Quan Su Pagoda, Hanoi

Very close to Hoa Lo prison is the Quan Su Pagoda. It is easily recognizable with its yellow and red tiled roof. Also known as the Truc Lam Quan Su, it is one of the oldest temples in Hanoi.

History:

During the Le Dynasty in the 15th century, Champa kingdom and Laos sent their ambassadors to pay respects to Dai Viet, that is the Le Dynasty. Emperor Le Thanh Tong got the place constructed where these ambassadors could stay. The temple at this time was known by its earlier name, Truc Lam Quan Su.

A temple was also built where they could all pray during their period of stay. This pagoda is the Quan Su pagoda with Buddha as the main deity.

At the end of Le Dynasty, when many pagoda were burnt down, this pagoda somehow managed to save itself.

In the 17th century, it was converted into a military warehouse, storing ammunition and weapons. The pagoda started to be called "Quan Su" meaning the "military mandarin".

It underwent lot of renovations and was finally opened to public in 1822. It became important due to its miraculous powers of being unhurt.

In 1934, the Vietnamese Buddhist Association of Northern region was established and Quan Su Pagoda was made the headquarters.

In 1942, the pagoda had a major renovation for its designs.

 

Architecture of temple:

main gate to temple

The main entrance to temple is through a wooden triple-arched gate which is not open to visitors. In the middle is the bell floor where hangs a big bronze bell.

There is a small entrance on the side. The red roof is slanting with a red tiles. The corners arch upwards.

The architecture is a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese.

entrance to temple

With bonsai trees on sides, 11 steps lead to inside of temple

 

 sides of stairs leading to main prayer hall

praying in front of pagoda

Roof of pagoda is decorated with a moon surrounded by flaming .....

main altar

The inside of temple is painted in red and gold symbolizing prosperity, happiness and good fortune. There are large gold plated images in the altar.

There are three tiers of the placement of images in the main altar.

• Topmost tier: has images of three times Buddha, of the past, present and future represented by Dipankar (Buddha of the past), Shakyamuni (of present) and Maitreya (Buddha of future)
• The bronze image is said to date back to 17th century.
  

• Below this tier, is a huge image of Amitabha Buddha flanked by Avalokiteshwar Boddhisatva (Guanyin) and Mahasthamaprapta Boddhisattva. Mahasthamaprapta is one of the oldest boddhisattavas

• Below the central tier sits Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by Ananda and Mahakasyapa.Bell on the right of temple

On the right side of main hall, the altar has a golden image of Monk Ly Quoc Su.

He is also known as Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong. His name was Nguyen Chi Thanh and lived in the Ly Dynasty(10th-12th century)

The right side of hall is to worship Guan Yin

offerings

In front of Guan Yin is a drum

votive paper burning furnace

inside view of main gate

bell on top of main gate

information of temple

Library, monk's quarter next to main prayer hall

The courtyard around the main hall is library, monk's quarters, a reception hall, book stall, souvenir shop

The library here is said to have largest and invaluable collection of Buddhist scriptures and documents which are used in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.

souvenir shop

hall for holding conventions

books for sale

Annual Lantern festival:

Annual lantern festival is celebrated every year on 15th day of the Lunar New Year. The temple is decorated with plenty of lanterns.

Timings:

The pagoda opens daily from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 to 5:30 PM