Located in the Dong Da section of Hanoi, Van Mieu, or the
Temple of Literature, is the oldest school in Vietnam, giving it the
distinction of being the most significant temple in both Hanoi and Vietnam. It
is representative of Confucian ways of thought and behavior, and is a
historical and cultural relic.
According to historical records, during the 8th lunar month
of the Canh Tuat Year (1070), King Ly Thanh Tong erected several important
monuments, including the Temple of Literature and the carvings of Confucius,
Chu Cong, four disciples, and 72 other scholars who were considered to be model
Confucians. Ceremonies were dedicated to them once every season of the year.
The Crown Prince has traditionally been educated here. In 1076, Vietnam's first
university, Quoc Tu (National University), was established under the direction
of King Ly Nhan Tong near Van Mieu for the purpose of instructing the children
of Mandarins, the aristocrats, and the brightest commoners. During its more
than 700 years of instruction (1076-1779), Quoc Tu Giam educated thousands of
talented men for Vietnam. Among the most notable are the mathematician Luong
The Vinh, the historian Ngo Sy Lien, the encyclopedist Ly Don, and the
politician-diplomat Ngo Thi Nham.
After more than 900 years of existence, repairs and
renovations, Quoc Tu Giam is still an example of well-preserved traditional
Vietnamese architecture. Also preserved within these confines are valued relics
representing the Millenary civilization, such as stelae with inscriptions of
the names of distinguished scholars, the Well of Heavenly Clarity (Thien Quang
Tinh), the pavilion in dedication of the Constellation of Literature (Khue Van
Cac), the statue of Confucius, the Great House of Ceremonies, the ancient wall,
kowtow portico and the sanctuary, the stone dragons, and the ink stone stands.
Secular trees, such as the banyan and frangipani, were present during literary
meetings, festivals and examinations that occurred during the Ly, Tran and Le
dynasties. They continue to flourish.
An important historical and cultural vestige of Vietnam, Van
Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam are currently under repair to restore their original
appearance.
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