VietNamNet Bridge – The 964-year-old One-Pillar Pagoda, also known as Dien Huu Pagoda, in downtown Hanoi, is about to undergo extensive renovations, a local official has said.

A statue at the Dien Huu Pagoda sports a conical hat to protect it from rainwater falling through the broken roof. (Photo: VNA)

The 32 billion VND (1.6 million USD) upgrade will involve the main building and courtyard plus the surrounding lake, paths, trees and lighting.

Ba Dinh District Construction Management Department Deputy Director Vu Kim Khanh said half the cost will be met by ODA and the rest by private sponsors.

The project is expected to start in early September and finished in March next year.

The pagoda's head monk, Thich Tam Kien, said pagoda management spent 22 million VND (11,000 USD) to improve site drainage and repair the roof tiles earlier this year, but it had failed to improve the situation.

The temple was built at an order by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054.

Built of wood on a single stone pillar, 1.25m in diameter, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, a Buddhist symbol of purity.

Source: Vietnam Plus