Hac Son Communal House and Pagoda

Hac Son Communal House and Pagoda: A place preserving historical and cultural values and a serene spiritual space

Located beside the Dai Ha dike, amid the peaceful rural space of Hac Son village, Chau Son commune, Hanoi city, the Hac Son communal house and pagoda relic site is an address rich in historical, cultural, and spiritual values. This is a relic complex comprising Hac Son communal house, where the three tutelary deities Ngo Hao, Nguyen Tuan, and Chu Dien are worshipped, together with Hac Son pagoda, whose Sino-Vietnamese name is Hoa Yen Tu, where Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Mother Goddesses, and Saint Tran are worshipped.

Hac Son communal house is associated with legends about generals from the Hung Kings era and historical stories of the land of Hac Son. After several relocations, renovations, and destruction during wars, the communal house was restored by the authorities and local people on its old foundation in 2000. Hac Son pagoda was built in the 19th century and was gradually repaired, with worship statues and architectural items added, becoming a familiar place of religious practice for the community.

In terms of architecture, the communal house stands out with a Dinh-shaped layout, including the Dai Bai main hall and Hau Cung rear sanctuary. The tiled roof, the ridge decorated with two dragons flanking the moon, the softly curved roof corners, and the system of horizontal plaques, parallel sentences, and ceremonial weapons create a solemn beauty rich in traditional style. The pagoda includes a three-entrance gate with a bell tower, Tien Duong front hall, Thuong Dien upper hall, and Mother Goddess House, notable for its carved panels, Buddha statues, and rich altar objects.

Amid greenery, water bodies, and ancient tiled roofs, Hac Son communal house and pagoda bring a sense of serenity and peace. The festivals, tutelary deity worship ceremonies, Buddha rituals, Vu Lan festival, and community activities here help preserve the moral principle of remembering the source when drinking water, educate tradition, and unite the people. This is an attractive destination for visitors who love Vietnamese history, culture, and spiritual spaces.