Buzz
About 4 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, West Lake Palace sits in Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, known as a sacred place in the capital. On full moon days, festivals, and traditional Tet holidays, West Lake Palace is bustling with people coming to offer incense and worship for luck and peace. Let's explore the origin and architecture of West Lake Palace in the following article!
Origin and History of West Lake Palace
Gateway to West Lake Palace (photo collection)
Located on the large peninsula of Nghi Tam village, jutting out into West Lake, West Lake Palace is the shrine of Lady Lieu Hanh, one of the four legendary figures in Vietnamese history (Son Tinh, Thanh Giong, Chu Dong Tu, Lieu Hanh). Legend has it that she was Princess Quynh Hoa - the daughter of the Jade Emperor. Because she accidentally broke her father's precious jade cup, she was banished to the mortal realm. After traveling far and wide across the earthly realms, she was enchanted by the enchanting beauty and poetic scenery of West Lake Island. She decided to settle amidst this beautiful natural landscape. During her time here, she roamed far and wide, helping the people dispel evil, establish livelihoods, and protect them from unforeseen dangers.
While strolling on the lake one day, Trang Nguyen Phung Khac Khoan happened upon the small house of the Fairy princess. In that moment, their encounter became unusually intimate; they wrote poetry together, played chess, and admired the beautiful natural scenery. After a period of going to the capital to pay homage to the king and returning, Trang returned to seek his beloved, but she had departed. To ease the longing in his heart, Trang and the local people built a temple to worship Princess Lieu Hanh. And from then on, West Lake Palace was constructed and has been passed down to this day.
Architectural Structure of West Lake Palace
From the outside, visitors will be impressed by the grand and majestic triple gate, meticulously carved with three entrances. The main architecture of the palace consists of three layers of holy buildings, among which the main palace is the largest. Additionally, there are Son Trang Palace, Mrs. Mountain's floor, Mr. Lake's floor, directional court, front temple, and rear palace. The most prominent feature of the palace is the large inscription of the phrase 'Heavenly Immortal Descends' and the horizontal lacquer board at the gate reads: 'Mother of the world,' clearly expressing sincere reverence and respect for Princess Lieu Hanh by Phung Khac Khoan and the local people here.
Photo: collected
Upon entering the palace, you will be overwhelmed by the spacious main hall, meticulously built with utmost grandeur. The front of the main palace features a two-story triple gate, with the sharp inscription on the roof 'West Lake Manifestation'. The shrine inside the palace is also divided into three layers corresponding to the three folds of the triple gate. The first layer worships the Three Palaces of Common Service, Four Palaces of Ten Thousand Spirits, and the Council of Officials. The second layer worships the Jade Emperor, Southern Deity, and Northern Constellation. Finally, the third layer worships the Three Holy Mothers. The hanging door in the third layer carries couplets written by Lady Lieu Hanh and the inscription 'West Lake Wind and Moon'. Deep within the palace, three statues of goddesses stand out. The upper goddess is adorned in myriad shades of green, symbolizing the majestic and towering mountains; the white-clad Middle goddess represents the clear and cool flowing waters; and the yellow-robed Earth goddess symbolizes the fertile land. The palace worships these three deities to repay the kindness of the three mothers who have created abundant, abundant, warm, and full lives for all beings. Particularly, the highest statue with a radiant, luminous face and bright, blessing-filled eyes brings blessings and good fortune to every home.
Photo: collected
Next to the Triple Gate is the ancient and revered Son Trang Hall with its three floors and eight roofs, the place where Quan Am Bodhisattva is worshipped. Beyond the Triple Gate, visitors will stop at the directional court and the front temple. In the courtyard outside the palace are two small shrines of the Mrs. Mountain's floor and Mr. Lake's floor.
West Lake Palace preserves many ancient artifacts with profound cultural and historical value to the nation. With its magnificent architectural structure consisting of nearly 300 large and small statues, horizontal lacquer boards, couplets, ... West Lake Palace emerges with splendid beauty, incredibly grandiose amidst the vast expanse of land, sky, and water.
Scenery Surrounding West Lake Palace
Scenery surrounding West Lake Palace (photo collection)
Stretching along the shore of West Lake, West Lake Palace resembles a shy young girl embraced and sheltered by the waters and mountains. In the early morning, the sunlight of dawn shines down on the lake, reflecting on the face of the palace, creating a magical, shimmering, and mystical light. Perched on a small peninsula, West Lake Palace exudes a peaceful, tranquil beauty, with incense smoke lingering, creating a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a fairyland.
For as long as anyone can remember, along the way to the palace, there have been countless eateries and drink stalls. A long row of shops selling ritual items, offerings, or small roadside eateries offering light breakfast dishes. All of these recreate the beautiful daily life of Vietnamese people through countless generations, full of subtlety and quietness.
Visiting West Lake Palace at the beginning of the year
West Lake Palace is open from 5 a.m. to around 7 p.m. On festival days, full moon days, the palace will stay open later as it becomes very crowded with people coming to offer incense. Especially on the 13th day of the 8th lunar month and the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the festival of Lady Lieu Hanh, the palace is packed with people coming and going to pray for luck and peace.
Due to its sacred origins and unique beauty, West Lake Palace has become a frequent destination for Hanoi residents. Bearing immense historical and cultural value, on February 13, 1996, West Lake Palace was recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a Historical Monument of Vietnam.
During the Tet holiday, make sure to visit West Lake Palace to explore the historical and cultural beauty of this famous palace!
