Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is the oldest pagoda in the city, having been established in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De (from 544 to 548), making it more than 1,500 years old. The temple was originally named Khai Quoc (National Founding) and was located on the banks of the Red River, outside the Yen Ph Dyke. In 1615, in response to the river’s expansion, the temple was transferred to its current location on Kim Ng (Golden Fish) islet in Ho Tay (West Lake). A little bridge connects it to the mainland. In 1815, the main sanctuary, receiving hall, and posterior hall of the dead were refurbished, marking the conclusion of the temple’s last significant refurbishment.

The pagoda is an integral feature of the Tran Quoc Temple because it contains the ashes of an influential monk. The majority of pagodas were constructed in the 17th century.

Monks have resided in the Tran Quoc Pagoda for generations, instructing the people in Buddhist practices. Prior to the arrival of visitors, the monks pray at the several shrines located throughout the grounds. Because monks do not marry, they do not live with families at the pagoda. Throughout the years, the temple has also been known as An Quoc (Pacification of the Realm) and Tran Bac (Guardian of the North).

The Tran Quoc Temple contains a significant deal of Buddhist iconography as well. The wheel with eight spokes is the Buddhist symbol because it depicts the Noble Eightfold Path. At the Tran Quoc Pagoda, there are numerous statues of lotus flowers. These symbolize mental, physical, and verbal purity. The lotus blossom also represents enlightenment and success. The stone wall on the side of the pagoda is adorned with many lotus flower sculptures. The carvings depict the natural beauty of Vietnam.

The pagoda is a stunning attraction due to its harmonious building that makes use of the surrounding water. The views of the sunset from the temple grounds are well-known.

Among the historical artifacts are statues from 1639.

On the grounds of Tran Quoc is a Bodhi tree grown from a portion of the original tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. In 1959, the gift was presented to commemorate the visit of Indian president Rajendra Prasad.

At the main shrine, visitors are provided with incense to burn. In addition to bringing food and little amounts of money as gifts for the gods, visitors to the shrine also bring food and small amounts of money as offerings. To send wishes to the gods and get good fortune in return, incense is burned. Incense is provided in odd quantities because in Chinese and Vietnamese traditions, odd numbers are considered fortunate. Even numbers, such as 4, are regarded unlucky since the Sino-Vietnamese word for the number four sounds similar to the word for death. People bring vegetarian offerings since the monks who reside on Tran Quoc are vegetarians.

In the Tran Quoc pagoda, female Buddhas known as “Mothers” are also venerated. Their shrines are located at the courtyard’s front. The mountains and forests are ruled by the green Mother. The white Mother possesses dominion over water. And finally, the red Mother rules over the sky. These are some of the first gods or goddesses worshipped in Vietnam, predating the Buddha’s arrival.

Those who enter the temple to pray may do so whenever they like. Nevertheless, it is most popular during the first month of the Lunar calendar. They pray at several tiny and large shrines scattered throughout the sanctuary.