Marvel at the artistic sculpture at Tay Phuong Pagoda Hanoi

Location: Tay Phuong Pagoda located in Yen Village, Thach That District, Hanoi.
Characteristics: It is also an exposition gallery for many national engraving and sculpture masterpieces.

Tay Phuong Pagoda Structure

The pagoda was built in the 8th century and has been restored several times. In 1632, the pagoda was rebuilt according to the Sino-Vietnamese character Tam (three), featuring three sections: the upper sanctuary, back palace, and lobby rooms. After climbing 239 stone steps bearing the signs of time passage and being sheltered by the shade of age-old trees, tourists will reach an old gate. The gate was named after the structure: Tay Phuong Co Tu (Ancient Pagoda of the West). According to the inscription on a 17th century stone stele, it also has two other names: Sung Phuc Tu and Hoang Son Thieu Lam Tu.

In 1794 under the Tay Son Regime, it was completely renewed, hence its present design. It comprises three successive constructions: the Hall of Prostration, the Main Shrine, and the Sanctuary, all with double-tiered roofs. It seems that this architectural arrangement is inspired by Buddhist and Confucianist thought: the three constructions symbolize the three forces governing the world. 

The central construction has a directing role and is consequently raised higher than the others, which symbolizes heaven. The construction at the rear plays the role of a foundation, which symbolizes the earth. The construction closest to the world of man stands in front. The whole structure is the symbol of Thai Cuc (the Prime Principle, from which the whole world derives). The double tier of the roof symbolizes the double principle, Luong Nghi, Yin and Yang. The slopes, the roof on the four sides symbolize the four elements of heaven, Tu Tuong; the sun, moon, stars and deities, while the slopes on the eight sides stand for the Eight Signs of the Sacred Octagon (Bat Quai). 

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All the wooden parts of the pagoda are beautifully sculpted following folk motifs: mulberry leat Ficus leat lotus flower, chrysanthemum; dragon, phoenix, etc. But the Tay Phuong Pagoda is mostly famous for the statues it contains, magnificent wooden sculptures representing Buddhas as well as Vajrapanis (Kim Cuong) and Arhats (La Han) who are middle-ranking Buddhist deities. One, in particular, portrays Sakyamuni in meditation at the foot of Tuyet Son Mountain (Snow Mountain). He was then leading a life of extremely severe ascetics, and his emaciated body, as represented by the statue, shows good knowledge by the artist of human anatomy. The figures of the Arhats each bear distinctive features that depict meditation in original aspects. All are impressive works of art.

It is the special construction that makes the place one of the best Hanoi places of interest.

Join Hanoi one day trip to admire this unique architecture in person

Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival 

A festival is held on the grounds of the Tay Phuong Pagoda in early spring each year. Not as crowded as the Perfume Pagoda Hanoi Festival, the atmosphere here is still exciting enough for your experience. It features many games and entertainment: marionette performances, tug-of-war, cockfighting, chess... Especially, the main activity of the festival is the Expiation Ceremony, which is held on the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month, which calls on all men to practice compassion and charity to avoid wrongdoing and aim for serenity and quietude.

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