Travel

Spring Excursion to Lady Stone Pagoda, a Hidden Gem in the Heart of Hanoi

Nestled amidst the bustling hustle of Hanoi, the Lady Buddha Temple, or Linh Quang Tu, offers a serene and tranquil escape from the city. This peaceful sanctuary, tucked away in the heart of the capital, provides a unique and calming experience, making it an ideal spot for a tranquil spring outing.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

One of the less-known places to welcome spring, a peaceful and serene location nestled in the heart of the capital, is the Ba Da Pagoda, also known as Linh Quang Temple.

1 Introduction to Ba Da Pagoda

Origin of the Name Ba Da Pagoda

There are several theories about the origin of the name Ba Da Pagoda, but the two most popular ones are as follows:

Theory 1

According to legend, during the construction of the Thang Long Citadel under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1460 – 1497), a stone statue of a woman (some believe it to be a statue of Goddess of Mercy) was discovered in the area of Bao Thien Pagoda Tower (now Hanoi Cathedral). The people believed this to be a statue of a holy mother and built a temple to worship her on the spot, calling it the Ba Da Temple.

There are several theories about the origin of the pagoda’s name.

Theory 2

The pagoda was originally built during the Ly Dynasty. During the Le-Trinh Dynasty, when the new Thang Long Citadel was being constructed, the area near the pagoda experienced frequent collapses after construction. Later, a stone statue resembling a woman was placed in front of the pagoda for worship. This statue was considered very sacred, granting any wishes made to it, and thus, the pagoda came to be known as the Ba Da Pagoda.

Both theories have their own reasoning and are widely circulated among the people. To this day, there has been no definitive conclusion about the origin of the name Ba Da Pagoda.

There is no definitive conclusion about the origin of the pagoda’s name.

History of Ba Da Pagoda

Ba Da Pagoda is located at 73 Ba Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It has a long history, dating back to 1056 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. The pagoda was built on the foundation of the famous Bao Thien Tower of the ancient Thang Long capital.

History of Ba Da Pagoda

2 Unique Architecture of Ba Da Pagoda

Ba Da Pagoda boasts a “Nhoi cong ngoai quoc” architectural style, blending Buddhist and folk beliefs. The small and simple triple gate welcomes visitors into a serene space, featuring curved roofs and ridge ends adorned with “dinh” patterns. The main hall, middle hall, and back hall are arranged in succession, creating a sense of solemnity and grandeur. Each worship hall houses majestic statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, bearing the artistic imprint of their time. Specifically:

The pagoda features a unique architectural style.

Triple Gate

The triple gate is a small brick-built structure, with the words “Linh Quang Tu” adorning the top and two statues of Dharma Protectors flanking its sides.

Main Hall

The main hall is a single-roofed building with three compartments, featuring a traditional Vietnamese roof with “dinh” patterned ridge ends. It houses statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

Middle Hall

The middle hall is a single-roofed building with a “dinh” character shape, connecting to the main hall. It houses a statue of the Three Ages of Buddha.

Back Hall

The back hall is the place of worship for Goddess of Mercy. Her statue is placed on a high pedestal, flanked by two statues of maidens.

House of the Mother

This is the place of worship for Mother Lieu Hanh. Her statue is placed on a high pedestal, with two statues of Large and Small Mandarins on either side.

House of the Founders

The House of the Founders is where the temple’s ancestral monks are worshipped. It houses several statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Bell Tower

The bell tower is a small building located on the left side of the pagoda, housing a large hanging bell.

The pagoda’s unique architecture blends Buddhist and folk beliefs.

3 Cultural Value of Ba Da Pagoda

Ba Da Pagoda is a repository of valuable historical and cultural artifacts. The 2-meter-tall stone statue of Amitabha Buddha, dating back to the 17th century, the ancient well with sacred water, and the centuries-old banyan tree are special attractions, drawing visitors who come to pray and explore.

The pagoda holds significant cultural value.

Through the vicissitudes of history, Ba Da Pagoda has retained its ancient and serene charm, serving as an important spiritual destination for Hanoians and visitors alike. It is not just a place for prayers but also a guardian of cultural and historical values, enriching the spiritual lives of the people.

The pagoda retains its ancient charm and serenity.

Ba Da Pagoda, a gem nestled in the heart of Hanoi, is a must-visit for those intrigued by history and culture. It offers a sense of tranquility and peace while also providing insights into the traditional and spiritual values of Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions

The Lady Stone Pagoda, officially known as Tran Quoc Pagoda, is an ancient Buddhist temple located on a small island in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. It’s one of the city’s hidden gems, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling urban life.

The temple gets its name from a legendary stone statue of a lady that is housed within the pagoda. This statue is believed to possess mystical powers and is the subject of many local tales and legends.

Beyond its mythical connections, the Lady Stone Pagoda boasts a rich history dating back over 1,500 years. It is considered one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam and has undergone several renovations and relocations over the centuries, reflecting the country’s cultural and religious evolution.

Visitors to the Lady Stone Pagoda can enjoy a serene atmosphere surrounded by beautiful ancient architecture. The temple complex includes a main pagoda, smaller shrines, a bell tower, and a stunning garden with lush trees and a koi pond. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, offering stunning views of West Lake and an insight into Vietnam’s religious and cultural heritage.

Indeed, the lady stone statue within the pagoda is said to have magical properties. Locals believe that it has the power to grant wishes and bring good fortune. Many visitors come to the pagoda specifically to pay their respects to the statue and seek blessings.