(Hanoi)
Hanoi, The Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius and has several courtyards, each with its own purpose, such as holding ceremonies or resting.
A display board at the Temple of Literature is written in three languages – Vietnamese, English and French. It reads:
Welcome to the Văn Miếu - Quốc Từ Giám, a special national heritage site.
This is one of the oldest and most significant building complexes, in Hanoi and among the largest Confucian vestiges in Vietnam. The Văn Miếu - Quốc Từ Giam (Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy) is today a place to praise the Vietnamese traditional respect for teachers and learning. The Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) was constructed to the southwest of the Thăng Long Citadel in 1070 CE under King Lý Thánh Tông (1054-1072 CE) and dedicated to Confucius and his principal disciples. Confucius (551-479 BCE) established the set of philosophical and ethical teachings known as Confucianism. High dignitaries attached to the royal court came here in spring and autumn to make offerings in honour of Confucius. The Quốc Tử Giám (School for the Sons of the Nation) was built behind the Văn Miếu in 1076 under King Lý Nhân Tông (1072-1128 CE) to educate children of the royal family and the mandarin aristocracy (imperial officials). Later, bright sons of ordinary families were permitted to take up studies here. Over more than 700 years of operation (1076-1802 CE), thousands of talented men were educated here before going on to contribute to the development of the country. The Quốc Từ Giám was the first and largest centre of education and training in Vietnam, and its continuing protection as national heritage reflects Vietnamese respect for higher learning and scholarship. Visitors enter the complex through the Cổng Văn Miếu (Great Portico), a two-storey brick structure with eight roofs and three doors. Friezes to the right and left of the central arch show an ascending dragon symbolizing endeavour and success at study and a tiger descending from a mountain symbolizing the strength and power of intellect, here bringing help for humanity.
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Content last change: August 08 2024