Detailed Content
Myth and Legend: The Eternal Pact of the Divine Sword and the Golden Turtle The name of Hoan Kiem Lake originates from a centuries-old legend. It is said that in the 15th century, the founder of the Le Dynasty, Le Loi, during his uprising against the Ming army, accidentally obtained a divine sword inscribed with the words "Shun Tian" in the lake. With the power of this sword, Le Loi successfully repelled the enemy forces and led Vietnam to regain its independence.
One day after the establishment of the nation, King Le Loi was boating on the lake when a gigantic Golden Turtle (Kim Qui) surfaced and demanded the return of the divine sword. Le Loi understood this to be the will of heaven, so he threw the sword back, and the golden turtle submerged with the sword and disappeared. From then on, this lake has been called "Hoan Kiem Lake," symbolizing the end of war and the return of peace. The giant turtle specimen in Ngoc Son Temple is regarded by later generations as a true testament to this myth.
Historical Background: A Sacred Place for Scholars and Gentlemen Ngoc Son Temple was originally built in the 19th century (during the Nguyen Dynasty) as "Ngoc Son Pagoda" and was later transformed into a temple. In 1865, the famous Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu oversaw a large-scale renovation project, establishing the scale we see today.
Nguyen Van Sieu not only restored the temple but also constructed the famous "Pen Tower" and "Ink Slab" at the entrance, symbolizing governance through culture and the importance of education. This made Ngoc Son Temple not only a religious site but also a cultural center where scholars and gentlemen of Hanoi gathered to compose poetry and engage in literary exchanges. The architectural style of the temple integrates elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, showcasing the inclusive nature of Vietnam's traditional beliefs.
Must-See Highlights
The Huc Bridge: This bright red wooden arch bridge spans the green waters, and its name means "Morning Sunlight Stopping Here" or "Gathering Yang Energy." It serves as a passage between the mortal world and the sacred, and is a stunning composition in the eyes of photographers.
Preserved Giant Turtle: The side hall of the temple displays two giant softshell turtle specimens discovered in Hoan Kiem Lake (one of which weighed 250 kilograms and passed away in 2016). This is an extremely rare species, revered by locals as "Cu Rua," considered an incarnation of the divine turtle.
Pen Tower & Ink Slab: Located on a small hill at the entrance of the temple, the stone tower's top resembles a brush, with the body inscribed with the words "Write the Clear Sky," exuding grandeur. Every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, when the sun rises, the shadow of the brush tip perfectly falls on the stone ink slab below, showcasing the ancient people's exquisite astronomical and architectural ingenuity.
Moon Gazing Pavilion: Serving as the second gate to the temple, this elegant building with a double-layered roof retains the traditional flying eaves and upturned corners of Vietnamese architecture, making it the best spot to enjoy the lake view and the full moon.
