Văn Miếu, literally known as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779.
Temple of Literature
Introduction
Văn Miếu, literally known as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779.
The Văn Miếu is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The Văn Miếu was reconstructed during the Trần dynasty (1225–1400) and in the subsequent dynasties. For nearly two centuries, despite wars and disasters, the temple has preserved ancient architectural styles of many dynasties as well as precious relics. Major restorations took place in 1920, 1954 and 2000 because of the war.
Trống Sấm
Layout
The temple layout is similar to that of the temple at Qufu, Shandong, Confucius' birthplace. It covers an area of over 54,000 square meters (580,000 sq ft), including the Văn lake, Giám park and the interior courtyards which are surrounded by a brick wall.
Temple of Literature Layout
First Courtyard
The first courtyard extends from the Great Portico to the Đại Trung, which is flanked by two smaller gates: the Đạt Tài gate and the Thành Đức gate.
Second Courtyard
The second courtyard is known as the great central courtyard or sometimes the courtyard of great success. It features the Khuê Văn pavilion, a unique architectural work built in 1805 and a symbol of present-day Hanoi.
Third Courtyard
One enters the third courtyard from the Khuê Văn pavilion. In the third courtyard is the Thiên Quang well. On either side of the well stand two great halls which house the treasures of the temple.
Doctor's stone tablets
The doctors' steles are a valuable historical resource for the study of culture, education and sculpture in Vietnam. 82 stelae remain. They are a valuable historical resource for the study of philosophy, history, culture, education, society and sculpture in Vietnam. The stelae were inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2011.
Fourth Courtyard
One enters the fourth courtyard through the Đại Thành gate. On either side are two smaller gates: Kim Thanh gate and the Ngọc Chấn gate. This courtyard is the ceremonial heart of the complex.
Fifth Courtyard
In 1077 , Emperor Lý Nhân Tông ordered the construction of an imperial academy as a fifth courtyard. n 1236, the academy was enlarged and named Quốc Tử Viện and later Quốc Học Viện.
Study at the Imperial Academy
The organization of instruction and learning at the Imperial Academy began in 1076 under the Lý dynasty and was further developed in the 15th century under the Le dynasty.
Many students lived and studied at the Temple. Most students (Giám sinh) had passed the regional exam (Hương Examination - Thi Hương) before enrolling at the academy. During the course of study at the academy, the students focused on discussion of literature and wrote poetry as well. The students learned Chinese, Chinese philosophy, and Chinese history. They had textbooks printed on paper which were in both Chinese and Vietnamese.