Do temple

eligion as pagoda/ temple. It is very important to develop tourism potential. Moreover, we have a chance to practice in researching information, learn about architecture, and worship system in pagoda/temple as well as Vietnamese’s history. We choose Do Temple pagoda to do project in HD4 because the original temple of Do is one of the most traditional and beautiful temples in the suburb of Hanoi. Addition, Do Temple is dedicated eight kings Ly dynasty and it’s related to Ly Cong Uan who removed capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – Hanoi. The work was shared equally between us after discussion carefuly: Nguyen Thu Trang B: Introduction, historical background, heros – legends and festivals, advices for visitors and list of references Dao Minh Nguyet: Religious – beliefs and pratices, architecture – statues and altars 1. Historical background Do Temple has many name such as Co Phap Dien or Ly Bat De (means 8 kings under Ly dynasty). It’s located Dinh Bang village, Tu Son, Bac Ninh province. It was built about XI century (1030). According the monk Ly Van Hanh, Do Temple is a place where has flanking of eight dragon’s head position. In front of this place was Bang forest with Tieu Tuong River - clear and full water all the year round. The legend said it that, Den Do was a big ground at the East Chau Co Phap (Dinh Bang village now) when Ly Cong Uan was being the king, he comeback his home town on February 1010. The king stopped his boat to visit the elders and choose this place. It was called “Son Lang Cam Dia” (means a preserved area or forbidden area). After that, Dinh Bang village was built a big house to welcome the King. When King Ly Cong Uan passed away in 1028, Ly Thai Tong succeeded to the throne his father. He rebuilt this big house to worship Ly Cong Uan. Thus this place become a place where worship the Kings of Ly dynasty. Do Temple has been altered several times since. The major reconstruction took place under the reign of Le Trung Hung, in the 17th century. In 1605, The King Le Kinh Tong was rebuilt Den Do and set up steles about Ly Kings but Do Temple was destroyed by French colonist in 1952. In 1989, Do Temple was rebuilt again as old architecture from archived documents. 2. Religious beliefs and practices In ancient time, the major beliefs of the Red River Delta inhabitants were a combination of animism and ancestor worship. At that time, the science and technology did not develop, the knowledge of people was restricted, and they could not explain the natural phenomena such as rain, wind, thunder, lightning… They were scared of those phenomena and the scare turned to the respect. Besides, Vietnam is the agricultural country; the cultivation depends much on the weather. So they believed in the Cult of Nature that worshipped the God of Earth, God of Heaven... They also believed in the Cult of Hero. Hero can be imaginary or national. All were in combination with ancestor worship. Do temple is typical for the Cult of Hero and the Cult of Nature. Do temple is located in Dinh Bang village – the 1st King of Ly dynasty’s hometown and worships the eight Kings Posterior Ly dynasties. The Ly was the first Vietnamese dynasty that was able to hold onto power for more than several decades, allowing them to secure and expand the territory. They also had so many brilliant achievements. Domestically, while the Ly Emperors were devout Buddhists, the influence of Confucianism from China was on the rise, with the opening of the first University in Vietnam in 1070 (Temple of Literature) for selection of civil servants who are not from noble families. Politically, they created a system of administration based on rule of law rather than on autocratic principles. The fact that they chose the Đại La Citadel as the capital (later renamed Thang Long and subsequently Hanoi) showed that they held onto power due to economic strength and were liked by their subjects rather than by military means like prior dynasties. The Ly had big contribution in the Vietnamese’s life, so they built Do temple to remind the merit of King Ly. Do temple is meaningful to people of Dinh Bang village as well as the Vietnamese. It shows the respect to the people who had big effort in revoluate and develop the country. In the past, people gather here to show their deep gratitude, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and play games in the festival. Now, they still keep the traditional activities. Moreover, on the New Year Eve, people come to Do temple to pick buds or young leaves to wish a happy and lucky new year. The local people also come here to relaxing, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and refresh themselves. 