Van Mieu Temple of Literature (Vietnamese: Van Mieu) is the most famous Confucian temple in Hanoi, on whose grounds the first Vietnamese university was built. The temple is a complex of buildings that are intertwined with paths. Despite all the disasters, the temple has preserved sacred relics and ancient architectural style. Statues, monuments, and pavilions line the temple complex.
Van Mieu Temple is located south of the Hanoi Citadel, on Quoc Tu Giam Street. The image of the Temple of Literature can be seen on the 100,000 dong note.
History of Van Mieu
In 1070, Emperor Ly Thanh Tong ordered the establishment of a temple to honour Confucius and his followers. The shrine was decided to be named Van Mieu. Six years later, in 1076, an academy was built on its territory - the first in the whole Vietnam. The institution was intended for the children of high-ranking officials - mandarins - as well as children of royal families. Students learnt the basics of Confucianism from sacred books."
Ceremonies were held in the temple, but not only of a religious nature. From 1442, it began to regularly host the chang-nguyen graduation ceremony, which awarded a student a doctorate. The emperor called for the immortalisation of the names of students who were able to become exam winners. Their names, city and date of birth were inscribed on stone steles.
In 1802, Emperor Zia Long moved the university to another city. It turned out to be the new capital of Vietnam - Hue.
Structure of Van Mieu Temple of Literature
The temple grounds consist of five separate courtyards, which symbolise the elements:
- water;
- fire;
- earth;
- metal;
- wood.
Externally, it resembles a multitude of pagodas connected by paths and alleys. Each courtyard is surrounded by inner walls and is a separate landmark.
Photo: Xiquinho Silva. Source: Wikipedia
The first courtyard
The entrance to the temple is framed by an ancient white gate, whose inscription encourages travellers to dismount from their horses and go inside on foot. Behind the gate is a park for recreation and strolling, where you can see 3 parallel paths. The central path was created especially for the Emperor of Vietnam and his family, while others could only walk on the side paths. Along the park, there are sacred banyan trees and lotus ponds.
Second courtyard
All paths in the park lead to the Khue Wan Literary Pavilion. This pavilion stands on four stone pillars and consists of two tiers. A bronze bell is suspended on the second tier, which rings on special days.
In the past, a committee used to meet at the pavilion and select mandarins based on a literature exam. Only those who passed the exam with the highest score were allowed in.
The Third Courtyard
This courtyard houses the lake "The Well of Heavenly Purity". It is surrounded on all sides by a gallery of 82 stone steles. These monuments immortalise the names of the students who passed the examination and were awarded the degree of Doctor of Science. There were 82 such examinations - after each of them a new slab was built and placed on the back of a stone turtle. The belief is that these turtles bring good luck, so before the exams, students would stroke their backs.
The Fourth Courtyard
Locals call it the courtyard of the sages because it is home to Dai Thanh, the main temple of Confucius. The structure is held up by 40 pillars that are painted with dragon images. There are several statues inside: the main one is dedicated to Confucius himself, and the others to his chief disciples.
Among them were:.
- Zi Gong;
- Tzeng Shen;
- Meng Tzu;
- Yang Hue;
- Tzu Hsia;
On the sides are altars to worship the 72 Confucian theorists and Tu Wan An, the rector of the university.
Fifth courtyard
At the terminus of the temple is the Imperial Academy of Vietnam. It includes several buildings: the main academic building, student lodges, and a storehouse. Inside, classrooms have been preserved, as well as the students' dormitories, where you can view their study materials and ancient writing. Outside stands a 700kg drum, which was used to regulate the daily routine.
The building was destroyed by French troops, but it has been restored using traditional materials.
Moving from the first courtyard to the fifth, you are initiated into Confucianism.
Useful information
How to get there: the Temple of Literature is located on Quoc Tu Giam St, two kilometres from the Returned Sword Lake. It can be reached by routes No 38, No 40, No 2, No 25, No 49 and No 41.
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance price: 30,000 VND, children up to and including 15 years old are free.
