The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most culturally significant sites. The national first university served as the center of higher learning for over 700 years. With its well-preserved architecture and grounds, this serene Confucian temple offers visitors the chance to step back in time. Visitors can learn about Vietnam’s proud educational history.
A National Symbol of Scholarship and Prestige
As Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature carries deep symbolic importance. It was founded following the introduction of Confucianism to Vietnam as a way to honor scholars and high-ranking mandarins within the Chinese-style imperial administration system. The temple layout, featuring five courtyards lined with lotus ponds and old stone stelae, reflects the five Confucian virtues – benevolence, righteousness, integrity, wisdom and faithfulness. For centuries, the temple was revered as Vietnam’s highest seat of learning and was reserved for the education of royalty, nobles and those who passed rigorous entrance exams.
Stone Stelae Record the Names of Excellence
The Temple of Literature’s stone stelae are one of its most impressive and enduring features. Set on stone turtles within the temple’s third, fourth and fifth courtyards, there are 82 surviving stelae dating from 1442-1780. These intricately carved pillars list the names, home villages and test scores of 1307 graduates who passed strict royal examinations to become mandarins – scholars that went on to become court officials, diplomats, administrators and advisers in service to the nation. For scholars at the time, having one’s name carved onto a stele brought great personal and familial prestige. Today, the stone stelae stand as lasting reminders of the temple’s history in nurturing Vietnam’s most educated minds over its 700 years in operation.
Architectural Marvel that Has Stood the Test of Time
Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this ancient architecture is superbly preserved. Which has survived seven centuries of weathering and wartime damage. The temple stands on a vast stone foundation, oriented along a north-south axis in line with traditional pagoda layouts. Visitors enter through the imposing three-entrance gate, which leads into five walled courtyards punctuated by lotus ponds. Orderly rows of stone stelae stand under intricate, two-tiered turtle stele pavilions with sweeping curved roofs. Four temple buildings honor Confucius and three other master scholars, with statues and altarpieces intact. The sprawling temple grounds are an oasis of stone pathways, bamboo groves and frangipani trees that bloom pink flowers in spring. Amazingly never razed in over 900 years, the Temple of Literature remains resplendent, its historic architecture serving as a fascinating window into Vietnam’s role fostering education and scholarship over the centuries.
Ceremonies Connect Modern Graduates with the Past
In addition to attracting curious visitors, the temple today continues to connect Vietnam’s 21st century graduates with scholarships from the past. During graduation season from July to September, thousands of recently graduated students flock to the Temple of Literature for good luck ceremonies. Families pose for photos in front of stone turtles or beside steles bearing the names of eminent graduates from earlier dynasties. Young scholars touch the stone carvings and sometimes leave fresh flowers as offerings, participating in a tradition that spans centuries yet maintains special meaning for graduates today.
An unforgettable trip in Hanoi
The Temple of Literature stands as one of Vietnam’s treasures for its embodiment of history, art, architecture and culture in a single monument. Both a remnants from a glorious educational past and a tribute to the pursuit of scholarship today. It deserves its World Heritage Site status, compelling visitors to reflect on the high value Vietnam’s people have always placed on learning and academic achievement. Those lucky enough to walk the worn stone pathways can admire Vietnam’s longstanding reverence for education at the temple for themselves.
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.
