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Which sacred temples constitute the Thăng Long Tứ Trấn in Hanoi? Join Mytour Vietnam as we delve into the history of these revered temples that have protected the ancient capital for millennia!
Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, comprising four sacred temples guarding the four directions, stands as a testament to the prosperity of the 'land of the coiling dragon and crouching tiger.' Built during the Lý dynasty, the temples—Bạch Mã, Voi Phục, Kim Liên, and Quán Thánh—are not only architectural marvels but also cultural and historical symbols of Hanoi.
Each temple venerates a guardian deity of a specific direction, bringing peace and prosperity to the ancient capital of Thăng Long. Today, Thăng Long Tứ Trấn remains a spiritual destination for Hanoi's residents, where they seek blessings for health, safety, and good fortune. Join Mytour Vietnam as we explore these four remarkable temples of Thăng Long!
Which Temples Are Part of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn?
Thăng Long Tứ Trấn consists of four sacred temples protecting the four directions of the ancient Thăng Long capital. Bạch Mã Temple (east) honors the deity Long Đỗ, Voi Phục Temple (west) venerates Linh Lang Đại Vương, Kim Liên Temple (south) worships Cao Sơn Đại Vương, and Quán Thánh Temple (north) is dedicated to Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ.
For over a millennium, Thăng Long Tứ Trấn has not only served as a place of worship for guardian deities but also played a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique cultural and historical values of Hanoi. As a result, on January 18, 2022, Thăng Long Tứ Trấn was officially recognized as a special national relic.
1. Bạch Mã Temple - The First Temple of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn
1.1. Exploring the History of Bạch Mã Temple
Bạch Mã Temple, the first temple in Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, is located at 76 Hàng Bướm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi. This temple was built to honor Long Đỗ, the deity guarding the eastern part of the ancient Thăng Long capital.
According to legend, when King Lý Thái Tổ moved the capital from Hoa Lư to Đại La and renamed it Thăng Long, the construction of the citadel faced numerous challenges. Each time the citadel was built, it would collapse. The king then ordered a ritual to seek divine guidance, and suddenly, a white horse emerged from the temple, ran around the citadel, returned to the temple, and vanished. Following the horse's tracks, the king rebuilt the citadel, and it no longer collapsed. To express gratitude to the white horse, the king bestowed the title "Quốc đô Định bang Thành Hoàng Đại Vương," meaning "the guardian deity of the entire capital region," and named the temple "Bạch Mã Linh Từ."
Throughout the Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties, Bạch Mã Temple witnessed the growth of the Thăng Long capital and Hanoi. Despite multiple restorations, the temple has retained its ancient charm and historical and cultural significance. Bạch Mã Temple stands as a remarkable architectural and artistic heritage of Hanoi, reflecting the glory of a historical era.
1.2. Admiring the Architecture of Bạch Mã Temple - Hanoi
Bạch Mã Temple, one of the sacred temples of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, exudes an ancient and majestic beauty. Built in traditional architectural style, it reflects the grandeur of the Nguyễn dynasty, with a large scale and a south-facing orientation, harmonizing with ceremonial worship practices.
The temple complex includes structures such as the three-gate entrance, main hall, pavilion, incense burning area, forbidden palace, and assembly hall. The three-gate entrance features five compartments, while the two-tiered pavilion with curved roofs connects to the main hall through a crab-shell-shaped arched roof. The intricately carved wooden columns showcase the craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The forbidden palace and incense burning area share similar architecture, with double-tiered curved roofs.
Inside the forbidden palace, the majestic statue of Bạch Mã is revered with solemn rituals. The temple also houses many precious artifacts, including ancient stone steles, horizontal lacquered boards inscribed with "Đông trấn linh từ" and "Cỗ Long ngai," as well as ancient worship objects. Notably, the temple preserves a yin-yang well, located on the right side, symbolizing harmony in traditional architecture.
Recognized as a historical and cultural relic in 1986, Bạch Mã Temple has become a spiritual tourism destination attracting both domestic and international visitors.
1.3. Participating in the Bạch Mã Temple Festival - Hanoi
The Bạch Mã Temple Festival takes place annually on the 12th and 13th days of the second lunar month to honor the deity Long Đỗ. Early in the morning, the procession begins from Mã Mây Temple, passing through major streets before arriving at Bạch Mã Temple.
The procession features dragon and lion dances, flags, drums, gongs, traditional instruments, and ceremonial palanquins. Notably, the Xuân Ngưu ritual—offering a spring buffalo—is vividly reenacted with shepherds and a life-sized buffalo model.
2. Voi Phục Temple - Hanoi
2.1. Tracing the History of Voi Phục Temple - Hanoi
Voi Phục Temple, located in Ngọc Khánh Ward, Ba Đình District, is a significant historical site built in 1065 during the reign of King Lý Thánh Tông. The temple venerates Linh Lang Đại Vương, the son of King Lý Thánh Tông and his ninth concubine. He is a national hero who helped the king defeat the Song invaders and protect the capital.
Legend has it that Linh Lang Đại Vương rested his head on a sacred stone before ascending to heaven, leaving an imprint that is now enshrined in the temple. After his passing, he was bestowed the title Linh Lang Đại Vương and revered as the guardian deity of the western part of the capital.
