One Pillar Pagoda

Ong Ich Khiem St, Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Now Open

Description

One Pillar Pagoda (which means Extend Bless pagoda) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the center Ba Dnh district (near the Thang Long Citadel) of Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. The most prominent feature of this architecture complex is Lien Hoa Dai, a temple with a unique structure: a building built on a single pillar. The original pagoda was constructed in 1049, underwent modifications, and was completed in 1105. Along with the Perfume Temple, it is considered one of Vietnam’s two most iconic temples.

One Pillar Pagoda (formally known as Dien Huu Pagoda) derives its name from its unique architecture: the entire structure rests on a single pillar planted in the center of a lotus pond. The attraction is located in Ba Dinh District, close to Ho Chi Minh Complex, Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Ho Chi Minh Museum, all of which are easily accessible on foot. It is thought that the One Pillar Pagoda has existed since the Ly dynasty, signifying a significant growth of Buddhism in Vietnam. This monument is not just a popular tourist destination, but also a pilgrimage site for locals.

The attraction is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. White international tourists are charged a pocket fee of VND25,000 ($1) to enter, however locals are admitted free of charge.

Architecture Of One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda’s resemblance to a lotus flower is one of the reasons it was chosen as the national symbol of Vietnam. Lotus is the national flower of Vietnam; its significance was lauded in folk ballads such as “In the pond, nothing is more beautiful than the lotus, the dawn bloom.” Along with Vietnamese history, the lotus has been viewed as a symbol of cleanliness and tranquility, as it rises above the murky water while retaining its wonderful beauty. Similarly, the pagoda is situated on a muddy pond, sits on a single pillar, and has four protruding corners — a perfect representation of a gigantic lotus. The 1.25-meter-diameter pillar supports the entire pagoda, which serves as a place of Buddha worship.

On the very top of the column is a statue of Guan Yin Buddha seated on a lotus flower. The pagoda was constructed entirely of wood. On each roof’s curve, a dragon was sculpted. One Pillar Pagoda is regarded as one of the most distinctive pagoda structures in Asia. The Buddha Gaya tree in the area behind the pagoda was a 1958 gift from President Rajendra Prasad to President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of his visit to India.

The One Pillar Pagoda is a campus-based architectural structure containing a variety of individuals. The Lien Hoa Dai temple was supported by a single stone pillar. Eight wooden beams represent eight flower petals that support the main structure. Reaching perfection, all joints are impeccably aligned, resulting in an immensely sturdy structure. A 13-step brick staircase connects Lien Hoa Dai to the lakefront in order to access the temple.

The inner altar is solemnly adorned with a gold figure of Quan Am Bo Tat and various objects of worship, including a copper censer, ceramic vases, and gold-plated lotuses.

There is a Bodhi tree within the complex, which was gifted by President of India Rajendra Prasad during President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to India in February 1958, signifying significant progress in the relationship between Vietnam and India. The Bodhi tree is a symbol of Buddhist knowledge and tolerance.

History Of One Pillar Pagoda

According to legend, this unique architectural pagoda is related with Emperor Ly Thai To. The elderly king, distressed by the fact that he had no offspring, visited the pagodas and begged to Buddha for a son. Once upon a time, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s spirit visited him in a dream. The great spirit presented the monarch with a baby boy while seated on a gigantic lotus blossom. After several months, the Queen gave birth to a son. Remembering his dream, the King ordered the construction of a pagoda supported by a single pillar. The distinctive form, which resembled a lotus seat, was Ly Thai To’s homage to the ethereal spirit of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The exterior of the pagoda resembles a gigantic lotus emerging from the water.

The original location of the One Pillar Pagoda, which was constructed in 1049 during the Ly Thai Tong dynasty, was the Tay Cam Garden, Thach Bao, Vinh Thuan District, Thang Long Capital. The entire pagoda building rests on a single stone pillar and remains intact. However, the surrounding surroundings have long since changed; ancient alleys have disappeared over the course of multiple dynasties, and now the Ho Chi Minh Complex surrounds the One Pillar Pagoda. Under the Ly Dynasty, the One Pillar Pagoda became the site of the yearly royal event commemorating Gautama Buddha’s birthday. Monks and laypeople would assemble to see an unique Buddha-bathing rite, during which the Buddha would release a bird as a sign of reverence for life.

As with the majority of other ancient sites in Hanoi and Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda has been damaged by the war. Prior to their defeat in the First Indochina War and withdrawal from Vietnam in 1954, the French colonists demolished the pagoda. What tourists see today is a replica that was reconstructed by Vietnamese Governors, who replaced the old stone pillar with a new concrete one. However, all architectural details and features remain unchanged.

How to Get To One Pillar Pagoda

Within the Ho Chi Minh Complex lies the One Pillar Pagoda. For visitors arriving at the Ho Chi Minh Complex by private vehicle, parking is offered at the Ho Chi Minh Museum’s entrance gate. The Ho Chi Minh Complex may be reached in less than a minute on foot from the Le Hong Phong Street stop served by buses 09, 34, and 22.