TEMPLE QUAN THANH
Built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tô, this temple was dedicated to the Taoist saint Huyên Thiên Trân Vu
From the mausoleum, turn right at the start of the Thanh Niên dike. Built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tô, in the early 11th century (1010-1028), it was dedicated to the Taoist saint Huyên Thiên Trân Vu, "warrior in charge of the Guard of the Dark Sky", who was entrusted with the task of defending the northern part of the royal citadel from attack by demons and evil spirits. The saintly Huyên Thiên Trân Vu belongs to the female principle (Yin). Reigning over the north, he is associated with darkness, cold, night and death. It is associated with the snake and the turtle, both cold-blooded animals.
The temple has undergone several restorations, most recently in preparation for Hanoi's millennium (2010). Some of the stone stelae date back to the 17thcentury . The layout of the courtyard dates back no further than the 19th century. On certain days, martial arts classes are held here in the late afternoon.
At the far end of the courtyard is the worship building, with its openwork walls at the top. Inside, furniture and altars house a jumble of ex-votos. The bronze cranes, symbols of prosperity and longevity, are flanked by two incense burners of the same metal. They are the work of founders from the artisan village of Ngu Xa. In the later sanctuary, the original wooden statue has been replaced by a large bronze one measuring almost 4 metres and weighing 4 tonnes. During festive periods, particularly Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, the temple is very popular with the capital's inhabitants.
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