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One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in Hanoi, with a unique architecture and a great historical value. Join BDATrip to learn about the history, architecture, meaning and interesting experiences when visiting this pagoda!
One Pillar Pagoda, originally named Diên Hựu Tự, is steeped in both historical and spiritual significance. Built in 1049 by Emperor Lý Thái Tông, the pagoda emerged from a profound dream where the emperor saw the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Âm Bồ Tát) sitting on a lotus and offering blessings. Inspired, the emperor instructed his courtiers to construct a pagoda that embodied the lotus, a sacred symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism.
Over centuries, the pagoda endured the trials of history. The most notable renovation was in 1105 under Emperor Lý Nhân Tông, who expanded the structure and added decorative towers. Tragically, the pagoda faced destruction multiple times, from invasions during the Ming dynasty to being set ablaze by French colonial forces in 1954. Yet, its reconstruction in 1955 and designation as a national historical relic in 1962 ensured its preservation as a symbol of Vietnamese resilience and cultural pride.
Visitors today can witness this enduring legacy—a structure not just of wood and stone but of stories that connect past and present, faith and artistry.
One Pillar Pagoda is more than a historical site; it is a sacred destination for Buddhist worshippers and spiritual seekers. Many believe that the pagoda harbors a potent feng shui, offering blessings of prosperity and peace. Couples hoping for children often visit to pray to Quan Âm Bồ Tát, whose compassion is thought to grant such wishes.
Inside the pagoda, the statue of the Buddha Thích Ca Mâu Ni represents wisdom and tranquility. Surrounding the main structure, the lotus-shaped pond mirrors Buddhist teachings on purity amidst worldly challenges. Visitors light incense, meditate, or participate in monthly Buddhist ceremonies, experiencing a profound sense of peace.
As one of Vietnam's most enduring symbols, the One Pillar Pagoda encapsulates the glory of the Lý dynasty, a golden age for Buddhism in Vietnam. The pagoda serves as a testament to the intertwining of faith and governance, where rulers upheld Buddhist values to guide their people.
Over time, the pagoda became a witness to major historical events. From its inception during Vietnam's feudal era to its reconstruction after colonial destruction, the site remains a beacon of cultural identity. Recognized globally, it draws countless visitors, contributing to Hanoi's reputation as a city rich in heritage and spirituality.
Dien Huu Pagoda is located within the premises of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, in Doi Can ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi city. To get to the pagoda, you can use various means of transportation such as:
- Bus: You can take bus number 09, 18, 22, 33, 45, 50 or 90 and get off at Lang Bac bus stop. Then, you walk about 300 meters to the pagoda.
- Motorcycle: You can go along Nguyen Thai Hoc street, turn into Chua Mot Cot street and park your motorcycle at the parking lot near the pagoda. You need to note that, on holidays or weekends, the roads are usually very crowded and difficult to travel, so you should go early to avoid traffic jams.
- Taxi: You can call a taxi or use apps like Grab, Gojek, Be to get to the pagoda. You should ask the driver to pick you up and drop you off at the gate of the pagoda for convenience.
The Tam Quan, or three-gate entrance, is the first feature that greets visitors to Diên Hựu Tự. Each gate serves a symbolic purpose: the central gate, often reserved for monks and dignitaries, signifies enlightenment, while the side gates are open to laypeople, representing paths to spiritual growth.
Above the gates, the inscription "Diên Hựu Tự" reminds visitors of the pagoda’s historical roots. Intricate carvings of dragons, lotus flowers, and Buddhist motifs decorate the structure, showcasing the artistic mastery of the Lý dynasty. Visitors often pause here for photos or to reflect on the cultural symbolism.
The single wooden pillar supporting the pagoda is a marvel of engineering and spirituality. Standing at 4 meters tall and 1.2 meters in diameter, it was crafted from Lim wood, renowned for its strength and durability. This pillar symbolizes the cosmic axis, a connection between heaven and earth, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
Decorated with carvings of lotus petals and celestial symbols, the pillar is painted in vibrant yellow, representing nobility and enlightenment. Despite centuries of exposure, it continues to support the Lotus Platform, a testament to the craftsmanship and spiritual foresight of the Lý dynasty artisans.
