Nestled in the bustling heart of Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda stands serenely, like a pure lotus blossom rising from the water. This pagoda is not only a unique architectural work but also a profound symbol of Vietnamese culture, history, and spirituality, attracting pilgrims and travelers from all over.
The History of One Pillar Pagoda: From Royal Dream to Capital Symbol
One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Diên Hựu Pagoda (meaning “lasting blessing and good fortune”), carries a colorful legendary tale deeply rooted in the Lý Dynasty’s history. Legend has it that in 1049, Emperor Lý Thái Tông, a benevolent and devout Buddhist monarch, dreamt of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara sitting on a lotus throne, holding a baby boy and giving him to the king. Upon waking, the emperor recounted this extraordinary dream and was advised by his mandarins to build a pagoda to pray for an heir.
Shortly after, the Queen indeed gave birth to a prince. Emperor Lý Thái Tông was deeply moved and believed it was a good omen fulfilling his dream. To express gratitude to Avalokiteśvara and wish for the dynasty’s longevity, he ordered the construction of a unique pagoda named Diên Hựu Pagoda in 1049 (Sùng Hưng Đại Bảo era).
The pagoda was built within the Diên Hựu Pagoda complex, which was originally a royal garden west of Thăng Long Imperial City. The most distinctive feature of Diên Hựu Pagoda at that time was the “kinh chàng” – a large stone pillar erected in the middle of a pond, with an image of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva seated on a lotus throne at the top. This architecture was reminiscent of Buddhist scripture pillars prevalent during the Tang Dynasty, signifying the creation of merit and the spread of Buddhist teachings.
Diên Hựu – One Pillar Pagoda of the Lý Dynasty was not just a simple religious structure but also part of the royal garden, where emperors relaxed and enjoyed the natural beauty. This royal garden, established during the Lý Dynasty, stretched across the area of today’s Botanical Garden and Ho Chi Minh Museum, featuring lakes, artificial mountains, trees, and birds, creating a peaceful and elegant space.
Throughout numerous historical events and dynasties, the One Pillar Pagoda has been restored and repaired many times. Each restoration brought changes to the architecture and surrounding landscape, but it always retained its unique and sacred character.
The Unique Architecture of One Pillar Pagoda: A Lotus Blooming in Hanoi’s Heart
The One Pillar Pagoda today is an architectural remnant from the ancient Diên Hựu Pagoda complex, particularly the kinh chàng built in front of the pagoda. The architecture of One Pillar Pagoda is exceptionally unique and imbued with Vietnamese Buddhist identity. The pagoda is shaped like a square wooden lotus dais, placed on a single stone pillar standing tall in the middle of Linh Chiểu pond’s green water.
The stone pillar is built firmly, serving as the main support for the entire pagoda. Surrounding the stone pillar is a system of curved ironwood timbers, forming a soft and flexible supporting frame, giving the pagoda the appearance of a lotus flower blooming on the water. The image of the lotus flower is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds profound meaning in Buddhism, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and transcendence.
Initially, the kinh chàng was just an octagonal stone pillar placed in the pagoda courtyard, with a lotus dais and Avalokiteśvara statue on top. In 1106, Emperor Lý Nhân Tông ordered the restoration and expansion of Diên Hựu Pagoda, and the kinh chàng was also renovated and given a new appearance. The kinh chàng was placed in the middle of the square Linh Chiểu pond, with a magnificent gilded lotus throne on top of the pillar. In the center of the lotus throne is a lacquered and gilded shrine, with the image of a divine bird decorating the roof, symbolizing protection and warding off evil spirits. Inside the shrine is a gilded Buddha statue, expressing reverence and solemnity.
Surrounding the lotus pond are gilded vermilion corridors, and outside the corridors are emerald green moats. Each side of the pond has a rainbow bridge crossing over to enter the pagoda, creating a harmonious and balanced architectural space. In the courtyard in front of the pagoda, on either side of the bridgehead, there are two glazed tile towers, adding to the majesty and splendor of the architectural complex.
However, over time and historical upheavals, the architecture of One Pillar Pagoda also underwent many changes. By the Mạc Dynasty, the lotus throne was likely damaged and no longer mentioned in historical records. During the Lê Trung Hưng period, Diên Hựu Pagoda and One Pillar Pagoda gradually deteriorated, the lotus pond became desolate, and the corridors collapsed.
