7/23/2019 Tran Quoc Pagoda

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Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the

most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.

Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake,Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most

ancient pagoda inhanoi vietnam with its history line of more than 1,500 years. The architecture of

this Buddhist center is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape on the peaceful

and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface. Thanks to these historical and architectural values, Tran

Quoc Pagoda attracts many tourists to pay a visit, both inside and outside of Vietnam.

History

Tran Quoc Pagoda was first erected with the name “Khai Quoc” (Opening a country) during King Ly Nam

De Dynasty, between year 544 and 548 on the bark of Red River (approximately within Yen Phu Ward,

Tay Ho District now). Till the 15th century, during King Le Thai Tong reign, it was renamed to “An Quoc”,

which means a peaceful country.

In 1915, due to a serious landslide ingrained into the pagoda’s foundation that made the incumbent

government and people to move the whole construction to Kim Ngư Island on the East of West Lake, and

this is Tran Quoc Pagoda’s current location that you can witness in this day and age.

The renaming process didn’t stop until it was changed to the name “Tran Quoc Pagoda”, meaning

protecting the country, during King Le Huy Tong dynasty (1681-1705). Through each name of the pagoda,

we can see a milestone of the country as well as the wishes of its people attached to this holy

sanctuary. A comprehensive list ofwhat to do in hanoi, Vietnam. Includes all the major sights and

activities in and around Hanoi.

 

Landscape and architecture

Famous for stunning scenery and sacred sanctuary, Tran Quoc Pagoda used to be a favorite sightseeing

place of many kings and lord of Vietnam, especially during festivals, full moon days or Tet. Up until now,

the pagoda can still preserve its fame although the landscape has been affected by urbanization.

Besides the front gate facing the crowded Thanh Nien Road, this 3,000m2 complex is surrounded by

sliver tide of West Lake, and is designed according to strict rules of Buddhist architecture with many layers

of buildings and three main houses called “Tiền Đường”, a house for burning incense and thượng điện.

These rooms are connected with each other to form a Công script (工).

The precinct of Tran Quoc Pagoda is highlighted by a high stupa that you may recognize from a far

erected in 1998. This stupa is composed of 11 floors with a height of 15m; each floor has a vaulted

window holding a statue of Amitabha made from gemstone. On the top stands a nine-storey lotus (Cửu

đỉnh liên hoa) and is also gemstone. This stupa is situated symmetrically with the 50-year-old Bodhi tree

gifted by former Indian President on the occasion of his visit to Hanoi in 1959. Abbot Thich Thanh Nha of

Tran Quoc Pagoda explains the meaning of this correlation: “The lotus represent Buddha while the Bodhi

is a symbol of supreme knowledge”.

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Not only that, Tran Quoc is also a small museum of priceless antiques dated thousands to hundreds years

old like worshiping statues in the front house. These statues are all engraved and polished meticulously

by skillful craftsmen, which all bear spectacular features. Among them, the outstanding one is the statue

“Thích ca thập niết bàn”, which is evaluated as the most beautiful statue of Vietnam.

With all the historical and architectural values it possesses, Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only worth visiting asa sacred sanctuary of Buddhism attracting countless Buddhist believers; but also an indispensible

destination for cultural explorers to Vietnam.

See more:Thetemple of literature is about 10 minutes awa from Hoan !iem la"e.