Monday, August 16, 2010

Temple of Literature (Hanoi, Vietnam)


For a tranquil escape (along with a sublime Vietnamese slow drip coffee) in the bustle of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, little surpasses the Temple of Literature. Initially built as a Confucian temple, it became Vietnam’s earliest university almost 950 years ago (predating any European university) and still harbours the academic ambiance of years past.

Initially only offered to noble or royal students, the university opened to all students some centuries later. Passing the imperial doctorate examination that gave privileged passage to life serving the royal court was murderously difficult. Elegantly carved stone steles celebrate each successful student, documenting their name and town. The steles are perched on turtles symbolising the patience to obtain the education and the longevity of the Vietnamese nation and border a peaceful lake (the Well of Heavenly Clarity). Only 1300 names are listed across the three hundred years of steles that remain though undoubtedly others have been lost over time.

Rich in Confucian symbolism, the temple is laid out with the same plan as that of Confucius’s birth place in China. Five courtyards are separated by grand ornamental entrances and walls with a long central path. While the central courtyard contains the steles, one courtyard (the Courtyard of Sages) continues to celebrate Confucius’s teaching with people quietly sitting in contemplative thought.

The Temple of Literature is a Hanoi highlight celebrating scholarly excellence, the thought-provoking teachings of Confucius and remains a peaceful paradise of trees, lawns and history to escape the rush of Vietnamese life.

Travel Tips on raveable

10 comments:

Marina K. Villatoro said...

That’s one of those places not all of us notice when traveling but definitely worth visiting. Great post!

Sherry Ott said...

I love the symbolism of the turtles - beautiful!

Andhra Pradesh Tourism said...

Nice post...i would surely like to visit this beautiful architectural wonder

Shannon said...

I've always wanted to explore Vietnam. Had no idea this place existed. Fantastic!

Donna Hull said...

I visited the Temple of Literature on a murderously hot day in October. You are right, it was a quiet, somewhat cooler oasis in a city of chaotic noise. Your post told me much more information than our tour guide provided. Of course he was battling a busload of American tourists who wanted to revolt and go shopping.

Anonymous said...

I would like to exchange links with your site www.travel-wonders.com
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Mark H said...

@anonymous: Email me with your details to discuss.

Barbara Weibel said...

The garden itself is certainly tranquil, but on the day I was there, so many tourists were packed in that you could barely see anuyon such a serene day.

Anonymous said...

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Mark H said...

@barbara: That is sad to hear - by fortune, the day I visited was very quiet.

@anonymous: Thank you for your generous remarks.

 
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