Phúc Khánh Temple · Hà Nội

About

Phúc Khánh Temple, also known as Sở Temple, stands beside Tây Sơn Street. Within its compact grounds amid a busy urban neighbourhood, successive worship halls, statues, steles and ritual objects preserve traces of Buddhism in the Thăng Long region.

Visitor information

Founded

An old temple restored many times; accounts differ on when it was first founded.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours may vary with the temple's daily religious schedule. Please contact the temple before your visit.

Fees

No fee has been confirmed by the temple. Please check the information posted on arrival; outside services may be charged separately.

Address

382 phố Tây Sơn, phường Đống Đa, Hà Nội; khu vực Thịnh Quang trước đây.

Highlights

• ✓Popularly known as Sở Temple or Thịnh Quang Temple.
• ✓Front hall, rear sanctuary and patriarchs' hall.
• ✓Stone steles, bells and a collection of old devotional statues.

History and origins

Sources do not agree on the date of the temple's foundation; some introductory accounts transmit an origin in the late Trần period. The temple has experienced fires, war and repeated repairs. Later construction and restoration dates should be distinguished from the ages of the surviving objects.

Architecture & surroundings

A three-entrance gate with a bell loft leads to the courtyard, front hall, rear sanctuary and patriarchs' hall. Timber roof frames and ritual objects carry traditional decorative motifs. Because the grounds adjoin residential buildings, visitors should follow the temple's on-site directions for access.

Cultural value

Buddha statues, bronze bells, stone steles, horizontal inscribed boards and parallel couplets provide evidence of artistic traditions and donations toward restoration. The temple is also a familiar place of religious activity for the Tây Sơn neighbourhood.

Events & festivals

The first and seventh lunar months' full-moon observances and ceremonies announced by the temple often attract many Buddhist visitors. Please confirm the date and time of the programme you wish to attend rather than relying on the previous year's schedule.