3. Architecture, statues and altars As we mentioned above, Do temple is located in Dinh Bang village (the old name was Co Phap). Co Phap was one of three most ancient places: “First Co Bi, second Co Loa, third Co Phap” where the Ly dynasty originates over 200 years and was full of prosperous air. Do temple is a beautiful architectural project which was protected rather completely. This temple is very important in the Vietnamese’s spiritual life. Formerly, the Do Temple was famous for its unique architecture, highly praised through the verses: The architecture of the Do Temple is marvelous, Worthy to the thousand-year-old history of Thang Long Do temple was built on the total area of 31,250 square meters includes 21 different categories. The type of Do temple is Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc – the inside looks like the Chinese character “Cong” (letter I) and the outer frame the word “Quoc”(forming a rectangular frame around the incense – burning hall, the upper hall or other architecture works…). We can see all the elements of classic Vietnamese cabinet marking, frame construction, and decoration in the structure of the temple. The basic construction is a long and large structure supported by tall wooden columns sitting on stone blocks. The building is assembled without nails or screws. Roof trusses are held in the place by a complex lattice of stiles and rails. The joinery is exceedingly complex mix of mortises and tenons. The architecture of Do temple is divided into 2 parts: the interior and the outside. The outside includes: square house, storehouse, and guesthouse, house dedicated King Ly Chieu Hoang, Van Chi (building for dedicate literary mandarins) and Vo Chi (building for dedicate military mandarins). In front of the Temple lies a semi-circular lake with 9.500 square meters in area, with clear and full water all the year round. The lake is connected with two ponds at both ends of the village, with the Tieu Tuong River in front of the village. In the center of the lake stands a square house reserved for water puppetry performances with two beautiful tiered roofs. To the south of the lake, there is a huge pavilion to preserve stone slabs inscribed with the merits of the eight Ly kings, written by the first doctoral candidate Phung Khac Khoan in 1604 on the occasion of restoration under Le dynasty, and to the north of the lake, a 5-compartment floating house. The square house is good place for tourists and local people to take a rest and listen to the folk songs. In the past, the square house was chosen to print on the five VND by the Indochina bank because of its unique architecture and signification. The square house On the left and in the right of Do temple is Van Chi and Vo Chi. Van Chi was built in 2002 by the Department of National Defense and Political Head Department with total area 721 square meters, dedicated two literary madarins: Ly Dao Hanh and To Hien Thanh. People’s committee of Hanoi city with total area of 722 square meters, dedicated three militery madarins, built Vo Chi in 2005: Ly Thuong Kiet, Dao Cam Loc and Le Phung Hieu. The architecture of Van Chi and Vo Chi are similar to each other, the type of Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc. The interior has the area of 4.320 square meters, surrounded with brick walls (3 meters height, 1 meter width) The Temple's gate includes five doors, named Ngu Long Mon, made of hard wooden plates assembled together and carved on top images of dragons waiting upon the sun. Dragon symbolizes for the rain (water) and. As you know, Vietnam is an agricultural country so rain and sun are two important elements. When the door opens, its two leaves are wide apart, and the two dragons on top of the doors seem to be soaring. On day, the dragons “eyes when catching the light” shine like gemstones. Along the three-step staircase, which are carved two stone dragons with clouds around, on a green stone floor, symbolizing the Thang Long (Soaring Dragon) capital. However, if we see the stone dragons carefully, we can find that they were carved according to the symbol of the Tran dynasty dragons (smaller from top to toe, have beard, more skillful…). What a pity because this temple worships Kings of Ly dynasties. The doors themselves, really a series of opening all along the side of the temple, allow us to enter the temple from almost anywhere, but you must consciously step over the threshold. The bright red and golden trim is typical of the temple. Two sides of the main entrance are