“A swirling mist, a whispered prayer.” Thus begins the tale of Miếu làng Bằng A. Right here, in the heart of Hanoi’s Hoàng Mai district, nestled within the serene village of Bằng, stands this ancient temple. Miếu làng Bằng A, also known as Miếu Gần, holds a captivating story interwoven with local legends and historical accounts.
Miếu làng Bằng A is linked to the legend of “Thần Chằm Đầm Đàm”, a water deity. The story takes us back to the Đại Khánh era, when the renowned scholar Chu Văn An taught in this very region. A mysterious student always arrived remarkably early for lessons. No one knew precisely where this diligent student came from, but whispers suggested he hailed from the Đầm Đài area. Strangely, he would vanish without a trace upon returning. This led people to believe he was a water spirit.
One year, during a severe drought, prayers went unanswered, and the land remained parched. Chu Văn An, deeply concerned, gathered his students. He asked if anyone had a solution to bring the much-needed rain. The mysterious student stepped forward, claiming he could command the heavens but would face divine punishment. With a mix of fear and determination, he took a new ink slab, raised it skyward, and dipped a brush, sprinkling ink in all directions. As the last drop fell, he flung the ink slab into the sky. Dark clouds gathered, and a torrential downpour ensued, rejuvenating the parched land.
The next morning, the body of a giant otter was found floating in the đầm (pond). Chu Văn An, believing it was the student who sacrificed himself, ordered a proper burial. He then commissioned the construction of a temple at the site, naming it Miếu Gần (Temple Nearby). Since then, successive emperors have honored the deity as the “Thượng đẳng thần Bảo Ninh Vương.” Miếu làng Bằng A may be modest in size, but it houses beautiful porcelain pieces and a collection of precious artifacts. These include incense burners from the Lê dynasty (18th century), khám thờ (altar cabinets), long ngai (dragon throne), bài vị (ancestral tablets), hoành phi (horizontal lacquered boards with calligraphy), and câu đối (parallel sentences). A particularly intriguing câu đối speaks of ink slabs, rain, and blessings upon the land.
Miếu làng Bằng A is more than just a temple; it’s a testament to a student’s selfless act and a teacher’s respect. It’s a place where whispers of ancient legends meet the quiet reverence of history, a truly captivating experience right here in the heart of Bằng village.