Voi Phục Temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the nation's bravery and patriotism. The temple has undergone several restorations, the most recent in 2009, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Thăng Long – Hanoi.
2.2. Exploring the Architecture of Voi Phục Temple
The temple features three entrances arranged in a '工' shape, with the central entrance having 12 wide steps, reserved for ceremonial processions. The side entrances welcome visitors. In front of the central gate lies a crescent-shaped well, adorned with intricately carved stone dragons and clouds, symbolizing prayers for water and prosperity.
Upon entering, you will feel the temple's solemn and sacred atmosphere. The main hall consists of five compartments, with a throne carved with dragons and delicate floral patterns. The statue of Linh Lang is placed in the highest position, exuding an aura of righteousness and majesty. On either side of the hall are a drum and a bronze bell.
The rear hall also has five compartments, built from ironwood, with stone guardian creatures at the entrance, ensuring the building's peace. Inside, it enshrines the mother of Linh Lang and three Holy Mothers. The temple is also adorned with numerous horizontal lacquered boards and couplets in Chinese characters, praising the virtues and sanctity of the deities.
2.3. Immersing in the Traditional Festival at Voi Phục Temple - Hanoi
Voi Phục Temple is always open to visitors, but the most vibrant time is during the festival season. Annually, from the 9th to the 11th day of the second lunar month, the temple festival takes place with numerous exciting activities, attracting a large number of tourists. The highlight of the festival is the palanquin procession, which is eagerly anticipated by everyone.
The festival is an opportunity for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the region. Additionally, the festival features many captivating traditional folk games, deeply rooted in national identity. It is a fantastic chance to explore and experience the traditional culture of the capital.
3. Kim Liên Temple - Hanoi
3.1. The History of Kim Liên Temple - The Southern Temple of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn
Kim Liên Temple, built during the Lý dynasty in Kim Hoa Village, now Kim Liên Village, Phương Liên Ward, Đống Đa District, venerates Cao Sơn Đại Vương, the guardian deity who brings peace and blessings to the people, protecting them from natural disasters and enemies.
According to legend, Cao Sơn Đại Vương is the son of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, one of the 50 children who followed their mother to the mountains. He fought alongside Sơn Tinh against Thủy Tinh to bring peace to the people. Later, he settled in a wild area, now Phương Liên Ward, Đống Đa District, Hanoi. To express gratitude, the locals built a temple to honor him after his passing.
3.2. What Makes the Architecture of Kim Liên Temple Stand Out?
Kim Liên Temple, part of the Thăng Long Tứ Trấn complex, attracts visitors with its impressive architectural style and numerous rare artifacts. The site includes three gates and a temple dedicated to Cao Sơn Đại Vương. To enter the temple, you pass through nine large brick steps, built during the Lê Trung Hưng period, connecting the outdoor area to the main temple. Flanking the steps are two stone crocodiles from the Lê dynasty, guarding the temple.
The main hall of the temple has a '丁'-shaped structure, with a rear chamber comprising three brick compartments and a tiled roof. The innermost chamber enshrines Cao Sơn Đại Vương alongside two goddesses. The temple also houses many valuable artifacts, including 33 royal edicts from the Lê and Nguyễn dynasties, and a stone stele titled "Cao Sơn Đại Vương Thần Từ Bi Minh" from 1510. Kim Liên Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic on January 9, 1990.
3.3. The Unique Traditional Festival of Kim Liên Temple - Hanoi
The Kim Liên Temple Festival takes place annually on the 16th day of the third lunar month, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Cao Sơn Đại Vương. This is an occasion for locals to honor and express gratitude to the deity for his contributions to the nation and its people.
The festival begins with solemn rituals and a palanquin procession. Throughout the event, various performances and traditional folk games take place, reflecting the beauty of communal cultural activities. You can witness the 'mua tứ linh' dance, drumming ceremonies, and offerings to Cao Sơn Đại Vương. The Kim Liên Temple Festival is an opportunity to connect generations and preserve the cultural traditions of the southern region of the ancient Thăng Long capital.
4. Quán Thánh Temple - Hanoi
4.1. Tracing the Historical Roots of Quán Thánh Temple - Hanoi
Located on Quán Thánh Street in Ba Đình District, Quán Thánh Temple was built in the early years of the Lý Thái Tổ dynasty when the king moved the capital from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long in 1010. The temple sits on Hồi Long Hill, northeast of West Lake. In 1823, King Minh Mạng renamed the temple Trấn Vũ Quán, and in 1842, King Thiệu Trị officially named it Quán Thánh, as it is known today.
The temple venerates Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ, the deity protecting the north, who helped the people eliminate evil spirits and demons. According to legend, the deity defeated a nine-tailed fox at West Lake and a fox spirit on the Red River during the reign of King Lý Thánh Tông.
Through numerous restorations, Quán Thánh Temple has not only maintained its spiritual significance but also become an integral part of the cultural heritage of Thăng Long – Hanoi.
