Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi

Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi

Quan Thanh Temple, also named Tran Vu Temple, was built at the beginning of the Ly Dynasty when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, in honor of Tran Vu, the deity who guards the north of Thang Long citadel.

Quan Thanh Temple - Hanoi

It was renovated in 1618, 1768, 1836, 1843, 1893 and 1941. In 1677, during the reign of King Le Hy Tong, a major renovation was carried out by Lord Trinh Tac. The statue of Tran Vu was cast at this time, which is nearly 4 tons weight and 3.7m height. It is a black bronze statue of a Taoist hermit in a neat costume with his hair loose and bare feet. His left hand makes a gesture of exorcism; his right hand holds a sword. The 1.5-meter high bronze bell hanging at the three-gate entrance was also cast at this time. The sound of the bell was described in a Vietnamese folk song: “The bamboo branches are swaying lightly in the wind. The sound of the bell in Tran Vu Temple harmonizes with the cock-crow in Tho Xuong village.” Tran Vu Temple is divided into four parts with separated roofs decorated with patterns of dragons, clouds, flowers and leaves.

There are horizontal lacquered boards carved with Chinese characters and poems by such famous poets as Nguyen Thuong Hien and Vu Pham Ham. Besides, Tran Vu Temple is also regarded as a museum of sacred bronze objects. All the statues, lamps, bell and musical instrument were mainly made of bronze. The bronze khanh instrument was cast in 1794 during the Tay Son Dynasty with money donated by Admiral Le Van Ngu. During the Nguyen Dynasty, King Minh Mang had the temple restored and named it Chan Vu Quan. In 1842, King Thieu Tri donated money to make a golden ring and a silver ring for the statue of Tran Vu. Tran Vu Temple, a site of both historical significance and natural beauty, contributes to the misty beauty of West Lake.

• Vietnam Travel Guide 
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