Temple of Literature, the first university
Temple of Literature, located in the center of Hanoi, is one of the most important historical and cultural heritages of Vietnam. Built in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is not only a place to worship Confucius, but also the first university in Vietnam, a place to train talents for the country throughout many years. century. Today, the Temple of Literature is a symbol of the Vietnamese tradition of studiousness and respect for knowledge.
1. History of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, initially as a place to worship Confucius and Confucian sages, to honor learning and morality. This is the place to show the royal court's respect for education and the training of talented people for the country.
In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam right next to the Temple of Literature, marking the birth of the first university in Vietnam. Quoc Tu Giam was initially only for noble children, then expanded to include excellent students from all over the country. Kings, princes and mandarins often come here to organize ceremonies and select elite talents for the country through academic exams.
2. Architecture and Campus of the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has unique traditional architecture, bearing the mark of Vietnamese culture. The Temple of Literature campus is divided into five main areas, each area has a distinct meaning and is connected to each other through large walkways and gates.
Temple of Literature Gate Area
This is the main entrance to the Temple of Literature, with the majestically built Tam Quan gate, showing solemnity and respect for knowledge and Confucianism. Above the gate is the words “Temple of Literature”, emphasizing the academic nature of the area.
Ho Van
Van Lake is located in front of the main gate, a large lake that symbolizes the purity and nobility of knowledge. This is the place to create a peaceful and quiet space for the Temple of Literature, adding to the ancient and solemn beauty of the area.
Doctor's Garden
This is a famous area with 82 stone steles, where doctors who passed academic exams from the 15th to 18th centuries are recorded. Each stone stele is placed on the back of a turtle – a symbol of longevity and wisdom, showing respect for those with high educational achievements. Doctoral steles are not only historical witnesses but also the pride of the nation, encouraging the spirit of studiousness.
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple is located in the central area of the Temple of Literature, where Confucius and Confucian sages are worshiped. This is where rituals honoring religious studies take place, as well as where students come to pray before each major exam, hoping for luck and success.
Quoc Tu Giam
Quoc Tu Giam is an area that trains scholars, considered the first university in Vietnam. Here, students are taught Confucianism, literature and the necessary knowledge to become talented mandarins serving the court. Quoc Tu Giam is not only a major educational center in Vietnam but also a place associated with many famous celebrities and scholars.
3. The Role and Meaning of the Temple of Literature in History
The Temple of Literature has played an important role in training talented people, contributing to the development of the country through many dynasties. From the Ly to Nguyen dynasties, Quoc Tu Giam was a training ground for many outstanding talents who made great contributions to Vietnam's culture, education and politics.
Not only is it an educational center, the Temple of Literature is also a symbol of the nation's wisdom and studious tradition. Over hundreds of years, the Temple of Literature still maintains an important position in the hearts of the people, a place that shows respect for knowledge and education, as well as a source of inspiration for generations of students. Vietnam.
4. Temple of Literature – National Cultural Heritage
In 1980, the Temple of Literature was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic, and today, it has become one of Hanoi's most important tourist attractions. With its green space, ancient architecture and profound historical values, the Temple of Literature attracts millions of tourists to visit and learn about the tradition of studious learning and Vietnamese education.
Cultural and artistic activities are also regularly held at the Temple of Literature, especially ceremonies honoring excellent students, or cultural festivals honoring knowledge and education. Temple of Literature is not only a sightseeing destination but also a place to encourage the spirit of learning and preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnamese people.
5. Travel Experience at the Temple of Literature
Tourists visiting the Temple of Literature will have the opportunity to learn about the history and unique architecture of this relic. In addition to visiting ancient architectural works, visitors can also admire doctoral steles and participate in demonstrations about educational traditions and Confucianism in Vietnam.
The Temple of Literature is also where ceremonies regularly take place to honor students with outstanding achievements, and is the pride of Vietnamese education. In addition, artistic activities such as calligraphy and traditional music performances are also organized to bring rich cultural experiences to visitors.
Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam
Temple of Literature is not only an important historical relic but also a symbol of Vietnamese intelligence and education. With a history of more than 1,000 years, this place has become a major educational center, training many talented people for the country. Today, the Temple of Literature still maintains its cultural value, is the pride of the people of Hanoi and Vietnam, and is a must-see destination for those who want to learn about the tradition of studious learning and education. Vietnamese education through the ages.
