Tran Quoc Pagoda – the most beautiful and sacred 1500-year-old temple in the heart of the capital

The rustic beauty of the 1500-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda in the heart of the capital

The rustic beauty of the 1500-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda in the heart of the capital

Referring to Hanoi, people will think of a crowded city with modern life and the hustle and bustle of life, but somewhere there is a temple nestled on Thanh Nien street of Ba Dinh district, Tran Quoc Pagoda is like a peaceful, quiet world hidden on an island in the east of West Lake, separate from the hustle and bustle that we often see when we step foot in Hanoi.

About Tran Quoc Pagoda

Considered the most beautiful temple in Vietnam in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda with 1500 years of history is the first temple built under King Ly Nam De (541 – 547) on the banks of the Red River. Experiencing many name changes until the first half of the 19th century under King Le Hy Tong changed its name to  Tran Quoc Pagoda and the name Tran Quoc Pagoda has been handed down to this day.

The meaning of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Since its construction, the temple has been considered a spiritual place to attract people to pray to dispel natural disasters and foreign invaders, and bring back a prosperous and happy life. The meaning of Tran Quoc is national peace and peaceful people, no more natural chaos, hope for people to have a peaceful and prosperous life. Especially in the Ly – Tran dynasties, the temple also acted as the Buddhist center of the citadel, where all important spiritual activities of the ancient Thang Long citadel were held in Tran Quoc.

Architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Considered as a pearl on the surface of West Lake, the temple is surrounded by immense rivers, creating a charming and fresh landscape that makes any Buddhist coming here feel relaxed and at ease. comfortable. Although it has been repaired many times, Tran Quoc Pagoda still retains its unique architectural features. The pagoda was built and arranged according to the strict order and principles of Buddhism.

Tran Quoc Pagoda Tower Garden

The highlight of Tran Quoc Pagoda is the tower garden with many ancient towers built in the 18th century, the most prominent highlight here is the lotus-shaped Bao Thap tower built in 1998 with a height of 15m, including 11 floors. Each floor has a precious stone statue of Amitabha Buddha placed in each arched doorway. On the top, there is also a 9-storey lotus flower, also made of precious stones, which increases the majesty and sacredness of the temple, but still retains the softness of the overall architecture.

The stupa has a special meaning: The lotus flower symbolizes the ethereal Buddha, who, even in any unclean environment, is not unclean like the lotus flower, powerfully rising out of the mud. Bodhi symbolizes the Buddha’s unsurpassed wisdom, perception, and human kindness.

Treasures of Buddhist memorabilia

This 1500 year old temple houses Buddha and Bodhisattva statues made from precious stones placed in the Upper Palace. In which, the most prominent is the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana made from wood, painted with gold paint, and is a beautiful statue of Nirvana in Vietnam.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is like a “jewel” with historical, spiritual and architectural values ​​located in the heart of the thousand-year-old capital. Through many ups and downs and events, Tran Quoc Pagoda  still lies there majestically, bringing a peaceful and ancient feature in the heart of bustling Hanoi.

In addition to domestic and foreign Buddhists, this place also welcomes millions of tourists to visit. In the moment of reconciliation between the old year and the new year, on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the temple opens its doors and holds a ceremony to pray for national peace and prosperity, which is the most sacred ceremony of the year organized by the temple.

Located in the middle of the windy West Lake, in a poetic-like scenery, making people forget the hardships of daily life, the calculations that fly with the wind, people get closer together. Especially for Vietnamese people who are far from home, every time they have the opportunity to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the poetic words of the late Monk Man Giac seem to be everywhere: The roof of the pagoda protects the nation’s soul/Ancestors’ eternal life.

Hope the article will help you have a complete and fun trip!

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