Name: Ngoc Son Temple
Address: P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Telephone: 024 3942 2377
Rating: 4.4

Confucian temple on a lake reached by bridge with tower & pavilions dedicated to the national hero.

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Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword' or 'Sword Lake', a central feature of Hanoi and steeped in legend.

Location's Name

While the island has historical significance dating back further, the Ngoc Son Temple itself was constructed in the 18th century.

Century Construction

The temple is dedicated to several figures, including General Tran Hung Dao (a national hero), Van Xuong (a scholar), and La To (patron saint of physicians).

Dedicated Saints

To reach the Ngoc Son Temple, you must cross the iconic bright red The Huc Bridge, meaning 'where sunlight is gathered'.

Crimson Bridge

Inside the temple, you can find a preserved specimen of a giant turtle, believed to be a Hoan Kiem turtle, a critically endangered species endemic to the lake.

Preserved Specimen

Ngoc Son Temple showcases a blend of religious influences, including Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, reflecting the diverse spiritual landscape of Vietnam.

Religious Influences

Ngoc Son Temple, perched on Jade Island in the heart of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, is accessible via the iconic scarlet-painted Huc Bridge, a visual spectacle in itself. The temple's dedication is unusually syncretic, honoring not just one, but several figures: the military leader Trần Hưng Đạo, the scholar Văn Xương Đế Quân, and Lã Động Tân, a Taoist immortal. This blend reflects the adaptable nature of Vietnamese folk religion. Within the temple, a preserved giant turtle, a specimen weighing over 200 kilograms, once resided in the lake and is now displayed as a symbol of longevity and national heritage. The turtle's death in 2016 was a significant event, highlighting the lake's ecological challenges. The temple's architecture, though seemingly simple, incorporates elements of both Confucian and Taoist design, creating a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from other temples in Vietnam. The surrounding lake, often shrouded in mist, adds to the temple's ethereal and contemplative atmosphere.

Introduction

Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an islet within Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, is deeply intertwined with the lake's legendary origins. The temple's location is significant because Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning "The Lake of the Returned Sword," derives its name from a 15th-century legend involving Emperor Le Loi. According to the legend, Emperor Le Loi received a magical sword from the Golden Turtle God, which aided him in driving out invaders. After achieving victory, the emperor sailed on the lake, and a giant turtle emerged, requesting the return of the sword to the Dragon King. Le Loi returned the sword, giving the lake its name and cementing its place in Vietnamese folklore.

Before the temple's construction, the islet was known as Tortoise Island, further emphasizing the lake's connection to the sacred turtle. The temple, built in the 19th century, stands near Turtle Tower, a monument commemorating the legend of General Le Loi and Kim Qui, the golden tortoise. The temple's dedication to General Tran Hung Dao, who led resistance against Mongol invasions, also aligns with themes of patriotism and defense found in the legend. The presence of a preserved giant Hoan Kiem Turtle within the temple symbolizes longevity, wisdom, and the enduring spirit of Hanoi, directly linking the temple to the lake's mythical guardian. The bright red Huc Bridge that leads to the temple means "where sunlight is absorbed" and provides a transition from the everyday world to the spiritual space, further enhancing the temple's mystical aura.

Legends of Hoan Kiem Lake

Ngoc Son Temple, constructed in the 19th century during the Nguyễn Dynasty, stands as a testament to Vietnam's resilient spirit and rich cultural tapestry. Dedicated to Trần Hưng Đạo, a revered national hero celebrated for his pivotal role in repelling Mongol invasions during the 13th century, the temple embodies Vietnamese pride and historical consciousness. Over time, its dedication expanded to include Văn Xương, the deity of literature, and Lã Tổ, the patron saint of medicine, reflecting the syncretic nature of Vietnamese spiritual beliefs.

The temple's location on a jade-green islet within Hoàn Kiếm Lake adds to its mystique, steeped in the legend of Emperor Lê Lợi returning a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God after liberating Vietnam from Chinese rule. This legend intertwines the temple with the lake's historical narrative, solidifying its significance as a cultural landmark. The iconic Húc Bridge, with its vibrant red hue, serves not only as a physical connection to the temple but also as a symbolic passage, representing the "Bridge of the Rising Sun" and Hanoi's enduring cultural identity. Within the temple, artifacts, paintings, and relics offer glimpses into Vietnam's past, preserving its heritage for future generations. Ngoc Son Temple is more than just a historical site; it is a living embodiment of Vietnam's spiritual and cultural soul.

Historical Significance

Ngoc Son Temple embodies the harmony of Vietnamese spiritual beliefs through its symbolic architecture and artifacts. The temple's design prominently features the "Tam" (三) character, representing the Eastern philosophical elements of Heaven, Earth, and Human, and the vital balance between them. This reflects the integration of nature and humanity, emphasizing Yin and Yang.

The altar dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao symbolizes patriotism, bravery, and selfless sacrifice, connecting visitors to Vietnam's historical struggles and triumphs. The Altar of Literature and Scholars pays tribute to the gods of knowledge, exams, and intellectual achievement, highlighting the deep respect for education within Vietnamese society.

The ancient turtle specimen links the temple to the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, where King Le Loi returned a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God, signifying divine assistance and the return of peace. The incense burner preserves the balance of Yin and Yang within the temple, harmonizing opposing forces and encouraging reflection on balance in life.

Dragon and tiger panels at the entrance symbolize wisdom and strength, reflecting the temple's connection to intellectual pursuits, while the Moon Viewing Pavilion offers a serene space for contemplation, inspired by the beauty of the moonlit lake. These elements combine to make Ngoc Son Temple a profound representation of Vietnamese cultural and spiritual values.

Symbolism in Vietnamese Culture

Ngoc Son Temple's architecture uniquely blends Vietnamese traditional design with Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist elements. The temple complex is reached by crossing The Huc Bridge, a bright red wooden structure meaning "The Morning Sunlight," which serves as a transition from the bustling city to a serene spiritual space. The Tam Quan Gate, an elegant three-door gate adorned with Chinese characters and stone carvings, symbolizes harmony and balance.

The main temple features a distinctive "Tam" (三) character design, representing the three fundamental elements of Eastern philosophy: Heaven, Earth, and Human. This design embodies the harmony and balance in the universe, where these elements interact to sustain life. The "Tam" structure reflects deep cultural values and humanistic thoughts in Vietnamese spiritual life, integrating nature and humanity while emphasizing the principle of Yin and Yang.

The temple's architecture includes eight square-shaped roofs, two tiers, eight supporting columns, and three main houses, characteristic of the Northern region's architectural style. The Pen Tower, a stone tower shaped like a writing brush, symbolizes the importance of knowledge and literature, while the Ink Slab, carved in the shape of a peach, represents intellectual achievement. These architectural details underscore the reverence for education and wisdom within Vietnamese culture.

Architectural Style

Ngoc Son Temple

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Location's Name

Century Construction

Dedicated Saints

Crimson Bridge

Highlights from Reviews

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