The scent of incense hangs heavy in the air. This is Hoe Nhai Pagoda also known as Hong Phuc Pagoda.
Hoe Nhai Pagoda stands proudly at 19 Hang Than Street. It’s one of the largest pagodas in Hanoi. History whispers of its existence since the Ly Dynasty in the early 11th century. War ravaged it. But it rose again thanks to a dedicated nanny of King Le Hy Tong. She rebuilt the pagoda. Venerable Thuy Nguyet the first founder of the Taoist sect became its abbot. Since the 17th century Hoe Nhai Pagoda has been considered the ancestral temple of Northern Buddhism.
The pagoda covers about 3000 square meters. Its entrance faces west. A three-entrance gate typical of Nguyen Dynasty architecture welcomes you. Two three-story towers stand in the courtyard. They commemorate monks who have passed away. A newer tower An Quang Tower was built in 1963. It remembers Venerable Thich Quang Duc who self-immolated in Saigon. He protested the US-Puppet regime’s suppression of Buddhism.
Hoe Nhai Pagoda is a significant place. Two National Masters five Supreme Patriarchs and the Dharma Master originated here. The pagoda bears the mark of the First Dharma Master of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Venerable Thich Duc Nhuan. After the August Revolution of 1945 the temple’s Patriarch’s house hosted a meeting. Buddhist monks and nuns gathered to send a delegation to the government. The Buddhist Association for National Salvation was founded here. Venerable Thich Duc Nhuan was also an abbot here.
The pagoda boasts many ancient statues. One stands out a unique statue of a king carrying Buddha. It’s believed to date back to King Le Hy Tong’s reign 1663-1716. King Le Hy Tong implemented a harsh anti-Buddhist policy. Zen master Chan Dung Tong Dien intervened. He presented the king with a box. It contained a note detailing Buddhism’s societal benefits. The king changed his decree. Later generations sculpted the statue in the pagoda.
Hoe Nhai Pagoda is a National monument since January 21 1989. It attracts many visitors. Buddhist ceremonies are held regularly. They include Medicine Sutra recitations prayers and Buddha’s birthday celebrations. Thousands come to worship and admire this sacred place. Hoe Nhai Pagoda a testament to resilience faith and history. It continues to inspire and captivate.