In the midst of the bustling space of modern Hanoi, Ngoc Son Temple stands as a peaceful stopover, where visitors can immerse themselves in the historical and cultural beauty of a distant era. It is not only a sacred place but also a historical witness. Let’s cross the The Huc Bridge to explore the delicate and sacred beauty of this temple, where every step brings you closer to the culture and soul of Vietnam.
1. Who does Ngoc Son Temple worship? The historical story?
1.1. Who does Ngoc Son Temple worship?
Ngoc Son Temple, located within the Hoan Kiem Lake historical site, is an important spiritual symbol for the people of Hanoi. This temple honors the national hero Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and also worships Van Xuong De Quan – the god of scholarship and career. What makes Ngoc Son Temple unique is its worship of multiple deities, including Buddha and the Công Đồng, creating a rich and diverse religious space.
1.2. The historical story of Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple has a long history and has undergone changes through many dynasties, carrying profound cultural and spiritual imprints. Its origins date back to the reign of King Ly Thai To, who moved the capital to Thang Long, where the first temple was known as Ngoc Tuong. During the Tran Dynasty, the temple was renamed Ngoc Son, serving as a memorial to the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol forces to protect national independence.
However, over time, the first temple was damaged and collapsed. During the reign of King Vinh Huu of the Le Dynasty, Lord Trinh Giang rebuilt the site, constructing the Khánh Thụy Palace along with two earthen mounds on the eastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, named Dao Tai and Ngoc Boi. The Khanh Thuy Palace itself was later destroyed when the Le Chieu Thong Dynasty declined.
A philanthropist named Tin Trai continued this cultural legacy by building Ngoc Son Pagoda on the site of the old palace. The pagoda was later handed over to another charitable association and transformed into a temple for the worship of the Three Saints. The association decided to renovate the temple, removing the bell tower and constructing the main halls, placing the statue of Van Xuong De Quan – the god of literature and examination, to pray for success and knowledge.
Further changes took place in the 18th year of the Tu Duc reign (1865), when scholar Nguyen Van Sieu took charge of renovating Ngoc Son Temple. He added more earth, built a stone embankment around the temple, and constructed the Tran Ba Pavilion – a strong symbol in the flow of culture. He also oversaw the construction of the The Huc Bridge leading into the temple, symbolizing the rising sun and the welcoming of the light of knowledge. On the eastern side of the bridge, he built the Nghiên Pavilion and the Pen Tower, symbols of academic and cultural heritage.
The development of Ngoc Son Temple not only reflects architectural changes but also represents the history, culture, and spiritual values of the Vietnamese people. Every brick and every structure tells its own story, contributing to the overall picture of Ngoc Son Temple – a place where tradition and scholarship converge.
2. Location and how to get to Ngoc Son Temple
Nestled on a peaceful mound, known as Ngoc Son Island, Ngoc Son Temple stands out as a bright spot in the middle of the poetic Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is located at the very heart of Hanoi’s capital. To reach the temple, you will pass through the large gate located on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, a busy road in the Hoan Kiem district. Due to its central location, it is easy to access the temple by various means:
Motorbike: The easiest way to get to the temple is by motorbike. If you enjoy observing the lively hustle and bustle of Hanoi, this mode of transportation is ideal.
Car: Traveling by car is also a great option for your trip to Ngoc Son Temple. There are many different routes you can take to reach the temple.
Bus: If you’re looking to save on transportation costs, the bus is the best choice. Many bus routes go to Ngoc Son Temple, including: Route 14 from Co Nhue, Route 31 from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Route 08 from Long Bien Bus Station.
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3. Notable landmarks at Ngoc Son Temple
3.1. Pen Tower and Inkstone Pavilion: Symbols of intellect
Upon arriving at the main gate of Ngoc Son Temple, the first striking feature you can’t miss is the Pen Tower. This structure, which is over 150 years old, was built in 1865 under the guidance of renowned scholar Nguyen Van Sieu. The Pen Tower stands tall like a giant calligraphy brush, symbolizing the academic spirit of the Vietnamese people. The tower is situated on a natural stone mound called Doc Ton, which signifies a solitary and proud mountain, symbolizing the resilience and determination of human intellect. On the body of the tower, you’ll see the Chinese characters “Ta Thanh Thien,” which translates to “Write to the Sky.” These three brief words evoke a powerful sense of the desire to conquer knowledge, as if each stroke of ink merges with the vast expanse of the sky.
