Tu Ky Pagoda: A complete guide for first-time visitors

Contents

Tu Ky Pagoda is a true gem in Vietnam’s spiritual landscape (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Tu Ky Pagoda

Tu Ky Pagoda, located at Alley 8, Ngoc Hoi Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, is one of the prominent pagodas in Hanoi. Historically, it was part of Tu Ky Village, south of the Thang Long Citadel. In 1995, the Ministry of Culture and Information recognized Tu Ky Pagoda as an architectural and artistic heritage site.

As one of Hanoi’s largest centers for Buddhist revival, Tu Ky Pagoda frequently hosts meditation retreats for Buddhist practitioners. It also houses the largest Buddhist library in Northern Vietnam, with an extensive collection of written books and video materials. Additionally, the pagoda regularly offers free classes in foreign languages, calligraphy, and martial arts, making it a hub for both spiritual and cultural education.

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2. History of Tu Ky Pagoda

Based on historical documents preserved at the pagoda, such as the stele from the Chinh Hoa era (1689) and the bronze bell from the Thieu Tri era (1841), historians believe that Tu Ky Pagoda originated during the Le Dynasty, at least before 1689. It underwent significant renovations during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Tu Ky has a long history dating back to the Le Dynasty (Source: Collected)

Before August 1945, Tu Ky Pagoda served as an important revolutionary base for the Northern Committee of the Indochinese Communist Party. The lotus pond behind the pagoda provided a hiding place for revolutionary fighters. In 1946, during the resistance against French colonialists, the pagoda was destroyed.

Later, the pagoda was rebuilt to serve the community’s cultural and spiritual needs. The current structures within the pagoda have been renovated, adhering to the characteristics of traditional religious architecture to maintain its original appearance.

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3. Impressive architecture of Tu Ky Pagoda

Tu Ky Pagoda boasts a grand scale compared to other pagodas in the region. Its spacious and serene environment offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. The architectural layout of the pagoda is meticulously organized along a longitudinal axis, featuring key structures such as the Tam Quan Gate, the Front Hall (Tien Duong), the Upper Hall (Thuong Dien), the Stele House, two side halls (Giai Vu), the Buddha Tower, and the Mother Goddess Temple (Dien Tho Mau). Facing east, the pagoda looks out onto National Highway 1A and is situated to the east of Linh Dam Lake.

The Tam Quan Gate is a two-story structure designed in a vertical layout. The lower level features three arched entrances, while the upper level is constructed with four overlapping roofs. Passing through, visitors enter a courtyard flanked by two pavilion-style Stele Houses. The Front Hall is two stories with traditional Vietnamese tiles, and the Upper Hall, a three-bay structure, adds to the pagoda’s grandeur.

The pagoda has a harmonious blend of traditional design elements and meticulous craftsmanship (Source: Collected)

The Mother Goddess Temple is built in the shape of the Chinese character “Dinh,” with five bays in the front hall and two in the rear. The right bay houses a stone grotto adorned with statues. The main altar is dedicated to the Five Progenitors, while the inner altar venerates the Three Holy Mothers and Tran Hung Dao, a revered Vietnamese historical figure.

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4. Must-see artifacts at Tu Ky Pagoda

Despite being destroyed in the past, Tu Ky Pagoda still preserves a few artifacts of significant artistic value. These include the Great Bell inscribed with the words “Linh Tien Tu Chung,” cast in 1841, and three ancient steles dating back to 1687, 1841, and 1924. Originally, Tu Ky Pagoda also housed a stone incense burner created in 1666, which has since been relocated to the National Museum of History.

The pagoda features notable artifacts from various periods (Source: Collected)

5. Best pagodas to visit near Tu Ky Pagoda

While visiting Tu Ky Pagoda, you should also explore several other notable pagodas nearby, such as:

• Bang Pagoda: Located at 63 Bang Liet Street in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Bang Pagoda is a historic site over 400 years old, spanning 14,000 square meters. It is renowned for the Bao An Stupa, which has set records for being the tallest Buddhist stupa in Vietnam (2007) and the stupa with the most bronze Buddha statues in Vietnam (2010). 
• Phap Van Pagoda: Situated on Giai Phong Street, Hoang Mai District, this 7,000 square meter site showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture, including the Tam Quan Gate, Main Hall, Ancestor House, and Monk Residences.
• Set Pagoda: Located in Tan Mai Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Set Pagoda this pagoda honors village deity Nguyen Chinh. Its architecture includes a five-gate entrance leading to the Front Hall, Incense House, and Rear Palace, perfect for exploring spiritual and historical aspects.

Bang Pagoda, a famous ancient temple in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

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6. Essential tips for your first trip to Tu Ky Pagoda

Here are some tips you should keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable experience at Tu Ky Pagoda in Hanoi: 

• Best time to visit: The pagoda is open to visitors year-round. However, if you wish to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and traditions, consider visiting during the Thuong Nguyen Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On this day, the pagoda attracts a large number of visitors who come to pray for blessings and peace, providing a vibrant cultural experience.
• Outfits: When visiting Tu Ky Pagoda, it is important to dress respectfully. Avoid revealing clothing and opt for attire that covers your shoulders and knees. Comfortable footwear, such as flat shoes or sandals, is recommended to make navigating the pagoda grounds easier.
• Respectful behavior: Keep noise to a minimum, especially in prayer halls, and avoid touching or disturbing religious artifacts and statues. Photography might be restricted in certain areas, so always ask for permission if you are unsure.
• Best ways to get to the pagoda: There are several transportation options to reach Tu Ky Pagoda, including traveling by car, motorbike, or public buses (routes 03B, 04, 06, 08, 12, etc.). 

These essential tips will enhance your experience at Tu Ky Pagoda (Source: Collected)

Visiting Tu Ky Pagoda is a journey through history, culture, and spirituality. With its impressive architecture and significant artifacts, it offers a profound experience for all who step through its gates. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply a curious traveler, Tu Ky Pagoda guarantees an unforgettable visit.

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