Whenever I visit Hanoi, the first place I think of
is the Temple of Literature, where the tree-shaded grounds and the buildings
tell of the times that scholars studied there. The temple makes me reflect on my
country’s history and I get lost in a land of Confucianism and traditional
values.

A tourist at the gate of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. (Photo: SGT)

Situated on Van Mieu Street, about two kilometers
from Hoan Kiem Lake, the temple is on top of the list for historical sightseeing
in Hanoi.

I love the temple as I love the nation’s history.
So I know that in 1070, King Ly Thanh Tong built several important monuments,
one of which was Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature). The organization of
instruction and learning at the Quoc Tu Giam (National University) began in 1076
under the Ly dynasty and further developed in the 15th century under the Le
dynasty. The university was established near the Temple of Literature, and
during its more than 700 years of instruction (1076-1779), thousands of talented
men in Vietnam were educated there. And hence the name of Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam
was born.

I have visited the temple many times, but I
always enjoy looking at the ways it has been repaired and renovated in its 900
years. It is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.
The cultural relics include steles 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, the old
trees and the sanctuary, the stone dragons, and ink stone stands.

The history of the temple and how it has survived
in such good condition to on Monday give me a sense of national pride.

VietNamNet/SGT