Mao Dien Temple of Literature – Symbol of Filial Piety in Eastern Hai Duong

Mao Dien Temple of Literature is located in Cam Dien Commune, Cam Giang District, Hai Duong Province. It is the second largest and ancient Temple of Literature among the six existing ones in Vietnam.

Mao Dien Temple of Literature – Symbol of Filial Piety in Eastern Hai Duong

Mao Dien Temple of Literature was established in the 15th century during the reign of the Le Dynasty in Binh Giang District. During the Tay Son Dynasty, the temple was moved to Mao Dien, merged with the Huong Examination Hall in Hai Duong, and became a place for training thousands of Confucian scholars.

This place often hosts Huong examinations to select talents from the scholars in Hai Duong and the eastern region towards Thang Long. The Mac Dynasty organized the Hoi Examination here. In 1535, at Mao Dien Temple of Literature, Nguyen Binh Khiem passed the triennial examinations of Huong, Hoi, and Dinh, becoming the top scholar in all three examinations.

The Temple of Literature consists of various architectural components such as ancient shrines, literary pavilions, doctorate steles honoring 637 Confucian scholars of Hai Duong (1075-1919), provincial achievements, flagpoles, two ancient stele houses, bell and drum towers, eastern and western side halls, bai duong (ceremonial path), rear palace, and khai thanh.

The elements within the Temple of Literature are primarily crafted from wood, adorned with intricate carvings showcasing the artistic prowess of ancient craftsmen. In 1992, Mao Dien Temple of Literature was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument. By December 2018, the temple was classified as a Special National Historical Monument.

Passing through the majestic triple gate of the temple leads to a harmonious and visually appealing architectural space. The highlight of the space is a more than 200-year-old ancient rice tree. Planted in the 9th Canh Thin year (1801), the rice tree commemorates the integration between the Temple of Literature and the Huong Examination Hall, marking the reconstruction.

Beyond the ancient rice tree lie the two main rows of buildings within the temple, namely the main altar and the rear palace, constructed in the form of a double square architecture adorned with beautifully carved dragon and phoenix motifs. The main altar is where the communal altar for 637 scholars is placed. Behind the main altar is the rear palace housing the altars of Confucius, Chu Van An, and other eminent scholars of Hai Duong province.

In the rear palace, the central altar is dedicated to Confucius; on the left, there are altars for Nhan Hoi and Tu Tu; on the right, altars for Manh Tu and Tang Tu, who were the four most trusted disciples of Confucius. The Temple of Literature also houses altars for distinguished figures such as Mac Dinh Chi, national hero and world cultural figure Nguyen Trai, and Nguyen Binh Khiem, Duke of Trinh.

Moreover, this place also features an altar for female scholar Nguyen Thi Due; eminent physician and Thai scholar Tue Tinh; Vietnamese mathematician Vu Huu; and Pham Su Manh, a military strategist. Among these, the altar for female scholar Nguyen Thi Due is particularly noteworthy as, in ancient times, female education was prohibited.

She cut her hair short, dressed in male attire, and wore brown clothing to study and take exams. Nguyen Thi Due was the first woman to attain a doctoral degree during the feudal period in Vietnam. She also pioneered equal rights for women, enabling them to access education as they do today.

Visitors to Mao Dien Temple of Literature can also admire valuable ancient artifacts. These include 3 ancient stone steles recording the restoration and preservation efforts of the monument. Of particular note is a stone bell crafted at the beginning of the 19th century. The temple space is also utilized to recreate the atmosphere of the ancient Huong Examination Hall with makeshift tents for candidates to take exams.

Viewing the overall landscape of the temple, one sees it as an ancient school, always embodying the scholarly and filial traditions. Visitors here will appreciate the position, importance, and historical value of Mao Dien Temple of Literature, especially its role in fostering continuous learning and nurturing virtues for the betterment of families and society.

 According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide