Buzz
Embark on a journey to the One Pillar Pagoda for an up-close look at Vietnam's ancient Buddhist culture. Let's discover the unique aspects of this renowned pagoda together!
Among the distinctive architectural wonders in the capital city of Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda stands out. Built thousands of years ago, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of history in the land of Thang Long – Hanoi.
This cultural symbol of Buddhism is located near the Ba Dinh Historical and Cultural Complex in the city center, making it convenient for everyone to explore. Don't miss out on this fascinating tourist spot during your visit to Hanoi. Let's dive into the full and detailed exploration of the One Pillar Pagoda with Klook Vietnam through this article!
(*) Oh, don't forget to join the Hanoi Sightseeing Tour Along with Bat Trang Ceramic Village to enjoy the One Pillar Pagoda and many other splendid tourist destinations in Hanoi!
Introduction to the One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
For a long time, many have mistakenly believed that the One Pillar Pagoda is a temple built on a single pillar. In reality, it is a unique structure called the 'Lotus Platform,' a pagoda dedicated to Quan The Am situated on a solitary pillar, part of the overall Dien Huu Pagoda complex.
Dien Huu Pagoda, once grand with various architectural elements, suffered destruction from disasters and wars, leaving only the Lotus Platform intact. Despite this, the structure is still commonly referred to as the 'One Pillar Pagoda' by the locals. Today, aside from the singular Lotus Platform, the One Pillar Pagoda comprises three gates, three towers, a ceremonial corridor, monks' residence, and the ancestral tower in the garden.
The Alternate Name of the One Pillar Pagoda
Originally named the Lotus Platform, the One Pillar Pagoda is a component of Dien Huu Pagoda.
The Construction Period of the One Pillar Pagoda
Initiated during the Ly Dynasty in the winter of 1049, the One Pillar Pagoda's creation was inspired by a dream of King Ly Thai Tong. In his vision, Quan The Am Bodhisattva sat on a lotus platform and invited the king to join. Upon hearing this dream, the Zen master Thien Tue advised the king to build a temple with a stone pillar, placing a lotus structure on top, as seen in the dream. The temple was named Dien Huu, meaning 'lasting blessings.'
During the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong in 1105, the One Pillar Pagoda underwent expansion and enhancement, featuring the introduction of the Lotus Pond, also known as the Spirit Willow Lake, Emerald Pond, and the precious tower. Out of reverence for the Buddha, every year on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, King Ly Nhan Tong organized a ceremonial Buddha bath and offered alms before a gathering of numerous monks and people from across Thang Long Citadel.
Three years later, Queen Ỷ Lan cast a large bell named 'Universal Awakening,' symbolizing the awakening of humanity.
During the Trần – Lê – Nguyễn dynasties, Dien Huu Pagoda and the Lotus Platform faced significant degradation, leading to multiple rebuilds and renovations under various monarchs. Eventually, only the Lotus Pond structure on a stone pillar remained, frequently restored by later generations to preserve the sacred essence of Thang Long land, known as the One Pillar Pagoda.
In 1954, the One Pillar Pagoda was destroyed by war bombs. Shortly after, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government initiated a major reconstruction based on historical records from the Nguyễn era, completing the restoration by April 1955. Since then, the One Pillar Pagoda has been consistently revered and preserved as a cultural, historical, and architectural heritage of the Vietnamese people.
The Location of the One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda is situated within the park behind Ông Ích Khiêm Street, in Đội Cấn Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. To the right of the pagoda is Ba Dinh Square, making it easy for you to locate and reach by any means of transportation.
If using a motorcycle or car, head to the location of the President's Mausoleum or the Ho Chi Minh Museum and park your vehicle at either of these two points:
- Ông Ích Khiêm Street, opposite the General Department of Defense Security
- Ngoc Ha Street, entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum
If opting for the bus:
You can consider some routes passing through Ba Dinh Square like: 09, 33, 22, 45, 50 and get off at bus stop 18A Le Hong Phong. This bus stop is the closest to the President's Mausoleum, making it convenient for you to move to the One Pillar Pagoda area.
Architectural Impressions of the One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
The Lotus Platform, or the One Pillar Pagoda as it stands today in the heart of Hanoi, is a reconstruction dating back to 1955 by architect Nguyen Ba Lang, based on the original design from the Nguyen era.
The One Pillar Pagoda boasts a truly unique architecture. The entire structure is a system of wooden bars intricately combined into a square-shaped chamber, erected on a large stone pillar, resembling a lotus rising amidst the Linh Chieu Lake. The surrounding lake is also adorned with elegant glazed ceramic tiles.
The temple's roof is covered with red-tiled scales, featuring four elegantly curved corners resembling upturned axe heads. Prominent on the temple's roof is the 'double dragons flanking the moon,' meticulously crafted, symbolizing the harmony of the universe and exuding the sacredness of the pagoda.