two guardians, carved by stone to protect the temple. Ngu Long Mon Passing the gate and a large yard, a green stone paved road leads visitors to a square house (Phuong Dinh house), with eight tiered roofs and three compartments with total area of 70 square meters. This house is used to worship the Earth and Heaven. In font of this house is incense burner, made of copper with two carved dragons on it. Two sides of the incense burner are two elephants. One is in white – symbol of Yin, and one is in red – symbol of Yang, show the harmonious development. Elephants were also the transportation of the King. Two sides of the square house are guesthouses and place for people prepare the offsprings. Then there is a 7-compartment front worship house, 220 square meters in area (Tien Te house), which is front walls are hung with two big posters displaying capital letters: "Eight Kings together brightening and "Co Phap commune - a foundation of the Ly dynasty". In front of the altar is the crane standing on turtle’s back in both two sides – symbolized for the noble and the longevity of the Kings. This symbol only appears in the temple. This house of worship is intended as a symbol of the bridge between human beings and Gods. In this house, there are some beautiful and strange pictures of eight clouds gathered together above the temple in the festival day in 1998 “Bat De van du” The center of the interior as well as the temple is the sanctum. The sanctum was divided into two parts. The 1st part (Chuyen Bong house) is a three-compartment house, 80 square meters in area, with eight tiered roofs. This sanctuary is used to dedicate King Ly Thai To. On the left is the Chieu Roi Do (the writing of leaving the capital) with 214 words – 214 years reigned of eight Kings of Ly dynasty. On the right was the famous poem of Ly Thuong Kiet, regarded as the first Declaration of Independence of our country. These three compartments are spacious and ventilated and on the axis leading to the Co Phap ancient back pavilion with the floor space in the shape of a Cong letter. Two sides are stele houses, one recorded the architecture of the temple and one recorded the restorations. Behind the sanctum is the harem – the 2nd part. The part includes the altars of eight Kings. All the statues of Kings Ly are rather same, which were seated on the throne. From the left to the right are King Ly Cao Tong, King Ly Than Tong, King Ly Thanh Tong, King Ly Thai To and King Ly Thai Tong (same dedicated compartment), Ly Hue Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, Ly Anh Tong. King Ly Chieu Hoang was not worshipped in this room because she was considered the traitor. Different parts of the Do Temple are being restored one after another by skilful artisans over the years. The longevity of the structure is even more astounding when you consider the hot, humid climate of Vietnam is not suitable to preservation. In Do temple as well as other temples and pagodas, the gentle upturn of the roof eaves that overhand the roofs keep the hot daytime sun off the interior and the large openings allow the wind to cool the interior. In the evening and the wintertime, the low sun comes in and heats the interior 4. Heroes, legends and festivals. Heroes, legends Do Temple worship 8 kings under Ly dynasty. The Ly dynasty was the first major power to rule Vietnam after the Chinese were driven out in the 10th Century Lý Dynasty began in 1009-1225 when the queen Lý Chiêu Hoàng (then 8 years old) was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of her husband, Trần Cảnh. Under the Ly Dynasty, its rulers created the Temple of Literature in Hanoi - Vietnam’s first university - established an enormous system of organization, promoted agriculture and created the first system of flood control along the banks of the Red River.  The Ly Dynasty also greatly faded out the ideology of Confucianism and Buddhism grew. Ly Cong Uan was founder of the Ly dynasty. According to legend, he was fathered by a genie that violated his mother as she was on her way to the Tieu Son pagoda in the village of Co Phap (province of Bac Ninh). Being pregnant and unmarried, the woman was forced to leave her native village and for three years wandered about the country before reaching the pagoda of Ung Tam where she entrusted her child to the care of the Superior, a bonze named Ly Khanh Van. However, the mother gave birth and died at the gates of the pagoda. One night, Ly Khanh Van, Superior of the Ung Tam pagoda dreamed that a genie had appeared in his sleep. "His Majesty the Emperor is waiting at your gates," said the genie. "Go forth and