The Historic Kieu Lady Temple in Hanoi

The Kieu Lady Temple is a historic and cultural site located on Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. Dedicated to worshipping Lieu Hanh, an ancient mother goddess and the patron saint and protector of women and children, this Taoist temple has existed since the early 13th century. Over the centuries, it has become an iconic landmark that represents an important part of Hanoi’s history, culture and religion.

The Kieu Lady Temple was originally built in the Ly Dynasty between 1225 and 1264 AD. There are a few legends about the history and origins of the temple. One story says that in 1156, King Ly Anh Tong was gravely ill and after praying to the mother goddess Lieu Hanh, he recovered. As thanks, he ordered the construction of Den Voi Phuc temple, which later became the Kieu Lady temple. Another tale is that the temple was built by the villagers of Kim Ngu commune to worship Lieu Hanh, who had helped save many infants in the area from disease.
Over its long history spanning over eight centuries, the Kieu Lady Temple has been renovated and restored multiple times, especially during the Le Dynasty in the 15th century. The temple hosts an important festival called Tet Trung Thu or the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival annually, which attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims. The colorful history and legends have contributed to making this temple an intriguing, vibrant site with deep cultural significance in Vietnam.

Nestled beside Hoan Kiem Lake, the Kieu Lady Temple features traditional Vietnamese architecture with Chinese influences. Covering an area of over 200 square meters, the layout follows feng shui principles meant to harmonize with the natural landscape. The main gate faces the jade green waters of Hoan Kiem Lake across The Huc Bridge, which connects the temple to the shore.
The temple comprises of several halls and chambers, with the key buildings being the Main Sanctuary and the prostestant church. The interiors exhibit magnificent wood carvings, lacquer artwork and historical artifacts connected to the mother goddess Lieu Hanh. The temple complexes house altars with intricately-carved statues of Lieu Hanh, who is depicted as holding an infant in her arms. The temple also has colorful wall murals and poems dedicated to the goddess.
In front of the main sanctuary stands a rare 500-year old banyan tree with its aerial roots hanging downwards. There is also a well called Thuy Trung or Clear Sky Well, with sweet water that never runs dry even during harsh summers. These natural features accentuate the serene, spiritual atmosphere of the temple. The unique blend of manmade architectural beauty and natural elements make this a visually stunning landmark.

As a site of active Taoist and folk religion worship, the Kieu Lady Temple hosts many vibrant rituals and festivals year-round. The biggest event is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Coinciding with the harvest season, the festival celebrates the goddess Lieu Hanh as a protector of children and promoter of fertility and prosperity.
Thousands of locals and tourists gather at the temple to offer fruits, flowers and pray to the goddess by burning incense sticks. There are lion and unicorn dances held by the sanctuary, where performers wear elaborate masks and costumes symbolizing forces of good and evil. People also release floating lotus-shaped lanterns on the lake outside the temple, making for an unforgettable sight.
Besides that, the temple also hosts various rituals meant for specific purposes – from blessing newborn babies to praying for a husband. Practices like releasing birds and fish on the lake are also carried out by devotees, reflecting the strong social and supernatural significance attached to this temple for centuries. The active religious culture and practices are a large part of what draws many visitors beyond the architectural beauty itself.

The Kieu Lady Temple is valued greatly for its cultural legacy and deep roots within Hanoi’s history. Having remained an active pagoda for almost 800 years since the 13th century, the temple has become synonymous with the city itself. Both locals and foreigners recognize it as one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi.
The temple finds mention in several Vietnamese legends, literature works and even political history. It serves as a marker of the progression of time and the richness of culture sustained within Hanoi from ancient times through periods of colonization to the modern era. The temple is, therefore, a symbol of the strength and essence of Vietnamese civilization shining through the tides of change.
Its location on scenic Hoan Kiem Lake – the very heart of Hanoi – further cements its status as a representation of the city’s layered history. The name Hoan Kiem translates to ‘returned sword’ and connects to the fabled legend of Emperor Le Loi returning his divine sword to the Golden Turtle God in this very lake. Just as Hoan Kiem Lake is a cultural emblem of Vietnam’s glorious victory over Chinese invaders, the Kieu Lady Temple on its banks immortalizes the role of folk religion and traditions in shaping the country’s culture through the ages.
Thus, the Kieu Lady Temple stands as a microcosm of Vietnamese identity and a poetic lens into Hanoi’s historic soul that has inspired artists and commoners alike for generations. Its enduring allure promises to continue enlightening future visitors about Vietnam’s proud past.




 

In conclusion, the Kieu Lady Temple is more than just a breathtaking lake-side landmark in the heart of Hanoi. It represents a vital piece of Vietnam’s religious traditions, architectural heritage and the legendary history attached to Hoan Kiem Lake for nearly 1000 years. Its visual magnificence as a pagoda combines seamlessly with the natural beauty of its settings beside emerald waters.
The active rituals and colorful festivals reveal how folk culture endures generations while adapting to the times. For locals and tourists alike, the temple provides a glimpse into Hanoi’s eventful journey through dynasties, colonizers and modern eras to become Vietnam’s vibrant capital today. It immortalizes Vietnamese civilization’s undying spirit and brings alive the secrets and legends buried within Hoan Kiem Lake’s waters. By weaving intricate layers of culture, nature and history into one magical spot, the Kieu Lady Temple secures its place as one of Vietnam’s most precious treasures. If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.