Phuc Hung Pagoda, Son Tay Ward

Phuc Hung Pagoda, also known as Chua Moi, with the Sino-Vietnamese name Phuc Hung Tu, located in Tran Hung Dao residential group, Son Tay Ward, Hanoi City. This is an ancient pagoda in the Doai region, rich in historical, cultural and religious traditions, closely tied to the spiritual life of many generations of local people.

According to historical documents, the pagoda was built around the 17th century, situated on the bank of the Tich River, on a beautiful site in the center of Son Tay. In the past, the pagoda was large, located on a campus of about 3,000 m², including many components such as the Tam Quan, bell tower, the Three Jewels worship area, the Mother Goddess worship area and guest house. Outside the pagoda, there was a gate opening to Ngo Quyen Street, formerly called Huu My Street. The architectural space of the pagoda bears strong traditional marks, demonstrating the skill and talent of generations of ancient artisans.

Phuc Hung Pagoda worships Buddha according to Mahayana Buddhism; it is a place for local people and pilgrims to worship Buddha, pray for peace, cultivate goodness and find tranquility of mind. Over many generations, the pagoda has not only been a place for religious and spiritual activities but has also contributed to educating compassion, a spirit of benevolence, love for people and neighborly affection in the community.

One of the outstanding values of Phuc Hung Pagoda is its system of relics and worship objects of historical and artistic value, mostly dating from the Nguyen dynasty. Typical artifacts include the system of worship statues such as the Dharmapala statue, Maitreya statue, Snow Mountain statue, along with Buddha and Bodhisattva statues arranged in the main hall. These relics contribute to reflecting the history of the formation and development of the relic as well as the cultural and religious life of Son Tay people through periods.

Every year, the pagoda organizes many traditional Buddhist festivals such as the Maitreya Buddha's birthday, the Thuong Nguyen Festival, Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan, and the festivals of Quan Am, Dizang, and Amitabha. The pagoda's main festival takes place on the 10th day of the first lunar month, combining religious rituals with community cultural and artistic activities. This is an occasion for local people to express their reverence, pray for a peaceful life, and at the same time contribute to preserving customs and practices and strengthening community bonds.

With its outstanding historical, architectural, artistic and religious values, in 2011, Phuc Hung Pagoda was ranked as a city-level historical-cultural relic. The ranking recognizes the value of the relic and affirms the significance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage in contemporary life.