HANOI, Vietnam — A small shrone sits in a gnarled old tree next to the One Pillar Pagoda. The historic, small One Pillar Pagoda sits in the center of a small pond near the Ho Chi Minh Museum in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi. It is one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam and dates back to the 11th century.
Photograph by David Coleman. The One Pillar Pagoda, known in Vietnamese as Chua Mot Cot, is a historic Buddhist temple situated in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, Vietnam. Constructed in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda is one of the country's most iconic and culturally significant landmarks. Its unique design, intended to resemble a lotus blossom, symbolizes purity in Buddhist philosophy. The pagoda stands on a single stone pillar, which rises from the middle of a lotus pond, enhancing its resemblance to a lotus flower. This architectural marvel is part of a larger complex that includes other temple buildings and statues. The One Pillar Pagoda holds great spiritual importance and is a popular site for both worship and tourism. It has undergone several restorations, especially after being destroyed by the French in 1954, and remains a testament to Vietnam's rich historical and cultural heritage. Visitors to the pagoda can explore the serene surroundings, learn about its historical significance, and experience a piece of Vietnam's enduring Buddhist tradition. The One Pillar Pagoda is not only a symbol of Hanoi but also an enduring icon of Vietnam's spiritual and cultural identity.
Size: 4290px × 2849px
Location: One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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