Welcome to the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam’s first university and is full of history. More than just an architectural wonder, this temple of learning is also home to some of the most famous thinkers in Vietnamese history.
If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Quoc Tu Giam or the recent study undertaken by UNESCO for its World Heritage List. Let’s start reading!
Contents
- 1 Temple of Literature’s history
- 2 The architecture of the Temple of Literature
- 2.1 The Frist Courtyard Đại Trung Môn – Temple of Literature
- 2.2 Temple of Literature: The Second Courtyard Khuê Văn Các
- 2.3 Temple of Literature: The Third Courtyard – Thien Quang Well
- 2.4 The Fourth Courtyard Đại Thành Môn – Quoc Tu Giam
- 2.5 Temple of Literature: The Fifth Courtyard the Grounds of Imperial Academy
- 3 Interesting Facts about the Hanoi Temple of Literature
- 4 Cultural Value of the Quoc Tu Giam
- 5 How to get Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam?
- 6 Useful Tips to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam
Temple of Literature’s history
The Temple of Literature is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most famous historical sites.
It was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a university dedicated to Confucianism – a Chinese philosophy focus on morality, proper behavior, and respect for hierarchy.
Especially, King Ly Thanh Ton built a temple to honor Confucius and other well-known scholars. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Ton started the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam) to teach the children of the nobility and the king.
Moreover, King Tran Thai Thong expanded the Imperial Academy to include talented commoners in 1253.
The architecture of the Temple of Literature
The entire Temple of Literature encompasses an area of 54,331 square meters. The External (Lake of Literature & Giam Garden) and Internal Areas are included, subdivided into five sections as described below.
The Frist Courtyard Đại Trung Môn – Temple of Literature
Starting from the Great Portico (Khu Nhập Đạo), one comes across the initial courtyard that leads to the Great Middle Gate (Đại Trung Môn).
In addition, there are 2 minor gates at either side of it: Attained Talent Gate (Đại Tài Môn) and the Accomplished Virtue Gate (Thành Đức Môn), hinting that for one to succeed in life, it requires a combination of talent and virtue.
The post-Le dynasty-style Great Middle Gate is at the end of the main road in the courtyard (15th-17th centuries).
Temple of Literature: The Second Courtyard Khuê Văn Các
On the back of the 100,000 Vietnam dong bill is a picture of the Pavilion of Constellation, which is a well-known building in Hanoi. This unique design was created in 1805 with four white-painted stone supports.
Khuê is the brightest star you can see in the sky. It looks like the “literary” Chinese character, which means a desire for higher education.
Inside the courtyard, an old bronze bell hangs from the ceiling. This bell is only rung on happy occasions.
Temple of Literature: The Third Courtyard – Thien Quang Well
The third courtyard, which is formed in a square shape, is referred to as the “Well of Heavenly Clarity”. Is this geometry-inspired work peculiar?
The circle on top of the pavilion represents the sky, and the square on the ground represents the ground.
Besides keeping the Temple of Literature’s tranquil atmosphere, the well also helped students gain a sense of self and dress appropriately before entering the hallowed inner area.
The Fourth Courtyard Đại Thành Môn – Quoc Tu Giam
The fourth courtyard of the complex is an exceptional sight, in Vietnamese.
Here, one can find the House of Ceremonies and a sanctuary devoted to Confucius. And, splendid red columns and wood beam ceilings frame the courtyard, while antique-style lanterns are suspended.
The Confucian Revival in the Propaganda Narratives of the Chinese Government
Source: www.uscc.gov
Then, this location dedicates to paying homage to Confucius. In addition to his four most exceptional students (Mencius, Yanhui, Zongshen, and Zisi) and Ten Chinese Philosophers.
Temple of Literature: The Fifth Courtyard the Grounds of Imperial Academy
The fifth courtyard consists of two floors. On the first floor, there is a statue of Chu Van An, who was a respected teacher and the first rector of Imperia Academy.
He spent his whole life working to improve education in Vietnam. Especially, displayed are visuals and objects related to Confucianism in Vietnam around this period.
On the upper floor, people pay homage to the three kings most instrumental in building the temple and institute: (in order left to right) Ly Thanh Tong, who founded the temple in 1070, and Ly Nhan Tong, who instituted the Imperial Academy.
Interesting Facts about the Hanoi Temple of Literature
– Ly Can Duc, who became King Ly Nhan Tong, was the first pupil at the Imperial Academy – Vietnam’s first university.
– The Literature Temple on the second floor of the Imperial Academy a sanctum devote to the adoration of the three kings: Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, and Le Thanh Tong.
– Confucius, Chou Kung (Duke of Chou), and Chu Van An are the three most revered worshippers at the Literature Temple.
– In 2021, UNESCO recognized 82 Doctors’ Stelae as part of the world’s documented history and added it to the International Register of Memory of the World UNESCO
Cultural Value of the Quoc Tu Giam
The Temple of Literature is an important landmark in the history of Vietnamese culture. It has built over 1,000 years ago to honor Confucius and other great Chinese scholars, making it the country’s first university.
In the past, before an examination, many people sought good luck from the doctoral steles by touching the head of a nearby turtle.
Until today, a barrier surrounds the statues, so people no longer seek luck there.
How to get Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam?
- Touring by bus: Visitors can take buses 32,41,23,38 and 02; get off at the nearest stop to the Temple of Literature. Then afterward walk there.
- Using bicycle: Visiting Hanoi by bicycle can be an incredibly enjoyable experience; and one that travel agencies are providing to their customers through inner-city tours.
- Taxi, motorbike taxi: Visitors of Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi can easily call for motorbike; or taxi services to explore the area.
- Freetoursinhanoi.com will help you set up your tour with a tailor-made itinerary.
Useful Tips to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam
–Firstly, it is necessary to wear clothing that is appropriate for a place of worship. Wearing conical hats, caps, short skirts, single-strip shirts, and shorts is not permissible.
– Besides, be respectful and calm in places of worship.
– Finally, cash needs; the ticket office does not accept payment by credit card.
In short, a visit to this Temple of Literature will give you a glimpse into one aspect of Vietnam’s rich literary history. If you want to learn more about Vietnamese literature, history, and culture, you can find more links on the vietnamtravelers.com website.
