Hanoi Vietnam, strategically lies at the center of the triangular basin of the Red River. This beautiful capital is called home to 3.5 million people and is considered the country's center for economy, politics, culture and society. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Vietnam and has over 600 temples in Hanoi itself.
The one pillar pagoda or Chùa M?t C?t from its Vietnamese translation means 'long lasting happiness and good luck'. According to legend, Emperor Ly Thai To of the Ly Dynasty would earnestly pray daily to Buddha for a son. One night he saw a vision where the goddess of mercy Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sat on a lotus flower in a square shaped pond and proffered to him the baby boy he longed for. Months passed by, and his queen gave birth to a boy. To honour the goddess and profess the miracle in his life the Emperor ordered the construction of a pagoda in the form of a lotus and it was supported by one pillar to represent the stem of the lotus.
The one pillar pagoda what would have stood proud for 960 years today succumbed to wars and ravages caused in the colonial times. In 1954 the French Union forces destroyed the temple before withdrawing from Vietnam after the first Indochina War. In 1955 the ruling government reconstructed the temple and it can be considered a replica of the pagoda that stood before it in the exact spot.
A 15 minute drive from the one pillar pagoda is Somerset Hoa Binh a Hanoi serviced apartment offering every comfort and luxury for every type of traveler. It is like you never left home in this Hanoi serviced accommodation.
To this day the pagoda holds strong to its mystical values and dreams. Locals still proclaim that a prayer at the one pillar pagoda to be blessed with a baby boy will also invoke well-being and prosperity.
About the Author:
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.