One pillar pagoda, formally name Dien Huu that means “long lasting
happiness and goodluck” built during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong in
1049 in Hanoi capital, or Thang Long citadel at that time.
During Ly Dynasty (1009 – 1225) the pagoda was the place for
annual royal ceremony on the occasion of Vesak, the birthday of Gautama Buddha.
The pagoda is built of wood and stays on single pillar with diameter of 1.25m
and 4m high totally. From distance it looks like a lotus flower that is a Buddhist
symbol of purity.
According to folklore, King Ly Thai Tong, who had no children.
He often went to pagoda to pray for having a son. One night in his dream he met
Buddha who sat on lotus flower and gave the king a boy baby. Months later, his
wife gave birth to a boy child. Soon after that event, the king order to build
a pagoda
supported by one pillar that looks like lotus flower in the honor of Buddha.
The pagoda is behind
Ba Dinh square and Ho Chi Minh President’s complex. It opens daily and no
entrance fee.
City tour Hanoi with Vietindo Travel