receive him." When the Superior awakened in the early hours of the morning, he recalled the dream and went to the gates of the pagoda to find and he found the body of a young woman who was already dead, at her side laid a newborn male child. The Superior gave the woman a decent burial and himself took charge of the child, whom he named Ly Cong Uan, adopting him as his own son. Early in life, Ly Cong Uan showed that he had extraordinary intelligence. At six years of age, he could read the prayer books as well as any bonze. However, he was also somewhat mischievous and one day removed the fillings from the rice cakes destined for the altars and ate them. The Guardian Genie of the pagoda appeared in a dream to the Superior and told him about his adopted son's misbehavior. When Ly Khanh Van awoke, he verified the facts related in the dream and severely reprimanded the young rogue. "But who told you about my misdeed, master?" he asked. "The Guardian Genie, of course," was the reply. Ly Cong Uan became very angry at the Genie and on the back of his statue wrote the following threat: "You are sentenced to exile at a distance of 3,000 leagues." That night the Genie again appeared to the Superior in a dream. "His Majesty the Emperor has just banished me from the pagoda," he said. "Farewell!" On awakening, the Superior examined the Genie's statue and discovered the judgment written on the back. In vain, he tried to erase it. Then he sent for his son, who erased it easily, using only his spittle. When growing up, under the protection and support of Lý Vạn Hạnh also known as Vạn Hạnh monk which was a respected monk in the holy Anterior Le Dynasty court, he came to the capital and gradually was promoted from a small official to a title called “Tả thân vệ Điện tiền Chỉ huy sứ” meaning the Left Guard-Commander of Anterior Citadel, which was a high rank in the army system. In 1009, with the death of Le Long Dinh (known as Ngoa Trieu "the Reclining Emperor"), the Le dynasty came to an end and in the following year Ly Cong Uan was unanimously acclaimed emperor by the other court mandarins. His old tutor contributed to the preparation for his former disciple's succession by spreading prophecies among the people of a coming change of dynasty. On ascending the throne, he took the reign name of Ly Thai-To. In the seventh month of the first year of his reign (1010), Ly Thai-To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to La Thanh. On reaching the latter city, he saw in a dream a golden dragon rising in the air; therefore, he changed the name of his future capital to Thang Long (Ascending Dragon). Today it is called Hanoi capital. Actually, Ly dynasty has 9 kings but in Do Temple worship only 8 Ly kings. Ly Chieu Hoang was last king of Ly dynasty. Lý Chiêu Hoàng (1218-1278) - King Lý Huệ Tôn's daughter - succeeded his father for three months only (between November 1224 and January 1225). With the whole power in his hand, Trần Thủ Độ made artful arrangements so that Lý Chiêu Hoàng would marry his nephew Trần Cảnh (aged eight) and leave the throne to the latter. Consequently, Nhà Trần (Trần Dynasty) replaced Nhà Hậu Lý (Post-Ly Dynasty). But Lý Chiêu Hoàng and Trần Cảnh remained childless after having lived together for tens of years. At that time, Princess Thuận Thiên - Lý Chiêu Hoàng's elder sister, wife of Trần Liễu (Trần Cảnh's elder brother) - had been with child three months. Trần Thủ Độ forced her to marry Tran Canh. Feeling deep sorrow, Lý Chiêu Hoàng led a retired life in he own palace. Twenty years later, on celebrating the victory over the Mongol invaders, Trần Thái Tông (Trần Cảnh) gave in marriage for Ly Chieu Hoang with Le Phu Tran who was a general of great merits. She gave birth to 1 son and 1 daughter. She died at the age of 60. Now, in Do temple her status did not put on main worship compartment with other kings because she was a women king who lost Ly dynasty to Tran dynasty. She was worshipped outside in small house. Festivals The festival takes place from the 14th to the 16th days of the third lunar month. Legend has it that the 15th day of the king Ly Cong Uan who was the coronation of King. Thus, the later generations chose the day as a common festival to pay homage to kings of the Ly Dynasty. According to customs in Dinh Bang Village, a chief officer appointed to administer the festival. The person then presents himself to the genie in a set of solemn rituals and votive offerings including a drum, a platter of betel, and a small bottle of wine. Residential groups, mass organizations and local authorities administer the festival. Pieces of work