The Inkstone Pavilion is located right in front of the main gate, featuring a stone inkstone shaped like half of a sliced peach placed on the backs of three stone frogs. The Inkstone Pavilion is not only a symbol of the sharpening of knowledge but also a remarkable cultural and artistic landmark. Engraved on the Inkstone Pavilion is a 64-character inscription, celebrating the meaning of building and the desire for learning and self-improvement in ancient times. On either side of the pavilion are two plaques of a Dragon and a Tiger, symbolizing those who have passed exams, serving as a national pride. It is said that just standing in this space, feeling the breeze of the lake, the shadow of the tower, along with two profound couplets, will bring you a deep sense of awe:
“Eight islands, the silver lake water fills
Soaring to the sky, the pen’s shape like a high stone peak.”
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3.2. The The Huc Bridge: A Bridge of Excellence
In 1865, the The Huc Bridge was constructed and quickly became an indispensable symbol of Hoan Kiem Lake. This bright red bridge not only connects the lake shore to Ngoc Son Temple but also links the history and spiritual beauty of Hanoi. The name “The Huc” carries a poetic meaning: “the place where the morning light is received,” symbolizing the dazzling sunlight at dawn. The bridge consists of 15 spans supported by 32 round wooden pillars, arranged in 16 sturdy pairs. The surface of the bridge is made of wood, and the name “The Huc” is gilded in bright gold, standing out against the green expanse of the lake.
The The Huc Bridge holds not only cultural value but is also a legendary spot for photos that no visitor to Hanoi can miss. Especially for young people who love photography, the bridge provides a stunning backdrop, creating sparkling “thousand-like” photos that blend ancient architecture with the poetic natural scenery. For women, a graceful ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) would be the perfect choice to capture a moment of elegance beside this historically significant bridge. More than just a destination, the The Huc Bridge preserves moments, the rays of youth and time, a place that anyone would want to visit and experience.
3.3. Two Temples Inside Ngoc Son Temple
As you walk deeper into the Ngoc Son Temple complex, you will have the chance to admire and explore the two main temple areas, where two influential deities in Vietnamese history are worshiped: Saint Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan.
With their ancient architecture, both temples bear strong marks of northern Vietnamese pagodas, creating a sacred and mysterious atmosphere. Inside the temples, two large statues stand as vivid symbols. The statue of Saint Tran is placed solemnly in the inner sanctum, representing the strength and valor of a brilliant general. Meanwhile, the statue of Van Xuong De Quan, with its elegant posture and holding a calligraphy brush, symbolizes intellect and knowledge, allowing all visitors to feel the refined and profound demeanor.
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3.4. Tran Ba Dinh
The Tran Ba Dinh is built with a square shape and is covered by eight gracefully curved tiled roofs. The architecture of the pavilion is particularly impressive with two tiers of roofs, each supported by eight sturdy columns. Of these, the four outer columns are made from stone, symbolizing durability and strength, while the four inner columns are made of wood, providing a sense of warmth and intimacy. The Tran Ba Dinh is not only a place of worship but also a vibrant cultural space, preserving the local legends and customs of the people. Come and experience the historical stories waiting for you to discover!
4. How to Pay Respect When Visiting Ngoc Son Temple
During the traditional Tet holidays, locals often flock to the temple, considering it an essential part of their spring pilgrimage. They offer offerings, pray for blessings, light incense, and wish for the safety and well-being of their families in a respectful and sacred atmosphere. However, in order to ensure that the rituals are carried out smoothly and maintain the sacred beauty of the temple, both locals and visitors should pay attention to a few basic guidelines.
First and foremost, the most important aspect of paying respects at the temple is sincerity. The mindset behind each action is what gives strength to the prayer. Let your thoughts and emotions become pure so that your wishes can be expressed fully. Start at the main temple, standing in the center and facing the altar. Then, you can proceed inside from right to left, as a way to show respect to the Buddha. Depending on the ritual, you may stand or kneel during the ceremony. However, remember to move to the front to avoid disturbing others. A natural and respectful demeanor will make the ritual more meaningful.
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5. A Few Tips When Visiting the Temple
- The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Please keep the opening hours in mind to avoid arriving when the temple is closed.
- Ticket price: Children under 15 years old are free, while adults pay 30,000 VND per ticket.
- When visiting the temple, remember to dress appropriately and speak softly.
- When you enter the main temple area, it is important to pass through the two side doors. Avoid going through the middle door, as this is not only a rule but also a sign of respect for the sacred space.
- Focus on the act of worship, keeping the sacred atmosphere in mind. Avoid excessive photography.
Take a moment to visit Ngoc Son Temple to fully experience the beauty and sacredness of this cultural heritage, as well as to reconnect with the spiritual values and unforgettable memories cherished by every Vietnamese person.