It can be said that the One Pillar Pagoda is an exquisite blend of architecture, painting, and stone carving.
Within the One Pillar Pagoda's compound, there is a three-gated entrance with a horizontal lacquered board inscribed with the three characters 'Dien Huu Tu.' Originally part of the Dien Huu Pagoda complex from ancient times, it collapsed but was recently reconstructed to expand the scale of the One Pillar Pagoda, serving as a religious activity space for monks, Buddhists, and welcoming tourists.
To ascend the main hall of the Lotus Platform, you'll traverse 13 steps with a width of about 1.4m. These steps, built long ago, still retain the architectural style from the time of the Ly Dynasty.
The Lotus Platform is dedicated to the Buddha Quan The Am. The large altar, located in the main hall, features a gold-plated and lacquered statue of the Buddha seated on a wooden lotus, surrounded by ceremonial offerings.
Another distinctive highlight of the One Pillar Pagoda is the meticulously cared-for Bodhi tree, a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad during President Ho Chi Minh's visit to India in 1958.
Over a millennium, the One Pillar Pagoda has become one of the most renowned and frequently mentioned temples in Vietnamese history and scientific studies.
In 1962, the One Pillar Pagoda was among the first structures officially recognized as a 'National Cultural and Historical Monument.'
In 2006, the One Pillar Pagoda achieved the 'Vietnam Record' recognition from the Vietnam Record Organization.
In 2012, the One Pillar Pagoda had the honor of being acknowledged by the Asian Record Organization as the 'Unique Architectural Pagoda in Asia,' reaffirming its exceptional and unparalleled architectural values. Simultaneously, this recognition opened up further tourism development opportunities for the capital city, Hanoi.
Exploring the Significance of the One Pillar Pagoda
Although the One Pillar Pagoda today stands as a small relic compared to its historical entirety, this structure holds significant meaning in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people throughout the ages. It is considered a cultural symbol of the thousand-year-old capital, Hanoi, and a unique architectural marvel that captivates the interest of architectural historians.
The image of the One Pillar Pagoda is even featured on the reverse side of Vietnam's 5000 dong metal coin.
In Thủ Đức City, the Nam Thiên Nhất Trụ Pagoda was constructed in 1958, inspired by the architecture of Dien Huu Pagoda.
In 2015, a special version of this pagoda was erected by the Vietnamese community in California, USA; and before that, a version was also built by the Vietnamese community in Moscow, Russia. Clearly, the One Pillar Pagoda has become an evocative symbol of homeland, deeply etched in the hearts of every Vietnamese, no matter where they are on this planet.
Explore Hanoi's Tourist Spots Near the One Pillar Pagoda
From the location of the One Pillar Pagoda, you can visit the Ba Dinh Historic Complex nearby, including: the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Additionally, West Lake is situated in this central area, featuring other prominent attractions such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Kinh Thien Palace, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.
Explore more Hanoi tourist spots to plan an intriguing itinerary for your visit!
Hotels Near One Pillar Pagoda Hanoi
Around the One Pillar Pagoda coordinates, there are various accommodation options for you: from cozy homestays to luxurious and spacious hotels. All meet your resting needs and provide convenience for your travel around Hanoi.
1. Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
- Address: 38A Tran Phu, Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Reference Price: 736,000 VND/night
2. Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa
- Address: 80 Hang Ga, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
3. Pullman Hanoi Hotel
- Address: 40 Cat Linh, Giang Vo Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City
- Reference Price: 2,956,000 VND/night
4. Beryl Palace Hotel and Spa
- Address: 173 Hang Bong, Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference Price: 496,000 VND/night
5. Mercure Hanoi la Gare
- Address: 94 Ly Thường Kiệt, Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference Price: 963,000 VND/night
In addition, you can explore hotels, homestays, or resorts in Hanoi and book your accommodation through the Klook Vietnam system for the best prices. Don't forget to use a discount code for exclusive discounts of up to 50%.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is home to numerous grand spiritual and religious architectural structures that hold significant historical and cultural importance. Among them, the One Pillar Pagoda stands out as a unique and iconic monument. #teamKlook highly recommends visiting and admiring the One Pillar Pagoda during your next trip to Hanoi.
For a convenient and smooth journey, check out the Klook Vietnam Blog to gain insights into solo travel experiences in Hanoi, discover fun activities in Hanoi, take a military jeep tour for a romantic view of Hanoi, and enjoy great deals when booking flights to Hanoi.
There's also a wealth of useful information about Hanoi Old Quarter, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Book Street, Hanoi Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, West Lake Hanoi, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and much more.
Start planning your visit to the One Pillar Pagoda today, #teamKlook! 🏯
