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The Shrine of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang is a significant relic within the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Emperor Dinh Bo Linh, who pacified the chaos of the 12 warlords and became the emperor of Vietnam after the Northern domination era.
The Shrine of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang – renowned for his 'Chessboard Tactics'
Today, the shrine is located in the eastern center of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. This shrine is the only place in Vietnam where Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents, his sons, and the court officials are worshipped. The shrine is ranked among the 'Top 100 famous centenarian structures in Vietnam'.
The Shrine of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang was built in the style of internal palace and external architectural fusion with the main axis facing East. In front of the shrine lies Mount Ma Yen, with the tomb of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang atop. The shrine was built on the foundation of the Hoa Lu palace.
In the shrine area, archaeologists have unearthed a courtyard paved with tiles adorned with lotus and phoenix motifs. On the tile surface are inscriptions 'Great Viet National Palace Establishment' and 'Western River Army', evidence of tiles from the Dinh – Le era.
The shrine is built in the style of a contrasting pair on the divine axis. It starts from the crescent lake and ends at the main palace. Following Minh Duong – the crescent lake is a decorative screen, used for wind diversion according to ancient Feng Shui techniques. On the screen is a wind motif with chrysanthemum patterns, symbolizing longevity.
The Meridian Gate is the outer gate leading to the shrine. On the arch of the gate are two intertwined dragons amidst clouds. Above the gate are two layers of curved roofs with eight curved eaves. The outer gate has three tiled roofs, and inside the gate, there are four characters 'Former Dynasty Tribute'.
The second hall is the ceremonial gate with 3 bays constructed of ironwood supported by 3 rows of column feet. Passing through the outer ceremonial gate, along the divine path to the inner ceremonial gate. The decorative motifs of the inner ceremonial gate resemble those of the outer one. The shrine has two layers of gates similar to the two rings of the ancient Hoa Lu citadel.
Walking along the main axis, past two large columns leads to the dragon courtyard. In the middle of the dragon courtyard is a raised stone altar. On either side of the collapsed dragons are two stone buffalo heads, carved on two solid green stone blocks. The surface of the collapsed dragons is carved with raised dragon figures, sturdy and majestic.
The arms of the stone altar are two dragons curling up on high clouds. The noble posture of the dragons with raised heads and fluttering manes, long beards swaying. Around the stone altar are planted flags symbolizing the martial forces, with stone buffaloes, white horses… The stone altar in front of the outer ceremonial gate and before the worship hall of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang's shrine has been recognized as a national treasure.
From the dragon courtyard, steps lead up to the five-bay worship hall. Behind the stone altar is the shrine of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. The structure of the shrine consists of two parts: the worship hall and the central palace. The worship hall serves as a communal altar. On the altar are beautifully carved incense burners.
Next is the incense burning hall, designed in a cylindrical style, where the four pillars worship the imperial court of the Dinh dynasty. Walking through the incense hall leads to the five-bay main palace. The throne of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang is placed in the middle of the main palace, adorned with gold leaf.
The throne is placed on a pedestal with a dragon statue carved similar to the dragons at the stone altar. In the middle bay stands a bronze statue of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang placed on a stone pedestal. On either side of the stone pedestal are two dragon guardians. The large inscription bears the words 'Righteous Water' praising Dinh Bo Linh as the founder of our country's righteous monarchy.
On the middle columns hang couplets: 'The Great Dai Co Viet matching Song's Prosperity - Hoa Lu City majestic as Trang An capital' (The nation of Dai Co Viet equals Song - Hoa Lu capital as majestic as Trang An capital). The right bay worships the statues of Prince Hang Lang and Dinh Toan, the two sons of the king. The left bay worships the statue of Nam Viet Vuong Dinh Lien, the king's eldest son.
The shrine of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang is a unique architectural masterpiece in both architectural and 17th-century wood carving arts. The Dinh King's shrine also houses many precious relics, such as palace bricks, Buddhist scriptures engraved columns, inscribed tablets…
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourFebruary 2, 2023
