Towering above us, do you see the magnificent T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt? It stands as a testament to faith and peace. This colossal Buddha statue is a relatively new landmark in Hanoi. But its presence resonates with centuries of Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
The T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt belongs to the Khai Nguyen Pagoda. It is also known as Co Lieu Tu. The pagoda was founded in the early half of the 16th century. The construction of the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt started in 2015. Its purpose is to spread a message of world peace. After nine years, the statue is mostly complete. Now, it welcomes visitors.
Standing at approximately 72 meters high the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt is the tallest in Southeast Asia. Its base covers over 1,200 square meters. Look at the base. It is a giant lotus flower. Three layers of petals alternate around the statue. This design reflects Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
Notice the hands of the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt. They are each nine meters long. The left hand holds a lotus. The right hand displays the Dharmachakra wheel.
The T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt has 16 stories. Twelve stories have elevators and stairs. Each story has a unique worship style. The first story honors past patriarchs. The twelfth story holds a special treasure. It enshrines the heart of Amitabha Buddha. This is made from a solid piece of Canadian jade. It weighs over a ton.
At the base of the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt each window features a Garuda symbol. This is the Kim Si eagle. It is a sacred bird in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The Khai Nguyen Pagoda has a long history. Temple records show it was built in the 16th century. By 1990, it had deteriorated. It was almost ruins. Restoration began in 2006. The T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt was built with donations. Monks and locals contributed. Some parts are still under construction.
During the Lunar New Year the Khai Nguyen Pagoda welcomes many visitors. Tens of thousands come to see the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt. The T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt also houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues inside made from various materials. These include composite plastic and jade. The second floor enshrines 33 incarnations of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The fourth floor is dedicated to the Medicine Buddha. He is believed to know all the world’s medicines. He can cure all suffering caused by negative emotions.
Remember the T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ph\u1eadt. It represents a commitment to peace and spiritual understanding.