Description of the attraction
Tai Pagoda, like all similar structures, is located on the top of the Kau Lau hill near a beautiful lake on the outskirts of Hanoi. It was built in the 11th century as a dedication to the monk Tu Dao Han, the famous master of water puppetry. The pagoda has become not only a monument to the founder of the Vietnamese puppet theater, but also a testament to the special respect of the Vietnamese for the great masters.
Over the centuries, Tai Pagoda was rebuilt several times, while maintaining the unity of the outer lines. As is customary, the pagoda consists of three separate prayer halls. The outdoor, or Ha Pagoda, has been designated for ceremonies and offerings since ancient times. In the central Chung pagoda, they pray to the great Buddha. In Thuong Pagoda, Master Tu Dao Hanyu is worshiped, and his sandalwood statue is installed here.
Many ancient sculptures have been preserved in the pagodas, two huge clay statues of guards dating back to the 18th century are especially impressive.
In Vietnam, water puppetry is considered a very ancient art, closely related to the traditions of peasant life. In ancient times, peasants staged performances of wooden dolls in water-filled rice fields. Nowadays, exotic, bright, unlike anything else puppet shows on the water have become the country's national pride.
In memory of the progenitor of the folk genre Tu Dao Han, a theater pavilion was built in the center of the lake, on the shore of which the Tai pagoda stands. It hosts the most beautiful theatrical puppet shows on the water. And the famous puppet show festival is organized every year.
