Nhat Tru Pagoda: An Ancient Pagoda with a Unique Buddhist Sutra Pillar in Ninh Binh

Nhat Tru Pagoda was built around 995 under the reign of King Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan), during the Dinh – Early Le period. The pagoda is located in the Outer Citadel of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, now in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province – a land that was once the first political, cultural, and religious center of the Dai Co Viet state.

After unifying the country and founding the new dynasty, the Dinh and Early Le kings attached special importance to Buddhism, viewing it as an important spiritual foundation of the nation. Many famous eminent monks such as Ngo Chan Luu, Do Phap Thuan, Master Khuong Viet, and Zen Master Van Hanh played key roles not only in religious life but also as advisors in royal affairs, diplomacy, and state governance. As a result, Buddhism during this era flourished and reached the pinnacle of prosperity.

According to legend, Nhat Tru Pagoda is associated with King Le Dai Hanh erecting a Buddhist sutra pillar to propagate Buddhist teachings and pray for national peace and prosperity. The name “Nhat Tru” (One Pillar) originates from the unique stone sutra pillar placed in front of the pagoda courtyard – an artifact of special historical, cultural, and ancient Vietnamese stone carving art value. For centuries, this place was not only a place of practice but also a site where high monks discussed national affairs with the royal court. Through many historical fluctuations, the pagoda has been restored over various periods, notably in 1944 and 1992. In 1997, Nhat Tru Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic. In particular, the Buddhist sutra pillar in the courtyard is still regarded as a prime testament to the prosperity of 10th-century Vietnamese Buddhism, while reflecting the exquisite stone sculpture craftsmanship of ancestors at that time.

Nhat Tru Pagoda is situated on an area of nearly one Northern mau, facing West, near the Sao Khe River. The overall architecture follows the traditional Dinh-shape (T-shape) layout, consisting of main items: Three-entrance Gate (Tam quan), Front Hall (Tien duong), Upper Sanctuary (Thuong dien), Ancestor House, Mother Goddess House, Guest House, Confucius Pavilion, Sutra Pillar Pavilion, and Stupa Garden.

• Tam quan (Three-entrance Gate): Built of brick with 3 gates, featuring a 2-tier 8-roof design covered with fish-scale tiles. The middle gate is the largest, embossed with Chinese characters “Nhất Trụ tự” (Nhat Tru Pagoda). The upper tier houses a large bronze bell dating back to the 7th year of Canh Thinh (1799) under the Tay Son dynasty – a rare artifact.
• Main Pagoda: T-shaped layout with a 5-bay Front Hall (1 tier 2 roofs, gong-rack style truss structure, exquisitely carved in the Nguyen style) and a 3-bay Upper Sanctuary for vertical worship layout. Notably, the Upper Sanctuary features unique roof-ridge decor carved with scroll cloud patterns and lotus blossoms. The worship space is rich with a system of Buddhist statues: Three-Times Buddhas, Amitabha Triad, Avalokiteshvara in various postures... alongside ancient stone statues and ritual objects.

The pagoda bears the strong mark of ancient Buddhist architecture harmoniously combined with traditional village culture (near Yen Thành Communal House). After restoration, the pagoda still retains its ancient, peaceful charm, serving as an important local cultural and religious space.

The most important highlight of Nhat Tru Pagoda is the Buddhist Sutra Pillar, recognized as the first national treasure of Ninh Binh province in 2016. This sutra pillar was crafted from monolithic bluestone (limestone), has an octagonal shape, stands 4.16m high (from base to top), and weighs about 4.5 tons. It consists of 6 main parts: column base, body (divided into 4 sections), and top cap, all joined together skillfully without modern adhesives.

Buddhist sutras in Chinese characters are carved on the column body, including texts such as the "Heart Sutra" and the "Lotus Sutra", aimed at spreading Buddhist teachings. This is one of the oldest stone sutra pillars in Vietnam, constructed in the 2nd year of Ung Thien (995) under the command of King Le Dai Hanh. The column not only possesses artistic value but also carries historical significance, representing the intersection between Buddhism and royal authority.

According to experts, the Buddhist Sutra Pillar at Nhat Tru Pagoda is proof of the exquisite stone carving technology of the Vietnamese people at that time, featuring delicate decorative patterns that endure over time. If you are a history or Buddhism enthusiast, admiring this pillar in person will bring a profound experience.

To reach Nhat Tru Pagoda, you can start from the center of Ninh Binh City, about 10-15km to the Northwest. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic Site is a popular destination, so you can combine visiting the pagoda with nearby attractions such as Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, Le Dai Hanh Temple, or Trang An Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Ideal time: Spring (January-March) or Autumn (September-November) to avoid hot weather. The pagoda is open from morning to evening, free admission, but you should prepare small change for offerings.
• Transportation: From Hanoi, take a bus or motorbike for about 2 hours. In Ninh Binh, rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the relic area.
• Notes: Dress politely, avoid making noise, and respect the spiritual space. If traveling in a group, join a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of history.
• Nearby activities: After visiting the pagoda, you can take a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River or climb Yen Ngua Mountain for a panoramic view of the ancient capital.

Nhat Tru Pagoda is not just a check-in spot, but also a place for you to learn about Vietnamese culture, especially if you are interested in Buddhism or feudal history.

Nhat Tru Pagoda is not only an architectural work but also carries deep cultural value. It represents the development of Buddhism in Vietnam since the 10th century, when Buddhism was used by kings to consolidate power and pray for peace for the country. The Buddhist sutra pillar here is a symbol of endurance, reminding future generations of Buddhist compassion and wisdom. In the context of Ninh Binh's growing tourism, the pagoda contributes to preserving national heritage and attracting domestic and international visitors. If you are planning a trip, take the time to visit and feel the tranquility and historical value that this place offers.