The One Pillar Pagoda is unique in its construction. It is standing on one pillar erected elegantly in the center of the square-shaped lotus pond. The shape of pagoda seems as if it represents a beautiful lotus flower coming out of the water. This pagoda was built between 1028 and 1054 during the rule of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. We can easily gauge from this that despite its construction centuries ago, it is still intact and considered Vietnam’s most iconic temple.
Originally the temple was built from wooden boards and planks having only one stone pillar in the center in the shape like a lotus flower blossoming gracefully. Natural and human activities have greatly affected and damaged this pagoda, due to which it was rebuilt many times. The most recent construction of it was in 1955 when it was destroyed by the French before final evacuation.
One Pillar Pagoda is the Hanoi’s most revered site located in a serene garden. Benches are placed around for contemplation. A shrine built inside the pagoda is dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. Locals tell legendary stories that how this one pillar pagoda was constructed. According to them, a fatherless emperor dreamed of a baby son given by Avalokiteshvara placed on a thing like a lotus flower. The emperor decided to build a temple in a shape resembling lotus flower which is also revered amongst Buddhists and considered a symbol of enlightenment. Emperor remained indented to the Quan Am and bodhisattva following the birth of his child. Due to this, a rich statue of Quan Am has taken center stage inside Pagoda. After the successful completion of this temple, loyal followers of emperor rushed to this place and paid thanks to the Quan Am. The stone pillar which we saw today inside the temple is a replacement of the earlier one. This is built after the French blown up the original one before evacuation.
Another interesting point regarding One Pillar Pagoda is a bo tree grown up on the backside of the pagoda. This tree came as a gift from India in 1958. Before concluding your visit to this amazing place, visit Dien Huu Pagoda also which is in the premises of this one and has a large number of exquisite bonsai trees. Entrance in the pagoda is free.
Food stalls nearby pagoda offers you delicious refreshment. Hence you can sit near the pagoda and can enjoy the scenery. Reasonable attire should be worn before entering the pagoda as prayers took place inside the pagoda throughout the day. It is commonly accepted among the locals that prayer in the One Pillar Pagoda would bring health and fertility.
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