Exploring the Essence of the Temple of Literature

Prompt: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Temple of Literature

Exposition on the Temple of Literature, Quoc Tu Giam

I. Outline of Exposition on the Temple of Literature, Quoc Tu Giam

- The Temple of Literature, Quoc Tu Giam, stands as one of Hanoi's most captivating attractions.
- With its unique architecture and rich history spanning multiple dynasties, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam has instilled profound reverence and admiration in the hearts of many.

2. Body of the Essay

* Historical Formation:
- The Temple of Literature was constructed in 1070 during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông, while Quoc Tu Giam was commenced shortly after in 1076, adjacent to the Temple of Literature.
- Situated to the south of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, in Dong Da District, the capital city of Hanoi.
- It covers an area of 54331 m²...(Continued)

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II. Model Essay Exposition on the Temple of Literature, Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam stands as one of Hanoi's foremost attractions, serving as a testament to the Confucian culture's historical significance and its role in nurturing countless talents for the nation since its inception. It is revered as the first formal university in Vietnam. Quoc Tu Giam embodies the determination to elevate the populace's knowledge and advance the nation's education system, reaching its pinnacle during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, whose era is recognized for its robust educational development. With its distinctive architecture and rich historical legacy intertwined with the prosperity of numerous dynasties, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam evokes profound respect and admiration in the hearts of many.

The Temple of Literature was established in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, while Quoc Tu Giam began construction in 1076, adjacent to the Temple of Literature. This complex is located to the south of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, in Dong Da District, the capital city of Hanoi. Covering a total area of 54331 square meters, it is surrounded by main thoroughfares of the district, with the main gate facing Quoc Tu Giam Street to the south, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to the north, Ton Duc Thang Street to the west, and Van Mieu Street to the east.

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam complex features brick walls encompassing the entire area, divided internally into 5 levels of distinct architecture, each separated by thick brick walls with three interconnected doors. The overview of the complex includes three main sections: Lake of Literature, the Temple of Literature for Worshiping Confucius, and Quoc Tu Giam. Starting from the main gate to the south, adjacent to Quoc Tu Giam Street, one can see the Lake of Literature opposite the Temple of Literature. Across the lake lies a brick wall, comprising of Four Pillars built of bricks, with two inner pillars resembling recumbent elephants and two outer ones shaped like phoenixes. Flanking them are two Steles of Doctorate, where court officials and nobles had to dismount from their horses and proceed on foot from one stele to the other before mounting their horses again. Moving further inside, one encounters the Temple of Literature gate with a square two-story main gate and two smaller symmetrical gates on each side. This first section is called the Entry Courtyard, which includes the Temple of Literature and adjacent Garden of the Governors, occupying nearly half of the entire area. Progressing inside, one meets the Great Middle Gate, beyond which lies the Outer Courtyard, consisting of the Constellation of Literature Pavilion located on the outermost edge, a square building with eight roofs and four circular doors, symbolizing the harmony of heaven and earth. This pavilion's image is depicted on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong polymer banknote. Continuing inward, one encounters the Well of Heavenly Clarity, also known as the Well of Literature, situated at the center. The Doctorate Steles are placed on the right and left sides of the well, each side comprising 41 steles arranged in two horizontal rows, with each stele placed on the back of a green stone turtle, inscribed with the names of successful candidates in each examination. Further inside, one encounters the Great Accomplishment Gate, inside which lies the Great Accomplishment area housing the Temple of Confucius, followed by the Thai Hoc Gate, which encompasses the Thai Hoc area, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, serving as the educational center for scholars, shaping talents for various dynasties of Vietnam.

In its early years, the Temple of Literature served as a place of worship for the saints who laid the foundation for Confucianism and the first royal academy of Dai Viet, with the first student being Prince Ly Can Duc, later King Ly Nhan Tong. After the completion of Quoc Tu Giam, this historical site officially became Vietnam's first university, initially catering to the children of the noble class, later opening its doors to children of commoners with exceptional abilities. Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam has become a historical site listed among 23 Special National Monuments, serving as evidence of our nation's educational development under the feudal regime and an appealing tourist destination for many visitors. It also preserves valuable historical documents, unique architectural features, and traces of a prosperous era of Confucianism in Vietnam.