are assigned according to ages and kinds of person. On festival days, they have to fulfill their assigned tasks. On the 14th, preparatory work finishes. Those appointed for such posts as the King's bodyguards (the tuong), flag holders or palanquin carriers have prepared their costumes and equipment. Others have to clean the road, pagoda and temple. The palanquin procession takes place on the afternoon of the 14th day, starting from Do Temple to Dan Pagoda, where prayers will be read. This ritual aims to take kings Ly to the place where the founder of the dynasty was born and grew up and pay gratitude to those who brought him up and gods and Buddhist spirits at the pagoda. After that, the king’s mother is taken to the temple for the coronation. On the early morning of the 15th day, the procession returns from Dan Pagoda. By then, it is accompanied by another palanquin and altar representing the king’s mother. On the way, the procession drops at Dinh Bang Communal House. The festival manager enters the house to do presentation rituals in front of the village’s tutelary god. After that the procession continues on its way back to the temple.  The procession arrives at the temple yard, dragon-dancing starts, followed by senh tien castanets dancing. Next, three men in the role of the king’s bodyguards, enter the dragon yard. The two palanquins are placed alongside the yard: the one carrying the king’s mother on the right and the other carrying the king on the left. The chief officer steps into the main sanctuary and reads King Ly Thai To’s edict on the movement of the capital to Thang Long. After that, he puts the document on the main altar. Then he starts the incense offering and festival inauguration rituals. Others follow him to do the incense offering. On each of the 15th and 16th, there is a ceremony solemnly held with votive offerings. There are many fun games during the festival: cock fighting, chess playing, and cheo and tuong performances. Fun activities take place in the temple yard, pond, and other places in the region, attracting many visitors from elsewhere. 5. Advice for visitors Do Temple is located in Dinh Bang Village, Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province, 15km from Hanoi on National Highway 1A. It is very easy for tourist to get there. They can go by bus, taxi, motorbike, and bicycle. Buses is so cheap only 3000VND. Taxi is about 150000VND. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes Tourist can search information about Den Do at the website of Bac Ninh province ( or some website about tourism, travel companies such as: www.vietnamtourism.com; www.webdulich.com etc. Tourist can visit Do Temple in festival or the full-moon days. There are many local people and tourists come to pray for family, themselves, friends, and relationship etc. Den Do has important role in belief of local people as Vietnamese. Therefore, when tourist comes in Do Temple, you should show your respect to this place: Wear form cloths Bow a little bit in front of the altars Do not use to finger to point to the altars Do not turn back to the altars Do not make noise inside temple Let your soul restful 6. List of reference Website: www.google.com Book: “8 vị vua triều Lý” - Professor Vu Ngoc Khanh. – Culture – Information Publisher NXB year 2007. 7. Appendix Now its easy for tourist can enjoy tours to Den Do. It’s a tour at a travel company (www.dulichsonghong.com): DESCRIPTION: 07h30:     Our boat will leave port to take you to Dong Vien wharf09h40:    Our cars will take you to visit Thanh Giong Temple, Kien So Pagoda and Do Temple 12h30:    Have lunch at Do Temple. 13h30:   Back to the boat then up the Red River. 16h30:    Return to 42 Chuong Duong Do Berth Price: 250.000 VND/Person CONCLUSION HD4 project as well as the assignments and other projects in English courses are really helpful for students. After finishing this project, we gain more than we thought about it before. We all know how to researching from various sources, translating information from Vietnamese into English, organizing the information and improving the writing report in English skill. The project is the specialized assignment to help us study more effectively in our major. And we have chance to know more about one of beautiful temples. Therefore, we do hope that our work will have as the best result as we can. It is the first we have worked on such a project, I am sure that our project still have so many shortcomings. Please, give us frank comments as well as helpful suggestions. We highly appreciate your detail and useful recommendations. Thank you so much! ._.