Hà Nội - One Pillar pagoda

Tourism spot

Throughout a history of about one thousand years, One Pillar Pagoda has become a symbol of belief in Ha Noi people’s mind.

Linh Chieu lake

The Pagoda was designed to look like a lotus blossom rising up from Linh Chiểu Lake. In the middle of the lake stands Kính Thiên (Respecting the Heaven) stone pillar representing the harmony between Heaven and Earth.

Goddess Quan Yin

Inside the pagoda, there is a statue of Goddess Quan Yin for worshipping. Legend has it that, in 1049, King Ly Thai Tong dreamt being led by Goddess Quan Yin to her lotus throne.

Roop top

In addition to the four curving sword blades carved into the shape of dragon’s head, there is a sculpture of two dragons flanking a moon on the rooftop. According to Vietnamese belief, dragon is a sacred animal symbolizing power and might.

Unique architecture

On October 10th, 2012, the Asian Records Organisation officially recognized One Pillar Pagoda as having the most unique architecture on the continent.

Bodhi tree

In the pagoda garden, there is a bodhi tree from the Holy Land of Buddhism presented to President Ho Chi Minh as a gift by President Rajendra Prasad on the occasion of his visit to India in 1958.

The gate

To day, the pagoda is located between Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum.

The main gate

To the right of One Pillar Pagoda, there is another pagoda named Diên Hựu (meaning long lasting happiness and good luck), constructed first in 1049 in order to enlarge One Pillar Pagoda’s size for worshipping, praying and accommodating the Buddhist priests.

Interior

In contrast to the somewhat noisy space outside the pagoda, Diên Hựu is fairly quiet inside, and it seems to be able to hear the prayers of visitors.

Stairs

In crowed days, you must take long time to reach to the stair climb up the pagoda.