Chùa Trăm Gian, Hà Nội

Chùa Trăm Gian, also known as Chùa Quảng Nghiêm or Chùa Tiên Lữ, is considered one of the “four great scenic landmarks of xứ Đoài.” This ancient temple dates from the Lý dynasty and stands on a hill about 50m high in Chương Mỹ District, Hà Nội.

Construction of Chùa Trăm Gian began around 1185, during the reign of King Lý Cao Tông, and the temple is closely associated with the legend of Saint Bối. The passage of time has led to several restorations, giving the temple its present appearance. It has 104 bays divided among 3 main architectural complexes, which may explain its name, meaning “Hundred-Bay Temple.”

Chùa Trăm Gian is closely associated with the legend of Saint Bối. According to tradition, during the Trần dynasty, a woman from Bối Khê village dreamed of the Buddha while pregnant and later gave birth to a son. After losing his parents at a young age, the boy became a monk at Chùa Đại Bi in the village. While studying Buddhism at a temple on the mountain, he mastered many supernatural powers. After the Trần king appointed him Abbot in the capital, he asked the king for permission to return to his village and build a new temple. At the age of 95, he sat inside a wooden shrine and passed into the next life. After 100 days, his disciples opened the shrine and found that a wonderful fragrance filled the entire area. The villagers and disciples then built a tower to worship Saint Bối.

Today, Chùa Trăm Gian is considered one of the four most famous and sacred temples in xứ Đoài, alongside Chùa Thầy, Chùa Trầm and Chùa Tây Phương. In recognition of its historical and architectural value, Chùa Trăm Gian has been designated a national historical site.

• See also: Top must-see attractions in Hà Nội