4.2. Admiring the Exquisite Architecture of Quán Thánh Temple - Hanoi
The architecture of Quán Thánh Temple stands out with its three-gate entrance, courtyard, and three main structures: the front hall, central hall, and rear chamber. The intricate wood carvings in the temple showcase high artistic value and harmonious spatial composition. Notably, the main hall (bái đường) features four layers of roofs with a horizontal lacquered board inscribed "Trấn Vũ Quán" and poems praising the temple and the statue of Trấn Vũ.
The bronze statue of Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ, cast in 1677, stands 3.96 meters tall and weighs 4 tons, serving as the temple's centerpiece. The deity's stern expression, clad in Taoist robes, sits on a stone pedestal with the right hand holding a sword and the left hand forming a ritual gesture, symbolizing protection and the eradication of evil spirits. The statue is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a testament to the exquisite bronze-casting techniques of 17th-century Vietnamese artisans.
4.3. Exploring Culture Through the Quán Thánh Temple Festival - Hanoi
Quán Thánh Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1962. Annually, on the 3rd day of the third lunar month, the temple hosts a grand festival attracting numerous visitors who come to pay their respects and offer incense.
During the festival, key rituals include the Worship Ceremony, a procession of 14 offering trays from the local neighborhoods of Quán Thánh Ward, and the reading of the deity's legend. The male ritual team performs the grand offering ceremony, while the female incense-offering team conducts the incense ritual. The Quán Thánh Temple Festival is deeply solemn, offering a deeper understanding of ancient worship traditions.
Guide to Visiting the Temples of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn
When exploring Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, you can follow the traditional sequence or choose a more convenient route. According to tradition, to align with feng shui and ensure proper worship, visitors should start at Bạch Mã Temple in the east, then move to Voi Phục Temple in the west, followed by Kim Liên Temple in the south, and finally Quán Thánh Temple in the north.
However, nowadays, the rules are less strict, allowing you to choose a route that suits you better. You can start at Quán Thánh Temple, located at the beginning of Thanh Niên Street. Next, head to Bạch Mã Temple on Hàng Buồm Street, then to Kim Liên Temple on Kim Liên Street, and conclude at Voi Phục Temple near Thủ Lệ Park.
The Best Time to Visit Thăng Long Tứ Trấn - Hanoi
To have a meaningful and fulfilling trip to Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, choosing the right time is crucial. Hanoi, with its distinct four-season climate, offers different experiences depending on the time of year. However, based on many travelers' experiences, spring and autumn are considered the ideal times to visit Tứ Trấn.
- Spring (February - April), when the weather is warm and trees begin to bud, brings a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Particularly, from the 1st to the 15th day of the first lunar month, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spring celebrations at the temples. The second and third lunar months also host major festivals at Tứ Trấn, attracting large crowds of locals and tourists.
- Autumn (late August - October), although lacking major festivals, is still a wonderful time to visit Tứ Trấn. The cool, fresh air and golden falling leaves create a poetic and romantic scene, perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation.
- Summer (May - August), Hanoi often experiences hot weather and heavy rain, which may affect your sightseeing experience. Winter (November - January), with its low temperatures and occasional cold spells, is also not ideal for outdoor exploration.
In summary, spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons to explore Thăng Long Tứ Trấn. However, if you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy a more private experience, you might consider visiting during other times of the year, as long as you prepare well in terms of clothing and health.
Things to Note When Visiting Thăng Long Tứ Trấn
As a significant historical, cultural, and spiritual site, Thăng Long Tứ Trấn requires visitors to respect and preserve its solemnity. Keep the following tips in mind for a smooth and respectful visit:
- Attire: Choose modest and respectful clothing, avoiding shorts or revealing outfits.
- Incense Offering: Only burn incense at designated altars, ensuring it burns evenly and safely.
- Offerings: Avoid offering meat in the Tiền Đường area. When placing offerings, follow the order from the outer altar to the main altar.
- Joss Paper and Incense: Prepare joss paper and incense in advance. Donations should be placed in the donation box, not on the statues.
- Worship Etiquette: Avoid crossing in front of someone who is bowing or standing behind someone offering incense.
- Preserving Relics: Do not climb, step on temple thresholds, or touch artifacts and statues inside the temples.
By adhering to these rules, you not only show respect for cultural and spiritual values but also contribute to preserving the nation's precious heritage.
Thăng Long Tứ Trấn is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the golden era of the Thăng Long capital. Visiting Tứ Trấn, you can participate in activities such as offering incense, praying for luck, exploring ancient architecture, and learning about the history and culture of these four famous temples in the capital.
If you want to explore more historical and cultural destinations in the capital, check out the insightful articles on Mytour blog: 30 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Hanoi, Hỏa Lò Prison, a Famous Historical Site, Tips for Visiting the National Museum of History, Láng Pagoda, Exploring the First Tùng Lâm, Meaning and Origin of Vu Lan Festival, Discovering Khuê Văn Các, 7 Famous and Affordable Night Markets in Hanoi, 15 Renowned Museums in Hanoi, 16 Famous Mid-Autumn Cake Shops in Saigon & Hanoi,...
Explore the Thăng Long Tứ Trấn of the thousand-year-old capital now!
