If you once visit Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam, you will be amazed by the beauty of the well-preserved structures of the Old Quarter, the picturesque view of Guom Lake or the mystery of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. However, this city is much more than that.
With long term history, Hanoi is also home to hundreds of sacred pagodas and temples. People here come to pagodas not only to pray for good fortune, wealth, for health but also for love. This sounds pretty weird to some foreign visitors but it's true. If you still doubt it, below are the top 4 most famous pagodas in Hanoi for those who are seeking for love that will definitely change your mind.
1. Ha Pagoda
Located on the land belonging to Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay district, Hanoi, the relic cluster of Ha pagoda consists of Ha Pagoda or Thanh Duc Tu Pagoda and Boi Ha Temple. According to legend, this pagoda was built under King Le Thanh Tong dynasty (reigned 1460-1497) to express the king’s gratitude to Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Xi and Dinh Liet who took care of him and helped him to become the king in 1460.
It is unknown since when people here believed that Ha Pagoda is the place for the most sacred spirituality in the country. Visitors to Ha Pagoda, in addition to finding peace in the Buddha realm, pray for perfect love. The one who is in love wishes for eternal love and happiness; the loner wants to find the "half of their future" soon. Some pray for health and peace for the family. Locals believe that with the great compassion, Buddha, as well as of the Holy Mother, will understand their wishes.
Ha Pagoda is always crowded. Most of the people come here are young men and women. Along the street leading to Ha pagoda, they sell a lot of roses (maybe roses are considered the flower of love, suitable for "praying for love") and to serve the "love" of the couples, rings are also sold in local stalls.
2. Phu Tay Ho (Tay Ho Pagoda)
Phu Tay Ho is situated on a large peninsula in the middle of West Lake, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi. This pagoda does not belong to Buddhism or Confucianism, it's a shrine to worship Lieu Hanh Princess - one of the four immortal saints in Vietnamese beliefs.
Phu Tay Ho was built around the 17th century. This place is also considered one of the most sacred places in Hanoi's temple system with the unique architecture as well as the most popular cultural and historical relics in the region.
Moreover, it is said to be a famous destination of unmarried people, who come here on Sundays and on the first and 15th day of each lunar month not only to pray for good fortune but also to pray for love. If you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi, Phu Tay Ho is definitely a spiritual destination not to be missed.
3. One Pillar Pagoda
Opening Hours: Entrance is free and the pagoda is open daily from 08.00 am - 17.00 pm with refreshments available at a stand nearby so you can sit and relax in the surrounding gardens.
Location: The One Pillar Pagoda is situated in the park behind the museum near Ba Dinh Square at Ong Ich Kiem Street in the Ba Dinh District.
Remarks: Appropriate attire should be worn if you are entering the temple; prayers take place continuously throughout the day. Praying at The One Pillar Pagoda is said to bring about blessings of fertility and health.
History of One Pillar Pagoda
The One pillar pagoda or Dien Huu pagoda has one of the most special architectures in Vietnam. The pagoda is situated next to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, right in the center of Hanoi.
The pagoda started being constructed under Ly’s dynasty in 1049. The legend goes that one night in 1049, King Ly Thai Tong dreamed of the Holy Lady (Phat ba Quan Am) sitting on a lotus and leading him to a similar building.
When he woke up, he was advised by Thien Tue monk to build the pillar-based pagoda-like in his dream and topping it with the lotus of the Holy lady. Every year when it came to April 8th in the Lunar calendar, the King came to the pagoda for Buddha bathing ceremony and afterward, released a bird.
In 1105, King Ly Nhan Tong extended the pagoda and added Linh Chieu bond. However, the time has erased everything but the limited area like what we see now. Near the pagoda, there’s a bodhi tree. This is the gift from Rajendra Prasad- Indian presidents to Ho Chi Minh President.
4. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
With a history of over 1500 years, Tran Quoc Pagoda is another pagoda located on an island east of West Lake. It is considered the oldest pagoda in Hanoi as well as one of the most tourist attractive destinations in Hanoi. The pagoda has a harmonious architecture, a combination of majesty, ancient, elegant landscape among the stillness of the lake.
Due to its historical and architectural values, it is no coincidence that Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the special places sought by many people. Young people often come to this pagoda to pray for good luck for the New Year or to pray for love. They believe that with the witness of the Buddha and their devotion and beliefs, their wishes may come true soon.
5. Phuc Khanh Pagoda
Address: 382 Tay Son, Thinh Quang Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Phuc Khanh Pagoda is another sacred pagoda that is very trusted by locals. They usually come to this pagoda to pray for good luck, for wealth as well as for love. Whether early morning or late afternoon, the first day of the New Year eve or the usual day, the pagoda is always crowded with tourists and young people come to pray for love or find peaceful feelings in this static, ancient pagoda.
Temples and Pagodas are sacred places not only to pray for blessings and peace for relatives and families but also to pray for good luck in the New Year as well as to pray for love to find the right person. If you are in Hanoi or are planning your trip to this amazing city, don't miss the opportunity to visit these famous sacred pagodas, maybe your wishes will be granted sooner than you think.