Vietnam Pagodas

Anh Linh Pagoda

Hà Nội(Chùa Anh Linh)

Overview & history

Anh Linh Pagoda, also known as Anh Linh Tự, is located in Cổ Nhuế 2 ward, Bắc Từ Liêm district, Hanoi. The pagoda was established by Princess Trần Khắc Hãn (Princess Túc Trinh), daughter of King Trần Nhân Tông, who assisted the people in reclaiming land, founding the village, and building this pagoda.

In 1993, the pagoda was recognised as a historical and artistic relic.

History

According to legend, after the first victory over the Yuan invaders (in the year Mậu Ngọ, 1258), in order to develop production, bring prosperity to the people, and strengthen the nation, King Trần issued an edict instructing princes and princesses to gather displaced people to reclaim wasteland and expand the area surrounding the Thăng Long capital. In accordance with the edict, Princess Túc Trinh, daughter of King Trần Nhân Tông, left the palace for the north-western outskirts of Thăng Long. The princess used her own money to provide relief and capital for the poor to build houses, clear land for cultivation, and make a living, thus forming villages and hamlets.

After founding the village of Cổ Nhuế Viên, Princess Túc Trinh went to An Nội village, Liên Mạc commune, Từ Liêm district to continue her charitable work. Anh Linh Tự was built by Princess Túc Trinh with her own funds; she devoted herself day and night to the Buddhist path, guiding sentient beings, teaching people to farm, and establishing the village of Kẻ Noi (now Cổ Nhuế commune). In gratitude for her merits, the people of Cổ Nhuế commune worshipped her as Hậu Phật (a posthumous Buddhist benefactor) at Anh Linh Pagoda and Thiên Phúc Pagoda. The đền (temples) and miếu (shrines) in the village also worshipped her, naming them Tối Linh Từ and venerating her as the Divine Patroness.

The pagoda has a floor plan in the shape of the letter 'đinh' (丁), with the front hall comprising three bays built in the 'tường hồi bít đốc' (closed gable wall) style. The two sets of trusses in the central bay are constructed in the 'giá chiêng, con nhị' style; the side compartments are the ancestral house on one side and the Mother Goddess house on the other.

The pagoda's Buddha statues are complete and exhibit the artistic style of the late Nguyễn dynasty. The pagoda also preserves a Cảnh Trị stele from the Lê dynasty (1664) and a Tự Đức 12 stele from 1864. The pagoda was destroyed during the resistance war against the French and has undergone several restorations.

Photos

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Visiting tips

  • Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
  • Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
  • Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
  • Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
  • Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.

Read more & references

Useful links to learn more before your visit:

Location

Coordinates: 21.06977, 105.77974

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

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