Long Quang Pagoda
Introduction
Long Quang Pagoda - the only pagoda in Hanoi built in the Esoteric Buddhist architectural style, also known as the Esoteric Buddhist school. The entire ceiling, walls, supporting beams, and columns are decorated in a typical Vajrayana style with meticulously and exquisitely designed motifs.
The pagoda was built in 1772. In 1947, French colonialists sent troops to occupy Thanh Liet; they demolished the site to build a fort. They turned the pagoda's three-entrance gate into a bunker and threw Buddha statues into a well.
After 47 years, at the end of 1994, the village, together with contributions from people everywhere, rebuilt Long Quang Pagoda on the foundation of the old pagoda, then in 2012, Long Quang Pagoda (with Venerable Thich Minh Tri as abbot) began full reconstruction. The pagoda's current area is 6,740 m2.
Currently, the pagoda still preserves a statue of Bodhidharma, the 28th Bodhisattva who came from India to spread the teachings. The bell was cast in the 19th year of Minh Menh (1838).
