Consider this question. What connects a king fleeing from his enemies and a towering rice tree? The answer lies here at \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m. This temple has a history deeply intertwined with local legends and the very soil of this land.
\u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m also known as \u0110\u1ec1n C\u00e2y G\u1ea1o which translates to Rice Tree Temple stands as a testament to time. It links to the nearby Linh Quang Pagoda. Legend says that the deity of T\u1ea3 Ph\u00f9 once stayed near this temple. Before going to battle, he prayed for victory. After winning, the king rewarded him handsomely. But he refused the reward. Instead, he asked the king for the houses of the defeated enemies.
The king agreed. T\u1ea3 Ph\u00f9 planned to use these houses to build a communal house. He had them transported by river. However, when the boats reached \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m, one of them stopped. It wouldn’t budge. T\u1ea3 Ph\u00f9 prayed to the Rice Tree deity asking to use the house to build the village’s communal hall. Immediately, the boat could be moved. The villagers then used it to build their \u0110\u00ecnh.
But the story doesn’t end there. The temple’s connection to the land goes deeper. Long ago, the village of C\u00f4ng \u0110\u00ecnh had a giant rice tree. Once a king was fleeing from enemies. Arriving at the riverbank, he found himself trapped. Suddenly the sky darkened. A strong wind blew and the giant rice tree fell across the river. The king used it as a bridge and escaped.
Later, after defeating his enemies the king honored the rice tree. He declared it a Đại vương or Great King. He ordered the villagers to build a shrine to honor it. That shrine evolved into what we now know as \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m.
Historical records confirm the temple’s early origins. An ancient decree dating back to 1740 recognizes the Rice Tree deity. The oldest stele dates from 1746. This proves that \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m existed long before these dates.
As you look around note the temple’s layout. It faces north toward a large pond. The Tam Quan or triple gate stands to the left. This gate is built in the style of four pillars. The main temple is raised about one meter. A staircase leads up from all three sides. The roof is tiled. Look closely at the roof where you can read the words “Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m Đ\u00e0i”.
Inside notice the detailed carvings. Dragons coil around clouds and waves. These carvings represent the art style of the 19th century.
Over time \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m has preserved many historical artifacts. These include seven royal decrees. The earliest dates back to 1740 and the latest to 1887.
\u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. The villagers revere the Rice Tree deity as a symbol of prosperity. The temple stands as a bridge between the past and present. It embodies the deep connection between people, nature, and their history. In 1992 the Ministry of Culture and Information recognized \u0110\u1ec1n Tr\u00fac L\u00e2m as an architectural and artistic monument.