One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi is not only renowned as the most architecturally unique ancient pagoda in Asia, but also a sacred site where many couples struggling with infertility come to pray for blessings.
Legend has it that nearly a thousand years ago, during a royal court session, Emperor Ly Thai Tong (1028–1054), a devout follower of Buddhism under the Vo Ngon Thong sect, shared a dream he had. In it, the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitesvara) appeared to him and presented a radiant lotus flower.
Following the counsel of monk Thien Tue, the emperor ordered the construction of a structure in 1049 known as Lien Hoa Dai (Lotus Throne), with a striking design: a shrine to the Goddess of Mercy perched atop a single wooden pillar, resembling a lotus blossoming from its stem.
The Lien Hoa Dai was part of the larger Dien Huu Pagoda complex (meaning "long-lasting blessings"), built within the imperial garden in Thanh Bao village, Quang Duc district, west of the ancient Thang Long Citadel. Locals also refer to it as Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda) or Chua Mat.
One Pillar Pagoda is part of the Dien Huu complex, located to the west of the former Thang Long Citadel.
In 1106, Emperor Ly Nhan Tong had the Dien Huu Pagoda expanded into a more extensive architectural complex, adding the Linh Chieu pond around the Lien Hoa Dai to grow lotus flowers.
Throughout the Tran, Mac, Later Le, and Nguyen dynasties, the pagoda underwent several renovations. However, in 1954, the French military destroyed the structure.
In 1955, the Vietnamese government reconstructed the pagoda based on architectural plans by architect Nguyen Ba Lang, reflecting Nguyen dynasty styles.
One Pillar Pagoda was rebuilt by the state in 1955, using designs inspired by the Nguyen era by architect Nguyen Ba Lang.
The central pillar is formed by two stacked stone columns, with one section submerged and the other rising approximately 4 meters above the water, with a diameter of 1.2 meters. Around this stone pillar, curved ironwood beams support a square wooden shrine above, evoking the image of a lotus flower blooming on the water’s surface.
The heart of the Lien Hoa Dai shrine features a sacred statue of the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed Goddess of Mercy.
The square shrine, each side measuring 3 meters, houses a golden-lacquered statue of the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed Avalokitesvara seated on a finely carved wooden lotus blossom. Above it hangs a red lacquered signboard with gold lettering that reads “Lien Hoa Dai.”
The pagoda’s roof is made of ancient tiles.
Traditional motif: two dragons flanking a moon adorn the rooftop, a symbolic image in Vietnamese spiritual architecture.
To reach the Lien Hoa Dai and pay respects, visitors must ascend 13 stone steps, each over a meter wide, flanked by brick walls believed to have been built during the Ly dynasty.
To enter the shrine, visitors ascend 13 historic stone steps.
With its captivating architecture that attracts both domestic and international visitors, One Pillar Pagoda was designated a national architectural and artistic heritage site in 1962.
In 2006, the Vietnam Records Organization recognized it as “Vietnam’s most architecturally unique pagoda.”
In 2012, the Asia Book of Records certified it as “Asia’s most unique architectural pagoda.”
A spiritual landmark
Tam Quan (three-entrance gate) of Dien Huu Pagoda.
The Tam Bao Hall of Dien Huu Pagoda.
Today, One Pillar Pagoda - Dien Huu Pagoda is located within the complex of Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Along with the Khue Van Pavilion (Temple of Literature), One Pillar Pagoda is regarded as one of Hanoi’s most iconic symbols, preserving deep spiritual and cultural values of the Vietnamese people.
Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint at 19 Ngoc Ha Street to enter the pagoda.
Visiting the pagoda for the second time, Hoang Nu Ngoc Quynh from Dak Lak shared: “Every time I come to Hanoi, I make it a point to visit historical landmarks and scenic spots. From school, I knew about One Pillar Pagoda as a centuries-old site with a one-of-a-kind design not just in Vietnam but throughout Asia. Coming here, I reflect on our national history and pray for peace, health, and happiness for my family and the country.”
Phạm Ngoc Duc, a tour guide with 20 years of experience from HIS Song Han Travel, has brought numerous domestic and international visitors to the pagoda.
According to Duc, this ancient temple is a favorite spiritual destination. “Visitors feel a sense of peace and serenity here. Many foreign guests express admiration for its beauty and distinctive design after hearing the historical context.”
“Beyond its long-standing historical value, One Pillar Pagoda is known as a sacred place where many couples come to pray for children,” Duc noted.
Madam Ha, a photographer who has worked near the pagoda for nearly 20 years, confirmed having seen many couples visit and pray sincerely for fertility.
She also shared a folk tale: Emperor Ly longed for an heir and frequently visited the pagoda to pray. One night, he dreamt that the Goddess of Mercy handed him a baby boy. Not long after, the Empress gave birth to a prince. In gratitude, the emperor had the pagoda restored and another structure built beside it, creating the Dien Huu Pagoda complex.
Vietnamnet.vn
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