Quan Su Pagoda - The Most Revered Ancient Site in Hanoi

Quan Su Pagoda

History of the Formation of Quan Su Pagoda

Quan Su Pagoda

The royal court commissioned the construction of a building to accommodate diplomats alongside a temple named Quan Su (the residence of ambassadors) right at the diplomatic quarter so they could perform rituals during their stay here. This tradition persisted until the time of the Le Trung Hung dynasty. Historical records also indicate that this temple was built during the reign of King Le The Tong, around the 15th century.

The Gate of Quan Su Temple @chuaviettoancau.com

Quan Su Temple

In 1934, this place became the central headquarters of Northern Buddhism Association, now known as the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. By 1942, Venerable Vinh Nghiem approved the architectural design by architects Nguyen Ngoc Ngoan and Nguyen Xuan Tung to renovate the temple according to the architectural style we see today.

The courtyard within Quan Su Temple @Collected

For nearly a century, this temple has been regularly chosen as the venue for important events of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the world. Conferences and seminars organized by religious research institutes, academies of social sciences at home and abroad are often held here. Quan Su Temple has become one of the most prestigious ancient temples in Hanoi, attracting numerous Buddhists and tourists from all over to visit.

Visiting Hours of Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple

Moreover, visitors can also visit the temple during major festivals such as Vesak Day - the grand commemoration day of the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni usually held in April (lunar calendar) every year; Vu Lan Festival held on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. The Ceremony of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem, the Mongseng Ceremony... are also days that attract a large number of Buddhists here.

Getting to Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple

If traveling by personal vehicle, you can take Lê Thái Tổ Street towards Bà Triệu Street. At the intersection with Trần Hưng Đạo Street, turn right and continue to Lao Động Square then turn onto Quán Sứ Street. From the beginning of the street, it's only about 150m to reach the temple. There are many parking lots near the temple where you can leave your vehicle and walk to the temple.

If you want to travel by bus, depending on the starting point, tourists can take buses number 01, 32, 40, all of which have stops very close to Quan Su Temple.

Quan Su Temple as seen from the street outside @Collected

Another incredibly exciting experience for tourists is taking the Hanoi hop-on hop-off bus. The route of this double-decker bus tour will pass by many famous temples in Hanoi such as Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, and Quan Su Temple. Here, you can request to get off the bus to visit the temple.

What makes Quan Su Temple special?

Architecture of Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple

Heavenly staircase on the middle floor @ Quan Su Temple

The triple gate has 3 roof layers, with a bell tower in the middle. Behind the triple gate is a paved courtyard leading to 11 steps taking visitors to the main hall area. The main hall is built in a square shape, consisting of 2 floors, with a corridor surrounding it. The Triple Gem Tower is located on the second floor, while the lower floor serves as a soundproofing space. The main hall connects to the rear building through a heavenly staircase on the middle floor. On both sides and behind the temple courtyard are the library, guesthouse, monk's quarters, and lecture hall.

Who is worshipped in Quan Su Temple?

Inside the main hall, the Buddha Hall is solemnly arranged. Large statues adorned in gold and vermilion are arranged in hierarchical order from high to low, including the Three Jewels Buddhas - the statue of Amitabha Buddha in the middle, with Quan Yin Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the sides - the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the middle, with Ananda and Kashyapa - the Nine Dragons throne placed between Quan Yin Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Inside the main hall area @Quan Su Temple

Model and Three – Four Palaces

Archiving Buddhist scriptures and documents

Within the temple grounds are an auditorium, lecture halls, and a Buddhist library. The temple is home to the office of the Vietnam Buddhist Studies Institute and the office of the Asian Buddhist Peace Council in Vietnam. It is also where the Executive Council office, the Verification Council office, and the international guest reception room are located.

Currently, the venerable monks of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and the venerable abbots, dignitaries, and monks of the Central Office of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha are all working at the temple.

The library within the temple @Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple serves as a repository for numerous Buddhist scriptures and documents and is one of the largest centers for Buddhist research, education, and propagation in Vietnam.

The writing in the temple is in the Vietnamese alphabet @didulich.net

Using the Vietnamese alphabet instead of Chinese characters

Visitors to the temple will immediately notice something very special. Despite being nearly a century old, the temple's name, couplets inside the temple, and inscriptions on the architectural structures within the temple are all written in the Vietnamese alphabet, unlike other temples that use Chinese characters. This is quite rare and unique.

Hotels near Quan Su Temple

Travelers seeking convenience in getting to the temple can stay at hotels near Quan Su Temple. Some upscale hotels near the temple that are popular among travelers include:

Movenpick Hanoi Hotel is a 5-star hotel built with luxurious French architecture. It offers a total of 154 luxurious rooms with various room categories for guests. Within the hotel premises, there is a restaurant, a Lounge, a gym, a spa, and fully equipped conference rooms.

Quan Su Temple

Somerset Grand Hanoi @ Somerset Grand Hanoi

Pacific Place Serviced Apartment is a resort complex with an outdoor swimming pool and a modern fitness center. Travelers staying here can book a studio or reserve an entire apartment. All apartments come with private balconies, private kitchens, and modern furnishings.

Muong Thanh Hanoi Centre Hotel offers luxurious 4-star accommodations. The hotel is centrally located in Hoan Kiem District, making it convenient for travelers to visit the capital's famous attractions, entertainment venues, and dining spots. The hotel grounds feature massage services and hot tubs to pamper guests.

Mytour will help you quickly search for information and book hotel rooms:

Tips for visiting Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple

Quan Su Temple

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