Quán Thánh Temple, Hanoi

While walking back from One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to Tran Quoc pagoda, we saw this temple. While taking a note of places to visit in Hanoi, I probably missed Quán Thánh Temple. I am happy I went inside.

It is an old Taoist temple dating back to 11th century.

Taoist temple

History:

• Made in the 11th century, Quán Thánh Temple also known as Tran Vu Temple is a Taoist temple in Hanoi.
• It is dedicated to Xuan Wu or Huyen Thien Tran Vu in Vietnamese, who is one of the principal deities in Taoism.
• Situated near West Lake, this is one of the Four Sacred temples of Hanoi situated in four directions. Quan Thanh temple protects in the north, Voi Phuc temple in west, Kim Lien temple in south and Bach Ma temple in the east.
• Emperor Lý Thái Tổ who was the founding emperor of the Ly dyansty ruled from 1010-1028.
• he shifted the capital to Hanoi got the temple constructed dedicating it to Trần Vũ. It was moved to its present position in 1474.
• Quán Thánh temple has been renovated may times and reflects the different time periods.

Outside the main entrance are four pillars decorated by phoenix on top of central pillars and nghe on side pillars. Embossed tiger adorn below rahu images on both sides.

pillar in front of the temple with Rahu, an influence of Hinduism during that period

3-gate entrance which was built on large stone slabs

The central archway is the biggest flanked by two smaller arches on the sides. On top of the central archway is Rahu, the Indian god to protect people who enter the temple

side of entrance has image of trees

large courtyard with kneeling elephants on both sides

large courtyard shaded by trees

incence burning urn

dragon at entrance to main altar

tiger on the other side

Inside the main shrine:

The inside of temple is richly decorated in hues of red and gold.

cranes guarding the shrine

guarding cranes standing on tortoise, a famous animal symbolism in the temple

Writing in ancient Chinese due to Chinese rule over Vietnam for a very long period

Master sculptor, Trum Trong who made Tran Vu statue

Tran Vu with altar offerings

In the main shrine is a big black bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, shortened to Tran Vu. His feet are bare, his hair pulled back. He has a square face.

Cast in 1677, this statue has been recognized as a national treasure in December 2016.

In his right hand, he holds a sword with a snake coiled around it. The tip of the sword rests on top of a turtle. The former stands for protection and turtle for wealth

The statue measures 3.96 meters and weighs 4 tons, sitting on a marble base.

Tran Vu is particularly revered by martial artists and that is why students practice martial art in the compound.

two of the four Marshals in temple

another pair of Marshals on opposite side

artifacts used during that time

artifacts which have now become a national treasure on display

decorated pillar

Richly decorated pillars and doors are an added attraction

Boots of Ttan Vu

carved wood, a traditional Vietnamese work still present in the Red river delta region

oven for burning fake notes

The temple is frequented by devotees specially on Tet (Vietamese Lunar New Year)ar and on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, that is new and full moon. They pray for health and happiness.

roof of temple

stele house, banyan tree on the side

stele house

The stone stele recorded all restorations. The last record was made in 1894 by Hoang Cao Khai, a viceroy under King Thanh of Thai dynasty.

As it is a sacred place, visitors should dress up properly.

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

entrance fee: 10,000 VND

The temple though not very big but has plenty of interesting things to see inside.

Bhutan, the land of Thunder Dragon

Having heard about Bhutan's preserved culture and beauty, I am at loss of words to perfectly describe this mountain abode. The land of happiness ! Isn't this term synonomous with Bhutan?

My excitement knew no bounds as the aircraft started its decent.  It is a nerve jerking experience as it snakes its way in between huge rugged mountains on either side. Coupled with this,  the stong wrinds make the landing more difficult.

The carriers to this picturesque place are Druk Air and Bhutan airlines. I come to learn that there are just 8 pilots qualified in maneuvering the aircraft through the serpentine route between the mountains.  It indeed is one of the terrifying and dangerous landings in the world.

flying in between the mountains

Welcome to Paro airport

The journey from Paro to Thimphu provides a picturesque view.  At Chuzom, two rivers Paachu and Thimphu meet to form Wangchuk which joins Brahmaputra on its onward journey.

      river running beside the road                         oldest suspesion bridge                                   confluence of rivers                                                                                                           

How can I commence writing about Bhutan without mentioning Druk or the Thunder dragon? One sees it everywhere on buildings throughout the country.

outside Paro airport

painted balustrade of shops

Druk on a pillar

beautiful dragon painted on a pillar 

Thunder dragon is held in high esteem by the people here.  It is said that the dragon has an egg which protects the country and sees that no harm comes to its people. Thundering of clouds is often associated with the movement of this dragon and people pray for their well being.

In its claws, it also holds mystical relics which bring prosperity and good fortune to the country. When these relics move, earthquakes take place.  Apart from the buildings and homes, thunder dragon is the center point in Bhutan flag.

Bhutan flag

The thunder dragon sits between the two colors dividing them equally.
Yellow color signifies the King of Bhutan and red signifies Buddhist monks. The placement of druk signifies equal and balanced importance of both.
In between the claws, the druk holds the jewels symbolising country's jewels and wealth are safe.
The snarling mouth means that Bhutan will always be protected by its deities.

entrance to Thimphu  

                             smiling and elegant Bhutanese girls                                   smart young Bhutanese boys                                                              

I give all credit to the hotel girls who helped me in procurring all information I needed. Thanks, Rinzin, I have learnt a lot.
There is so much to see and learn at Thimphu.  I just managed to see a few in the given time frame.

I plan to walk down to the vegetable market today.  Its walking distance from the hotel.  Moreover, the rarified air here is making me breathless :(  I need to give myself some time to get used to the altitude.

Vegetable Market:
I have never seen more highly organised market place for vegetables, cereals, fruits, meat than the municipal market in Thimphu.

fresh vegetables 

                             cereals and local produce                                                                           local cheese 

          fresh fruits                                                                              dried vegetables, chillies, lentils

Who would'nt be interested in buying art stuff?   We cross the road from vegetable market and enter the art and craft market.  There are temporary stalls that are set up every Friday to Sunday. This market gives a perfect opportunity to take back souvenirs from this exotic place.  Crossing the cantilever bridge, I could not stop myself from appreciating the old bridge.

bridge opposite the vegetable market

inside of bridge, the beautiful artwork on roof

The whole length of bridge has prayer flags on either side.  The walls and roof are beautifully painted. It is believed that child birth is easy if an expectant mother crosses the bridge several times.

bridge from outside 

Coming down the steps, are beads, farming tools, jewelry.

beads, scarves and much more... 

art pieces 

Beautiful carving on a conch

How tempted am I to buy so many things.  Finally, I settle to buying dilbu and dorji ( prayer bell)  and a prayer wheel.  Dilbu is always sold along with dorji.

Prayer wheel, dilbu and dorji

I plan to write in detail about the rituals and beliefs in my coming posts on Bhutan where I shall also be writing about dilbu and dorji.

Tomorrow might be the day for some sight seeing.