In the Nguyễn Dynasty, One Pillar Pagoda was restored, but the scale and specific shape are unclear. In 1954, before withdrawing from Hanoi, the French colonialists planted mines to destroy the pagoda, leaving only the stone pillar and a few wooden beams. After taking over the capital, the Vietnamese government restored One Pillar Pagoda in 1955 according to its current architecture, based on the remaining traces and the memories of the people.
The One Pillar Pagoda today has a more modest appearance compared to the Lý Dynasty architecture but still retains the uniqueness and essence of a special Buddhist architectural work. The pagoda is a harmonious combination of architecture and nature, between spiritual and cultural elements, creating a peaceful and serene space in the bustling city center.
One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam, rising from a pond like a lotus.
Cultural and Spiritual Values of One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda is not only a historical relic but also a priceless cultural and spiritual symbol of Hanoi and Vietnam. The pagoda is considered one of the most iconic symbols of the thousand-year-old capital, along with the Khue Van Pavilion of the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy. The image of One Pillar Pagoda frequently appears in publications, photographs, and becomes an indispensable part of the memories and emotions of Hanoi residents as well as visitors from all directions.
The spiritual value of One Pillar Pagoda is also profoundly significant. The pagoda is dedicated to Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva representing compassion and salvation from suffering. People often come to the pagoda to pray for peace, luck, health, and prosperity. Especially on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month and major holidays, One Pillar Pagoda welcomes thousands of visitors to worship and pray.
Historically, Diên Hựu – One Pillar Pagoda was also the venue for the Buddha bathing ritual to pray for peace for the capital and the country on the first day of each month, initiated by Emperor Lý Nhân Tông. This ritual demonstrated the court’s reverence for Buddhism and desire for national prosperity and peace, while also enhancing the spiritual and cultural value of the pagoda.
Today, despite many ups and downs, One Pillar Pagoda still maintains an important position in the spiritual life of Hanoi residents. The pagoda is not only a famous spiritual tourist destination but also a place for cultural and religious activities of the community, contributing to preserving and promoting the good traditional values of the nation.
Exploring One Pillar Pagoda: Travel Tips and Useful Advice
One Pillar Pagoda is located on One Pillar Pagoda Street, Đội Cấn Ward, Ba Đình District, Hanoi, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Đình Square. This is a central location, easily accessible by various means of transport such as motorcycles, cars, buses, or taxis.
Opening hours: One Pillar Pagoda is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can visit at any time of the day. However, the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the air is fresher and quieter.
How to get there:
- Bus: Many bus routes pass through the One Pillar Pagoda area. You can choose routes number 09, 22A, 33, 45, 50, 86, E02.
- Motorcycle, car: You can easily travel to One Pillar Pagoda by personal vehicle. However, this area is often crowded during rush hours, so you should pay attention to finding suitable parking.
- Taxi, ride-hailing services: These are convenient and fast means of transportation, suitable for tourists from afar or those who want to save time.
Entrance fee: One Pillar Pagoda is open free of charge to all visitors.
Notes when visiting:
- Dress code: When visiting the pagoda, you should choose polite, modest clothing suitable for a sacred space. Avoid wearing overly short, revealing, or offensive clothes.
- Behavior: Maintain a respectful and solemn attitude when entering the pagoda. Do not make noise, cause disorder, or smoke, or litter in the pagoda grounds.
- Incense offering: If you want to offer incense, you should do so in designated areas, not arbitrarily or excessively.
- Donations: Donations are voluntary, not mandatory. You can put donations in the pagoda’s donation box if you wish.
- Combine sightseeing: One Pillar Pagoda is located near many other famous tourist attractions in Hanoi such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. You can combine visits to have a complete Hanoi exploration journey.
Tips:
- Bring a hat, sunscreen if visiting in the summer.
- Drink enough water to avoid dehydration when visiting.
- Prepare small change if you want to buy souvenirs or make donations at the pagoda.
- Learn about the history and architecture of One Pillar Pagoda beforehand to make your visit more meaningful.
Conclusion: One Pillar Pagoda – More Than Just a Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda is not just an ancient pagoda with unique architecture, but also a part of Hanoi’s soul, a historical witness, and a cultural and spiritual symbol of the Vietnamese nation. Coming to One Pillar Pagoda, visitors not only admire the unique architectural beauty but also learn about history, culture, and feel the peace and serenity in their souls. One Pillar Pagoda deserves to be a must-visit destination in your journey to explore the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi.