One Pillar Pagoda

One of the most iconic temples of Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda is one pillar built elegantly in the shape of a lotus blossom which is the Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The shrine inside the Pagoda is dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. Built in the year 1050 during the reign of the Ly Dynasty, this temple is said to bring blessings of fertility and health.

One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Chua Not Cot, is a pristine and historic Buddhist temple located in Hanoi. Considered to be one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, this pagoda was built between 1028 and 1054. Dedicated to the Buddhist deity Quan The Am Bo Tat and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, it is believed that praying here will bless you with fertility and health. The edifice of this holy temple is equally mesmerizing, built in the shape of a blooming lotus.

The interesting fact about One Pillar Pagoda is that it was built using a single stone and looks exceptionally beautiful and serene. Even though this temple is not huge, the positivity and tranquility that surrounds this place is what attracts a lot of people here. You can even spend some quiet moments sitting under the shade of lush green trees in the garden that surrounds the temple. One Pillar Pagoda is a must visit if you travel to Hanoi because of its fascinating architecture and serene atmosphere.  

One Pillar Pagoda Architecture 

As the name suggests, One Pillar Pagoda was built of wood on a single stone pillar. The Pagoda is built in the Buddhist architectural style, designed in the shape of a blooming lotus which rises from a magnificent square shaped lotus pond. The lotus not only symbolizes purity and hope but is also the Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The sides of stone pillar bare beautifully carved Buddhist scriptures. The outer square shape of the temple represents yin, while the circular shaped column represents yang.

Temple Complex

Main Altar: The tiny, three square-meter temple consists of a purple shrine with interesting bird imagery on the roof, while the main altar is where a glistening gold idol of Goddess Quan The Am Bo is placed. The temple does not occupy a large area but looks splendid nonetheless.

Garden: One Pillar Pagoda is surrounded by lush green trees which enhances the beauty of this temple tenfold. A Bodhi Tree can be seen behind the temple complex, believed to be an offshoot of the same Bodhi Tree under which Gautam Buddha became enlightened. This tree was a gift by the Indian president, Rajendra Prasad in 1958 to President Ho Chi Minh.

Dress code at One Pillar Pagoda

You should be dressed modestly when visiting the One Pillar Pagoda, as a form of respect to this holy place, covering your arms, legs and chest, otherwise you won't be allowed to enter the pagoda.

One Pillar Pagoda History

One Pillar Pagoda was built in the 11th century during the rule of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty. It is believed that the heirless emperor dreamt that Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was  giving him with male child while resting on a lotus flower. Soon after, the emperor married a peasant girl and was blessed with a baby boy. He built One Pillar Pagoda on the advice of Thien Tue Monk to express his gratitude to the Bodhisattva and Goddess Quan The Am Bo Tat. Large number of people flocked to this temple to pray and seek blessings. But in 1954, the French attacked the One Pillar Pagoda before leaving Vietnam after the First Indochina War and destroyed considerable parts of the temple including the single stone pillar. In 1955, the Vietnam government undertook the renovation and the pillar that supported the Pagoda was replaced.

How to Reach One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is located in the centre of Hanoi and can be reached from any part of the city by hiring a car. The major landmark to locate this pagoda is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, from where the temple is at a walkable distance of 5 minutes.

One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most beautiful temples that you will get an opportunity to visit, so do not miss out visiting this pagoda during your trip to Hanoi. The magnificent architecture replicating a blooming lotus and the serenity that surrounds this place will make you feel at ease and fill your heart with happiness.