One Pillar Pagoda is a cultural symbol of Hanoi

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One Pillar Pagoda, located in the center of Hanoi, is one of the most unique ancient architectural works in Vietnam and a typical cultural symbol of Hanoi. Built during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong in the 11th century, One Pillar Pagoda is not only a place to worship Buddha but also carries profound religious, cultural and historical significance. With unique architecture, One Pillar Pagoda has become a destination that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists when visiting the capital.

One Pillar Pagoda is a cultural symbol of Hanoi — Illustrations.

1. History of One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Dien Huu Tu (meaning “lasting blessings”), was built in 1049 during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. According to legend, King Ly Thai Tong dreamed of Guanyin Buddha sitting on a lotus throne, leading the king to the lotus throne. After the dream, the king built the One Pillar Pagoda to worship Guanyin and pay respect to Buddhism.

Initially, the One Pillar Pagoda was a large architectural complex with many surrounding works. However, through dynasties and wars, most of the temple's auxiliary works were destroyed, leaving only the main architecture, a small temple on a stone pillar, standing out with its elegant and unique beauty.

2. Unique Architecture of One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda stands out with its unique and sophisticated architecture, built in the shape of a lotus rising from the water. The pagoda is placed on a large stone pillar about 4 meters high, symbolizing a lotus flower blooming in Lien Tri lake (the lake surrounding the pagoda). According to Buddhist concepts, the lotus is a symbol of purity, wisdom and liberation, so the architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda has profound religious meaning.

The main part of the pagoda is a small space, with an area of about 3×3 meters, made entirely of wood and with a curved tile roof in the traditional architectural style. The pagoda has an altar to Guanyin, where people and visitors come to pray for peace, health and blessings. At the foot of the column is Lien Tri Lake, a small lake filled with lotus flowers, creating a pure and peaceful space around the pagoda.

3. Cultural and Religious Significance of the One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is not only a beautiful architectural work but also rich in cultural and religious significance. The pagoda symbolizes harmony between humans and nature, between spirituality and daily life. According to Buddhist concepts, the lotus is a symbol of purity, overcoming difficulties and impurities to achieve enlightenment and liberation. Therefore, the image of the One Pillar Pagoda rising from the water not only shows serene beauty but also carries the message of enlightenment and purity of soul.

For Hanoi people, One Pillar Pagoda is also a place to pray for peace, health and blessings. Every year, on holidays and full moon days, people and tourists often come to the temple to burn incense and pray for peace. In addition, the One Pillar Pagoda is also considered a symbol of the resilience and indomitability of the people of the capital, overcoming difficulties and challenges throughout history.

4. One Pillar Pagoda Through Historical Periods

Over hundreds of years of history, the One Pillar Pagoda has been damaged and restored many times due to natural disasters and wars. In particular, in 1954, before withdrawing from Hanoi, the French army destroyed the One Pillar Pagoda. After peace was restored, the government and people of Hanoi restored the pagoda based on the original architecture, preserving the beauty and cultural value of the building.

Today, One Pillar Pagoda has become one of Hanoi's famous tourist destinations, attracting millions of tourists to visit and worship. The temple is not only a cultural symbol but also the pride of the people of the capital.

5. One Pillar Pagoda in the Heart of Tourists

With unique architecture and profound meaning, One Pillar Pagoda is always an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Many tourists coming to Hanoi want to visit the One Pillar Pagoda, to feel the peaceful, pure space in the heart of the bustling capital.

Besides its religious and cultural value, the One Pillar Pagoda is also a source of inspiration for many works of art, poetry and paintings. The image of a small but resilient pagoda rising from a lotus pond has become a symbol of the strong vitality and rising spirit of the Vietnamese people.