NGOC SON TEMPLE HANOI
Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi. Ngoc Son Temple is a well-known Hanoi site that showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture and spirituality. It is a spiritual spot where people gather to pray for good fortune and peace of mind.
Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi Information:
Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
The opening hours: From 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi is a well-known spiritual attraction that should be included in every Hanoi tourist itinerary. Not only does the temple illustrate the rich spiritual life of Vietnamese people throughout the feudal time, but it also has distinctive architecture and a great perspective of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. As a result, hundreds of residents and visitors visit on a daily basis to explore.
How to get to Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi:
Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi is situated on Jade Islet, a steep hill in the northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. The Huc Bridge, which is bright red, connects people to the islet.
Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi is located in downtown Hanoi and is easily accessible by any kind of Vietnamese transportation, including personal automobiles, taxis, and public buses. Renting a motorcycle is a great way to see the temple and other parts of Hanoi. Meanwhile, if you are traveling in a large group or with your family, renting a car or hiring a cab is a better option.
If you prefer to go by bus, Routes 08, 14, 31, and 36 all pass by Hoan Kiem Lake.
If you go to Ngoc Son Temple over the weekend, be aware that there are walking streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake from 7 p.m. on Friday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. During this period, no cars are permitted to access these streets.
The History of Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi:
According to the stelae at the site, building on the Ngoc Son Temple began in the fall of 1841, during the rule of the Ly Dynasty. It worships Van Xuong De Quan (Wenchang Dijun), a Taoist god who bestows prosperity and fortune upon academics. It is also dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (1231–1300), who battled the Mongols in the 13th century.
Standing peacefully at the heart of the capital city, Ngoc Son Temple has witnessed numerous events over the last few centuries. In 2013, it was recognized as a National Special Relic site. So far, it has become a popular destination for international visitors and Vietnamese people who come to pray for good fortune or simply to admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The unusual architecture of Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi:
Ngoc Son Temple is a historic structure situated in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The entire architectural complex is intended to fit in with the surrounding terrain. Before reaching the main temple structure on the islet, you will go past various architectural works in the complex, specifically.
The complex's entrance, Nghi Mon Gate, has two columns and walls etched with Chinese inscriptions on both sides.
Stepping inside, you can see Pen Tower on the left. The tower was built on a stone hill in 1865, during King Tu Duc's reign (1829-1883). It stands 28 meters tall and features a stone feather pen on top. The tower is carved with three Chinese inscriptions "Ta Thanh Thien," which means "Write onto the sky." It commemorates Trinh Lords' (1545-1787) literary contributions as well as their resistance against northern invaders.
After passing the Pen Tower, you will reach Long Mon Ho Bang Gate, which has two columns and walls on each side. The walls have roofs, as do many pagodas. The right wall is engraved with the shape of a dragon, with two Chinese inscriptions on top that read "Dragon Gate" (Long Mon). On the left wall, there is a white tiger carved with Chinese inscriptions that read Tiger Board (Ho Bang). The Dragon Gate and Tiger Board represent successful exams, encouraging young people to continue learning.
Dai Nghien Gate lies near the Pen Tower, at the entrance to The Huc Bridge. An ink pot sits on top of the gate. The pot is sculpted from blue stone and rests on the backs of three stone toads as if they were three sturdy legs for the pot. Nguyen Van Sieu, the great writer, wrote a poem of 64 Chinese letters that is in the middle of the pot. It is stated that as the sun rises on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the stone feather pen atop the Pen Tower casts its shadow on this ink jug.
The Huc Bridge is considered a symbol of the Sun God, with its name meaning "where sunlight beams in the early morning". The bridge is composed of wood, painted red, and has a curved design. Coming here in the morning allows you to experience the early light and fresh breezes amid the vast sea. When night falls, the bridge lights up, producing a wonderfully magnificent scene.
At the end of The Huc Bridge, you will come to Dac Nguyet Lau Gate, commonly known as the "Moon Gazing Pavilion". The gate is sheltered by an ancient banyan tree and flanked by overgrown trees. It has two storeys. The upper floor is covered with two layers of roofing. There is a circular window with representations of phoenixes and dragons all around.
Tran Ba Pavilion is located south of the Ngoc Son Temple. It was designed to serve as a constant barrier against harmful cultural influences throughout the feudal period. It is square in shape, with two levels of roof supported by eight columns, four of which are stone and four of which are wooden.
The major area consists of two temple structures that sit next to each other. One structure honors General Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan, with their sculptures within. The other shows the preserved carcasses of two large turtles that previously resided in Hoan Kiem Lake. They are kept in glass cases for preservation and devotion.
These turtles are culturally and historically significant in Vietnam, particularly in light of the lake's mythical turtle tale. According to legend, a miraculous turtle emerged from the lake and returned a fabled sword to Emperor Le Loi, who commanded Vietnamese armies against invaders!
Tips For Visiting Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi:
Walk slowly and avoid laughing and making noise.
Choose formal, non-revealing apparel (no tank tops, shorts, or small skirts).
When entering the temple, remove your shoes and sandals before lighting incense.
Ngoc Son Temple is a significant site in Vietnam's capital city that has seen several changes. It has antique beauty and a high spiritual importance for the locals. As a result, if you're planning a vacation to Hanoi, don't forget to include this location on your bucket list.
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