Interspersed between the noisy, bustling Hanoi you can easily catch a temple nestled in a peaceful side street in Cau Giay District. That is Ha pagoda. Ha Pagoda is one of the beautiful temple complex and attracted many Buddhists, tourists and even the young Hanoian. 

 

Related to the history of this temple, there are two legends. According to the first legend: the temple was built since King Ly Thanh Tong (1054-1072). Then the king was over 40 years old but had yet any child. He went to a small temple in the Dich Vong area now to pray. Eventually he had a son named Can Duc. The temple was renamed as the temple of the Lord. On the way to visit, the king went into another temple and gave the money to repair. This temple is the Ha Pagoda and therefore the word is titled: Holy Spirit. 

 

Currently, the family tomb is still being kept in the pagoda. On the right, it is made entirely of precious wood, the tutelary gods worship 2 Generals of Trieu Viet Vuong who defeated the enemy in the 6th Century. 

 

The structure of the pagoda makes it confusing for first time visitor to know which section to go first. The front of the pagoda is for financial fortune while the back of the pagoda is for romantic blessings. Ha pagoda has many old trees. The oldest is more than 300 years old, standing next to the fireplace. The star fruit tree in front of the pagoda is also more than 100 years old, yielding juicy fruits year round. The trees in the front yard came from India. Though being regularly trimmed, the trees still spread out, covering the whole yard. There is also a semicircular pond in front of the yard.   

 

Hanoi's famous Ha Pagoda is sacred to many pilgrim. Single people, after the ceremony, would soonly find their other half. The lovers also to join hands and pray for the grace of hundred years of happiness. There are even young couples insisting on dragging lover to vow to love each other here, because there has never before a change of heart. That makes Ha Pagoda in the minds of those who come to increasingly sacred mysteries.