All Iformation About Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi is always an ideal destination for Buddhists with many ancient temples. Most of the ancient temples are located around West Lake. Especially if you are interested in Buddhism, there is no better place than Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is more than 1,500 years old, which means that the temple plays an important role in the development of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular. This is also the main reason why this temple attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

History of Tran Quoc Pagoda

This work began in 541 and was completed in 545 during the reign of King Lenande. At that time, the pagoda was called Khai Quoc Pagoda (Khai Quoc means the opening of the country). It was originally built on the banks of the Red River. After more than 150 years, the riverbank was eroded, and in the early 17th ^century, during the reign of King Le Kinh Trong, the riverbank was moved to Jinyu Island. Since then, the name was changed to Tran Quoc.

With a history of more than a thousand years, this place used to be the Buddhist capital under the Tran Dynasty and is now considered a symbol of the ancient and modern capital of Hanoi.

See more: Get from Hanoi to Ha Long

Architecture and Structure

Famous for its sacredness and breathtaking scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda was once a favorite destination for many kings of Vietnam during special festivals such as Tet and Full Moon. More than 1,000 years have passed, and despite growing urbanization, the temple still retains its reputation and unique architectural features.

Thanks to its strategic location, right by the glorious West Lake, and on an island connected by a bridge between two of Hanoi’s most poetic lakes, Lake Trubach and West Lake, it attracts a large number of tourists every day. day.

The architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda is very special, like the ancient temples in Hanoi. This place has bold images of Buddhist architecture with rich architectural layers. It can be seen through the three main halls of the temple. Why are there 3 main houses? Because Vietnamese people believe that the number 3 symbolizes luck and prosperity.

Its entrance is a unique feature of the pagoda. From afar, the gate seems a bit off, but when you get close, it’s completely invisible.

Through the gate, you need to follow the red brick path to see the space inside.

• The forecourt (Fronthouse) is located in front of the clock tower, facing west. The front yard of the front house has an incense burner for Buddhists and tourists from all over the world to burn incense.
• The ancestral house is located to the right of Front Street, where the ancestors were worshiped.
• The Stele House (Steel House) located to the left of Qiantang, holds 14 important steles carved between 1813 and 1815. It shows how the temple was restored after a long period of damage.

The three main halls are connected so that the tower is shaped like a blooming lotus. It can be said that Tran Quoc Pagoda is a harmonious combination of the quiet atmosphere of verdant gardens, large lakes, and ancient majestic architectural works. That is why it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Historic and Cultural Monument in 1962.

Highlights of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Walking around the garden, visitors have the opportunity to see the sacred Bodhi tree with heart-shaped leaves. The tree was donated to the temple in 1959 by the President of India Rajendra Prasad. Many believe it is a branch of the Bodhi tree from which the Buddha attained enlightenment. That is why tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come here to honor this monument.

In addition, in Zhenguo Temple, a relatively complete system of statues is preserved. It can be said that Tran Quoc Island is a small museum with priceless antiques. Most of them are hundreds of years old, such as some of the statues kept in the front room. It is noteworthy that in the tower there is a statue of the three saints and the patriarch. The most prominent of these is the statue of the Buddha entering Nirvana (popularly known as the reclining Buddha, or “Shakyamuni”). Statues of him are rare in the North, mainly in Thailand or Laos. And, the statue is rated as the most beautiful statue in Vietnam.

With beautiful and peaceful scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda has been mentioned in many poems and couplets by Vietnamese kings and mandarins, especially under the Nguyen Dynasty. Up to now, the tower still keeps many poems. You will have the opportunity to learn about the literary style of Vietnam in the past as well as the history of the country.

It would be remiss not to mention “The Luc Do Dai Sen Stupa”. The building has eleven floors and is 15 meters high. It was built in 1998 and has six arched doorways with a statue on each floor. The Buddha statue resembles Amitabha Buddha and is made of precious stones. At the top of the pagoda is a nine-story lotus platform called “Nine Products Lien Hoan”.

How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda

The tower is only 5 km from the city center and can be reached by various means of transport.

• By bus: You can take bus number 50 and get off in front of the temple. If not convenient to take this bus. Please take bus number 31, 41, 55A, 55B, or 58 and get off at An Duong bus station, then walk for about 5 minutes.
• Taxi: To take a taxi to the temple, it is best to book a taxi through the Grab app on your phone.
• By motorbike or scooter: You can also rent a motorbike and explore West Lake easily. It takes about 12 minutes to get to the temple.

Tips when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

• The temple is always crowded with people, especially on the ^first and full moon days ^{of the lunar calendar}, monks and nuns, and tourists from all over the world come to visit and pay respects. These two days are always the right time if you want to explore the religious culture of Vietnam. But if you don’t like crowds then it’s best to avoid these days.
• Since the temple is sacred, visitors must strictly adhere to the dress code. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and do not wear clothing that shows your skin.
• As with any other stupa in the world, please remove your hat, umbrella, and shoes before entering the shrine. It shows your reverence for the gods and pagodas.

For those who are very interested in spiritual tourist destinations, Vietnam is a country not to be missed. If you have the opportunity to set foot in this beautiful country, do not miss the opportunity to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple in the North of Vietnam.

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