Revamp: A renovation project on Ha Noi's famous One Pillar Pagoda will start by the end of this month. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

HA NOI  (VNS)— A renovation project for Ha Noi's famous One Pillar Pagoda, or Dien Huu Pagoda, will start by the end of this month, the People's Committee authority of Ba Dinh District said.

The renovation of the pagoda, which is located in Ba Dinh District, will cost VND18.6 billion (US$885,000) and will be mainly sourced from the city budget.

The project will focus on an extensive upgradation of the main worshipping building and the grand altar. Other renovations will include the construction of a new residence for monks, changing roof tiles and upgrading infrastructure, especially for the water drainage system, which will keep the pagoda from flooding.

The renovation is expected to be completed by June next year.

Located adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the pagoda is always locked, due to the flooding caused by heavy rains and because it's located at the lowest point of the mausoleum complex.

Meanwhile, the problem of leaky roof tiles has been evident for decades. Monks have to protect the statues inside the pagoda by clothing them in raincoats and conical hats when it rains.

The 964-year-old pagoda was built on the orders of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054.

Built with wood, the pagoda has a single stone pillar—1.25m in diameter—and is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is the Buddhist symbol of purity. — VNS