Vietnam PagodasDictionary of Vietnamese pagodas & temples

Kim Sơn Pagoda (Hà Nội)

Hà Nội(Chùa Kim Sơn (Hà Nội))

Kim Sơn Pagoda (Hà Nội)

Overview & history

Kim Sơn Pagoda, commonly known as Kim Mã Pagoda, is located at 73 Kim Mã Street, Giảng Võ Ward, Hanoi City.

History

In the past, this place was a cemetery and an execution ground where criminals were beheaded. The people of Mã Trại village built the Vạn Linh hermitage (am) out of thatch to pray for the souls of the dead. Later, the bodies of soldiers who died in the Đống Đa battle (1789) during the resistance against the Qing invaders were brought here for burial at the Kim Mã cemetery.

In 1881, the hermitage was destroyed by a storm, and the local people rebuilt it with bricks and tiles, sculpted Buddha statues for worship, and it was commonly called Tàu Ngựa Pagoda (also known as Tàu Mã Pagoda).

In 1898, the pagoda was renovated and renamed Kim Sơn. In 1932, the pagoda was rebuilt, with the construction of the Tam Bảo hall, a temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, and the Vạn Linh altar.

Currently, Bhikkhuni Thích Đàm Tiến, the abbess of the pagoda, has organised many renovations and restorations of various sections of the pagoda. The main hall is solemnly arranged, the new Tam Quan (triple gate) has been rebuilt in a grand manner, as well as the guest house... The pagoda has many wooden statues of artistic value. The pagoda has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture as a National Historical and Cultural Site.

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: 21.03160, 105.82639

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

Other pagodas in Hà Nội

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Chùa Bà Nành (Hà Nội)

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