onepillar

One Pillar, also known as One Pillar Pagoda or Dien Huu Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple and icon of Hanoi, Vietnam. It is renowned for its unique architectural design, resembling a lotus flower blossoming from a single stone pillar. The structure is a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity and artistry, having been originally built during the Ly Dynasty in 1049.

The temple's construction was inspired by a dream of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who was granted a vision of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sitting on a lotus flower. In response, he ordered the creation of a temple that mirrored this vision. The current structure is a reconstruction, as the original was destroyed during French colonial rule.

The One Pillar Pagoda is located in a small, serene garden west of Thang Long Imperial City. The main structure, a wooden temple, is supported by a single stone pillar measuring 4 meters in diameter. Inside, a statue of the bodhisattva is enshrined. The pagoda's small size and distinctive shape make it a popular tourist attraction and a significant cultural landmark in Hanoi. It symbolizes the perseverance and spiritual awakening of the Vietnamese people.