“Born of reverence”, that’s the story of \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n. It stands as a testament to a mother’s love and a son’s gratitude. This place echoes with the tales of royalty. It whispers stories of devotion.
\u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n is more than just a temple. It is a historical site intertwined with the lives of King Le Thanh Tong and his mother, Queen Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao. This sacred space was established over 500 years ago. It began in the late 15th century.
After ascending the throne King Le Thanh Tong honored his mother. He erected \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n beside Duc Khanh Pagoda. This act recognized the profound bond he shared with her.
Records reveal that in 1496 Le Thanh Tong posthumously honored his mother. She became Quang Thuc Hoang Thai Hau. He commissioned her statue. He cast a bell to be placed at \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n. Thus, \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n was established soon after her death.
Later the people also worshipped King Le Thanh Tong and his Queen here. Queen Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao hailed from Dong Bang village. Her father, Ngo Tu, supplied provisions during the early days of the Lam Son uprising. Her sister was Queen Ngoc Xuan. She served Le Thai To in the Hau Cung.
Around 1434 Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao entered the palace. She became a concubine. Jealousy forced her to seek refuge at Duc Khanh Pagoda. One night she dreamt of the Jade Emperor bestowing a Tien Dong upon her. She gave birth to Tu Thanh. He later became King Le Thanh Tong.
Tu Thanh grew up outside the forbidden palace. He was intelligent and talented. In 1460 he ascended the throne as King Le Thanh Tong. After his coronation Le Thanh Tong honored his mother. He styled her Thanh Mau Hoang Thai Hau. He renovated Duc Khanh Pagoda. He built \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n.
In 1496 she fell ill. She passed away at Thua Hoa palace. Le Thanh Tong was deeply saddened. He posthumously honored his mother. She became Quang Thuc Hoang Thai Hau.
Le Thanh Tong himself was the fourth son of King Le Thai Tong. He was born in 1442. Some say he was born at Duc Khanh Pagoda because his mother was banished there. In 1445 he was titled Binh Nguyen Vuong. In 1460 he became King.
From a young age Tu Thanh was known for his intelligence. He excelled in politics, military strategy, economics, literature, and art. Under his rule Vietnam reached its peak. Its economy, culture, and society flourished. He created the Hong Duc code. This comprehensive law reflected the rights of the people.
Education and cultural development thrived under Le Thanh Tong. He erected steles for doctors at Van Mieu. He commissioned the “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu”. He founded the Hoi Tao Dan. He reviewed the unjust case of Nguyen Trai. He ordered the collection of Nguyen Trai’s poems.
Initially \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n was grand. Over time it deteriorated. A stele from 1679 recounts a theft. In the mid-17th century thieves stole Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao’s bronze statue. In 1650 they stole the temple’s large bell. In 1678 the abbot Doan Dinh Thuan recast the statue and bell. That year \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n underwent a major renovation.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n was severely damaged. A stele from 1823 describes its dilapidated state. The Le family contributed to its restoration. Construction began in 1822. It was completed in 1823.
In 1864 another major renovation occurred. The exterior featured a double-roofed temple. Inside was a Buddhist shrine. A corridor formed a “Cong” shape. In the 20th century \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n fell into disrepair. In 1985 it was renovated. A major restoration took place in 2013-2014. This included a new gate facing Huy Van alley.
The architecture begins with Nghi Mon. It has two main pillars with phoenixes. Two side pillars feature mythical creatures. The temple has a harmonious design. It enhances the solemnity of the site.
The Tien Te consists of five rooms. It has brick walls and a tiled roof. The Hau Cung runs parallel. It forms a “Nhi” shape. Inside are statues of King Le Thanh Tong, Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao, and Queen Truong Lac.
\u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n preserves many artifacts. These include horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, and more. The designs depict traditional themes. Eleven stone steles reflect the history of the site.
Annually villagers commemorate King Le Thanh Tong’s death. They celebrate Queen Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao’s life. This shows gratitude to those who contributed to the nation’s history.
Classified as a National historical Site in 1996 \u0110i\u1ec7n Huy V\u0103n is a treasure. It embodies filial piety. It showcases Vietnam’s rich past.