Wolfgang's photos with the keyword: Temple of Literature

The statue of Confucius which reigns within the Great House of Ceremonies.

The main entrance, walkway and gate was reserved for the use of the Emperor. Mandarins and students entered the temple through the gates on the left and right. In the autumn of the year Canh Tuat, the second year of Than Vu (1070), in the 8th lunar month, during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature was built. The statues of Confucius, his four best disciples: Yan Hui (Nhan Uyên), Zengzi (Tăng Sâm), Zisi (Tử Tư), and Mencius (Mạnh Tử), as well as the Duke of Zhou (Chu Công), were carved and 72 other statues of Confucian scholars were painted. Ceremonies were dedicated to them in each of the four seasons. The Crown Princess studied here.

The Temple of Literature (or Van Mieu) is one of Hanoi's highlights. The temple, an example of ancient Vietnamese architecture, was originally built in 1070 to honor scholars and literacy men. Soon after it became the country's first University. The names of its graduates were engraved on stone steles. Some of the tablets were lost. Those remaining are mounted on the back of stone turtles and enclosed on one side of the complex.

Entrance to the third courtyard is through the dominating Khuê Văn Các (constellation of literature), a large pavilion built in 1802. Central to this courtyard is the Thien Quang Tinh ("Well Of Heavenly Clarity"), either side of which stand two great halls which house the true treasures of the temple. These are 82 stones steles. Another 34 are believed to have been lost over the years. They sit upon stone turtles and are inscribed with the names and birth places of 1306 men who were awarded doctorates from the triennial examinations held here at the Quốc Tử Giám ("Imperial Academy") between 1484 and 1780, after which the capital was moved to Hue.

The second courtyard, looking towards the Khue Van pavilion, which allows entry to the third courtyard.

Many Vietnamese students come here to pray for success in their studies, especially before their big exams. It is a masterpiece of temple architecture honoring knowledge and those who pursue the rigorous path of learning.

Souvenir Water Puppets from Hanoi's Famous Water Puppet Theater on Sale in the Courtyard of the Temple of Literature.

A track I recorded an posted in this album. Please turn on your speakers and listen to this nice traditional music.