“Rusticity and majesty” are the words that come to mind standing before Chùa Phúc Khánh. This pagoda is a harmonious blend of Northern and Lam Te Zen architecture. Let me tell you more about this special place.
Chùa Phúc Khánh also known as So Pagoda sits at 382 Tay Son Street in Hanoi. It welcomes visitors every day from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Keep in mind that hours may change during holidays and full moon days.
Legend says that Chùa Phúc Khánh was first built during the Trần Dynasty. Over the centuries it has been renovated many times. In the 1930s the temple became a Buddhist university. It trained monks and nuns and became a mainstay of Vietnamese Buddhism. The Buddhist school has since moved to another location.
Approaching Chùa Phúc Khánh you will notice its simple beauty. This pagoda has a unique architecture style. The Tam Quan gate has two floors. The upper floor houses a bell tower. The main door is arched and larger than the side doors. Crocodile images adorn the pillars on either side. Although the Tam Quan Gate is surrounded by buildings it remains stable and solid. Most visitors enter through a small gate to the right of the main hall.
Inside Chùa Phúc Khánh pavilions are arranged in the shape of the word “Cong”. The front hall has five compartments. The Buddha Palace inside is dignified. Natural and artificial light combine to create a sense of purity. The harem has three compartments. It houses altars to ancestors and the Holy Mother. Behind this is the ancestral house. Here the Great Patriarch Calendar and former abbots are honored.
In the courtyard of Chùa Phúc Khánh stands a thousand-eyed thousand-armed Buddha. This Buddha tower has two roofs. The upper roof sits in the center of the lower roof. The roofs are curved with dragon decorations. Four large wooden pillars support the tower. A large copper incense burner stands before the Buddha. Stone and mountain formations are modeled after natural landscapes in the schoolyard. A rockery is built like a small pond filled with fish.
Chùa Phúc Khánh houses twenty statues from the Trần Dynasty. These precious statues are a source of pride and religious importance for the Vietnamese people. Though the Buddhist school has moved Chùa Phúc Khánh continues to hold teaching meetings. The sounds of chanting and lessons fill the air.
Chùa Phúc Khánh worships both Buddha and the Holy Mother. It also honors nobles who have contributed to the temple. Each year Chùa Phúc Khánh holds many festivals. The most popular is the peace festival at the beginning of the year. This ceremony asks for good fortune and protection from the Buddha. It also promotes following Buddha’s teachings.
When you visit Chùa Phúc Khánh please be respectful. Manage your belongings. Dress appropriately and speak politely. If you wish to feed the fish ask permission or bring your own fish food. Chùa Phúc Khánh offers a peaceful retreat in a busy city. It is a place to find tranquility. Chùa Phúc Khánh stands as a testament to Vietnamese Buddhism. It embodies history culture and peace. Remember its story and its beauty as you continue your journey.