The Lotus Platform is the heart of the One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus flower blooming amidst muddy waters—a powerful Buddhist metaphor for purity arising from challenges. Measuring 3 x 3 meters and rising 3.5 meters above the Linh Chiếu Pond, this architectural feature is a remarkable fusion of faith and design.
Divided into two levels, the lower level serves as a sanctuary for the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Âm Bồ Tát), while the upper level honors Buddha Thích Ca Mâu Ni, symbolizing enlightenment. This dual purpose reflects the inclusivity of Buddhist teachings, welcoming both worshippers seeking blessings and those striving for spiritual growth.
The platform's delicate carvings, from lotus petals to floral motifs, demonstrate the artistic finesse of the Lý dynasty craftsmen. Visitors often remark on the serene beauty of this structure, especially when viewed during sunrise or sunset, as the surrounding lotus flowers in the pond enhance its ethereal presence.
The roof of One Pillar Pagoda is covered with dragon scale tiles, green in color, shaped like bird wings flying. The roof has two sections, the front section is higher than the back section. On the roof, there are bells and ritual instruments hanging, creating a melodious sound when the wind blows.
Linh Chieu Pond is a pond that surrounds the pillar and the Lotus Platform, with an area of about 1000 square meters. Linh Chieu Pond symbolizes the purity and clarity of Buddhist teachings. In the pond, there are many lotus flowers and green trees, creating a peaceful natural space.
One Pillar Pagoda is not only a unique and sacred architectural work, but also a place where you can experience many attractive and meaningful activities such as:
- Lighting incense, worshiping, praying: Visitors can buy incense and flowers at the stalls near the pagoda, then light incense and worship at the Lotus Platform to pray for peace, luck and happiness for themselves and their families, or they can draw a fortune stick to see their destiny.
- Listening to sutras, participating in Buddhist ceremonies: Visitors can listen to sutras and participate in Buddhist ceremonies at the pagoda on the full moon or the first day of each month. You will hear the profound and subtle teachings of Buddhism, as well as immerse yourself in the pure and sacred atmosphere of the pagoda.
- Taking souvenir photos: Visitors should choose beautiful angles to take photos, such as the three-gate entrance, the pillar, the Lotus Platform, Linh Chieu Pond, or the roof of the pagoda. You should also pay attention not to disturb or violate the worship items or historical artifacts in the pagoda.
- Enjoying cuisine: You can try some specialties of Hanoi, such as pho, bun cha, bun thang, banh cuon, banh mi, or vegetarian dishes of the monks, such as vegetarian rice, vegetarian noodles, vegetarian cakes.
To have an interesting and complete trip at Dien Huu Pagoda, you should pay attention to some tips below:
- Visiting time: You should go in the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. You should spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the pagoda. The pagoda will open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.
- Transportation: You should go by bus or motorcycle to save costs and convenience. If you go by motorcycle, you should pay attention to traffic signs and do not enter prohibited areas.
- Clothing: Please choose polite clothes, not too short or revealing, to respect the sacred place and culture of the pagoda.
- Regulations: Follow the rules when entering the pagoda, such as not bringing pets, weapons or explosives, not bringing food or drinks into the pagoda, not smoking, chewing gum or talking loudly in the pagoda, not touching the worship items or historical artifacts in the pagoda,…
- Cost: You do not need to buy tickets to enter the pagoda, but you should prepare some money to buy incense and flowers, ask for fortune sticks, or support for the pagoda. You should also compare prices before buying food or souvenirs at the stalls near the pagoda.
One Pillar Pagoda is not only a destination for those who love to explore history and culture but also a sacred and important place in the minds of Vietnamese people. We hope that you and your family will have memorable and meaningful cultural experiences here!
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