middle of Linh Chieu Lake, it looks as beautiful as a giant lotus flower in the middle of the lake.
Any visitor coming here for the first time must admire the temple’s rich history and long-standing culture. According to records, King Ly Thai Tong had a dream in which he saw Guan Yin Buddha meditating on a lotus platform radiating light in the middle of the lake. Then, The Am Bodhisattva invited the king to come with him. After regaining consciousness, the king told the monks Thien Tue and was advised to build a pagoda to worship Lady Buddha.
Initially built, the pagoda consisted of only one stone pillar supporting a small jade palace above. In this jade palace, there is a Buddha Statue of Guan Yin worshiping. King Ly Thai Tong often went to the pagoda to pray and chant Buddhist scriptures with the wish for “long-lasting blessings”, so he named the pagoda Dien Huu Tu.
After many historical dynasties and resistance wars, the temple was changed and damaged. Especially after the placement of destructive mines by the French expeditionary force, the One Pillar Pagoda completely collapsed. After winning in 1955, the Ministry of Culture took over the capital and decided to restore and embellish the pagoda in accordance with the old architecture. Since then, the pagoda has been preserved intact by Hanoi city.
After many historical dynasties and resistance wars, the temple was changed and damaged. Especially after the placement of destructive mines by the French expeditionary force, the One Pillar Pagoda completely collapsed. After winning in 1955, the Ministry of Culture took over the capital and decided to restore and embellish the pagoda in accordance with the old architecture. Since then, the pagoda has been preserved intact by Hanoi city.
Once recognized as a National Historical Architectural and Artistic Monument in 1962 and set a record as “The pagoda with the most unique architecture in Asia”, the One Pillar Pagoda possesses a unique architectural style. The small wooden pagoda is located on a large stone pillar. Placed in the middle of Linh Chieu Lake, it looks as beautiful as a giant lotus flower in the middle of the lake.
The pagoda’s pillars are built with only two overlapping stone pillars but are extremely solid. Above is the stand for the Lotus Tower, designed in wood in a square shape with each side being 3 meters long with a large wave barrier surrounding it.
The pagoda’s pillars are built with only two overlapping stone pillars but are extremely solid. Above is the stand for the Lotus Tower, designed in wood in a square shape with each side being 3 meters long with a large wave barrier surrounding it.
The roof of the One Pillar Pagoda is covered with red brick tiles, with four curved corners soaring toward the sky. The image of two dragons placed on the top of the roof is a symbol of “two dragons flanking the moon” with a strong Eastern culture symbolizing fertility, yin and yang harmony.
Existing for nearly 1,000 years and associated with historical and spiritual cultural significance, the One Pillar Pagoda has become one of the typical symbols of the capital Hanoi. The image of the temple is also embossed on the face of the 5,000 VND coin, which was once promoted around the world.
Coming to the One Pillar Pagoda relic, visitors will have the opportunity to visit special landscapes such as Tam Quan Gate – a temple serving the chanting and worship of Buddhist monks and nuns or admire the works. The most unique architecture of Lien Hoa Dai. Besides, you can also see the Bodhi tree planted by the President of India as a gift to Vietnam in 1958, now more than 60 years old with lush, green branches and leaves.
In addition, this place provides accompanying services such as drinks, snacks, rest stops, ritual shopping services, and incense offerings. If you are looking for a place that sells Vietnamese souvenirs, Hanoi in general and Buddhist souvenirs in particular, you should not miss this attraction. Experiencing, praying for peace, health and offering incense in front of the altar of Avalokiteshvara Buddha will become the highlight of the journey to explore Hanoi.
