Temple of Literature, Hanoi

21.028611111111105.83555555556Koordinaten: 21 ° 1 ' 43 "N, 105 ° 50 ' 8" O

The Temple of Literature ( Văn Tú Mieu Quoc Giam ) (Han tự :文庙), is a Confucian, erbauter as National Academy plant complex in the west of the old city of Hanoi in North Vietnam. He is the most important of the Temple of Literature in Vietnam.

Concept and meaning

The term refers to the Temple of Literature neither a temple, nor the plant served each religious purposes. 1070 from the third emperor of the Ly dynasty Thánh Tông ( Ly Nhật sound) built, the plant until today, although the main sanctuary of Vietnam is, however, it was from the beginning to the first academy in the country between 1076-1915 the sons of the Mandarin and various gifted bourgeois aristocracy were taught. 1076 was in remembrance of the wise Confucius ( Khong Tu) (see Caodaism ), Quốc Tú Giam ( Imperial College ), the National University, founded on the site of Temple of Literature. The temple is based on the basis of the Confucius Temple (孔庙" Kǒng Miao " ) in the birthplace of Confucius Qufu in the Chinese province of Shandong.

During the Trần Dynasty ( 1225-1400 ) and later subsequent dynasties, the temple complex has been revised several times. Over the years, took place destruction, reconstruction, re destruction in the Temple of Literature. The temple complex was completely renovated in 1920-1956, only 1947 had the reconquest of Hanoi by French forces against the Việt Nam Doc Lap Ðồng Minh Hoi caused serious damage to the complex (see First Indochina War). He was last restored in 2000. Today, the property is considered a significant historical and cultural legacy in Hanoi. A partial view of the system, a section of the lake of heavenly clarity ( Thien Quang Tinh ), shows the back of the 100,000 - Dong banknote ( VND Vietnamese currency ).

Architecture of the system

The plant complex is divided into five walled courtyards, according to the classical scheme of Chinese living and temples along a north -south axis aufreih itself (ed). Paths and gates in the central region of the axis (major axis ) were alone reserved the rulers. The laterally along the walls leading way systems were used by servants and soldiers.

The first courtyard

At the entrance through the outer gate, a set into two stele inscription " ha ma" applies ( German: "Go on !") To the mounted visitors without distinction of rank and status. Behind the gate begins the central axis paths. Prior to the first courtyard of the two stone dragons guarding the main gate is located ( Van Mieu Mon).

The second courtyard

By the next Torkomplex, the Great Middle Tor ( Trung Dai - gate), one enters the second courtyard. To the left there is access through the gate of Acquired Talent ( Dat Tai Mon) and right next to the access through the gate of Reclaimed virtue ( Thanh Duc Mon). The adjoining courtyard contains a small garden. Here you meet the Khue Van Cac Mon, stands on the landmark of Hanoi, the two-story pavilion of the constellation of Literature ( Khue Van Cac ). This pavilion was used by scholars as a meeting place for debates, speeches and readings. It was built in 1802 and is today a veritable example of Vietnamese architecture dar.

The third courtyard

Left and right of the main entrance open two more gates to access the third courtyard. This courtyard is dominated by a square- made ​​pond, the Thien Quang Tỉnh ( source of heavenly light ). Here also are the artifacts of the stelae court. On both sides here are found the remaining 82 stone steles. 34 steles are no longer available. Name, place and result of rigorous examination of a total of 1,307 graduates of the imperial examinations during the Lê and Mac dynasties from 1442 to 1779 are engraved here. All candidates take the highest to be awarded titles, tien si. Each stele is on the back of a turtle, which embodies strength and a long life. Several stelae bear floral designs and the symbolism of Yin and Yang. Stately dragons were added only in the late creative period ( 18th century). After the takeover of the Nguyễn Dynasty of Gia Long - ruler had in 1807, the Academy moved to the newly founded capital of Hue since 1802 and there were only minor checks instead. 1915 Finally, the training system ended in the Temple of Literature.

The fourth courtyard

The Dai Thanh Gate ( Gate of Great Success ) leads to the fourth courtyard, the actual temple area. The pavilions on either side hid once statues and altars, which originally served the memory of the 72 most famous student of Confucius. Here are the two Confucian scholars Truong Han Sieu and Chu Van An worshiped. At the north end of the yard, the actual Confucius Temple, from the Great House of Ceremonies ( Dai Bai Dunong ) and the hall of the great success ( Dai Thanh Dien) is constituted with the Blessed Sacrament. Once even the king had forbidden the entrance. A Confucius statue dominates the center of the darkened room. Confucius is framed by his four main disciples Yan Hui ( Nhan Uyen ), Zengzi ( Tăng Sâm ) Zisi ( Tu Tu ), and Mencius ( Mạnh TU). There are, in addition to two side altars pedigrees of ten other major students. The ceremony hall is a squat building with a curved roof. In red and gold held chancel of the king and his mandarins sacrificed at the sound of drums and gongs. Local attractions include standing on turtles bronze cranes and carvings ( phoenixes, dragons, yin-yang symbols, fruits and lotus flowers) as well as decorative bonsai trees. Today, souvenir shops with postcard sales and a small museum have established.

The fifth courtyard

In the fifth courtyard finally there was the National University ( Quoc Tu Giam ). In this area were from 1076 the classrooms of the Academy. From the 15th century the dormitories of the graduates there were also accommodated. As part of the overall renovations, the present appearance of the fifth courtyard was created. Four buildings dominate the terrain. The two low-rise buildings were used by the temple guards (left) and officials (right) as a guest.

UNESCO World Documentary Heritage

The collection of the columns described above 82 ( Doctor's Steles of Le - Mac Dynasties, Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Văn ) in the Temple of Literature was included in the UNESCO World Documentary Heritage on March 9, 2010.

Environment

The Temple of Literature is located south of Thang Long Citadel. It covers an area of 54,000 square meters, the lake in the literature ( Ho Van Chuong ) and the Giam Park are taken into account in this measurement method. Two kilometers to the east is the Hoan Kiem Lake.