Quan Su Temple

VIETNAM, Hanoi

Quan Su means Abode of Ambassadors. It derives its name from its use by ambassadors from neighboring countries during the Later Le dynasty (1533–1789). They resided next door and paid homage to the Buddha here. The temple was relocated a few times. It has subsequently been repaired and rebuilt. It currently serves as the headquarters of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam.
The major buildings include the main gate, main hall, the bell tower, the drum tower, as well as the front and rear halls. The main gate has a three-eave hip-and-gable roof and is finished in ceramic tiles. The gateway consists of three arches, with the middle arch higher than those at the sides. The main hall stands on a 1.9 m high platform in the center of a brick-covered courtyard. The cylindrical tiles on the roof are delicately crafted. Five tiers of Buddha niches within the main hall contain the following gilded statues, starting from the top: the Three Buddhas, the Amitabha Buddha Triad, Sakyamuni Buddha with Mahakasyapa and Ananda, the Nine Dragon Throne, and Dharma protectors. The rear hall is dedicated to the temple’s patriarch, Minh Khong of the Ly dynasty (1009–1225), as well as other heroes and important figures. Located to the back and sides of the main hall there are the library, lecture hall, and reception hall.