Mao Dien Temple of Literature

The 500-year-old Mao Dien Temple of Literature demonstrates the past evolution of Confucianism and academic examinations in Hai Duong Province. The temple is a magnificent structure, a source of pride for Hai Duong locals.

This is the place for hundreds of scholars were trained to aid Vietnam’s construction progress throughout history. Overall, Mao Dien Temple of Literature resembles an ancient school, exuding a heritage of academics and studiousness.  

The entire scene of Mao Dien Temple of Literature

History of Mao Dien Temple of Literature

The temple was first built in the 15th century in Vinh Lai Commune, Duong An District. In the late 18th century, it was moved to Mao Dien Commune, merged with the school there to become a place that trained hundreds of leading scholars.

Mao Dien Temple of Literature worships Confucius - the founder of Confucianism and 8 local notables including Chu Van An, Mac Dinh Chi, Pham Su Manh, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Tue Tinh, Nguyen Trai, Vu Huu. And notably, Nguyen Thi Due - the first female royal laureate in Vietnam in the Mac dynasty.

Mao Dien Temple of Literature worships Confucius - the founder of Confucianism

Mao Dien Temple of Literature has been well preserved, contributing to promoting good traditional cultural values and becoming a place to honour studying, respect wisdom and talents of the ancient East.

In 1992, Mao Dien Temple of Literature was classified as a Vietnam National Relic Site. On December 15, 2017, it was recognized as a Vietnam Special National Relic.

Where is the Mao Dien Temple of Literature

Today, Mao Dien Temple of Literature lies in Mao Village (also known as Mau Tai Village), Cam Giang District, Hai Duong Province, located right on the new National Highway No. 5.

Mao Dien Temple of Literature is about 48 kilometers east of Hanoi Center and about 14 kilometers from Hai Duong City Center. This is an ideal distance for an excursion from Hanoi.

Entrance gate to Mao Dien Temple of Literature

How to get to Mao Dien Temple of Literature

From Hanoi, you can travel like a passenger car along the direction of National Highway 5 through Cam Giang - Hai Duong, then you go through Cam Dien Commune post office and follow the signs and you will arrive! 

Best time to visit Mao Dien Temple of Literature

The best time to visit the Mao Dien Temple of Literature is during the festival periods. Since 2005, the Mao Dien Temple of Literature Festival has been restored and held annually with two periods: the Spring Festival takes place from February 17 - 18 and the Autumn festival takes place from the 20th of August lunar month.

Read more: Perfume Pagoda: 1-day exploration

What to see in Mao Dien Temple of Literature

Architecture of  Mao Dien Temple of Literature

Passing through the gate, the space of Mao Dien Temple of Literature appears dignified, majestic and steeped in ancient solemnity. The main building consists of the Worship Hall and Rear Palace, built in the shape of a  Chinese character with curved roofs adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings.

The main building consists of the Worship Hall and Rear Palace

Some auxiliary structures are similar to those in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, such as the bell and drum towers or 2 rows of steles summarizing the temple's history and recording the names of doctoral graduates from Hai Duong.

In addition, in the literary temple space, an area recreates the Huong examination (first-degree examination at the provincial level) in the past with tents where students sat and took their exams.

A 200-year-old red cotton tree was planted in 1801 under King Canh Thinh's reign. This tree has witnessed many cultural and educational activities, as well as examinations from the feudal period.

A 200-year-old red cotton tree was planted in 1801 under King Canh Thinh's reign

Festivals in Mao Dien Temple of Literature

The Spring Festival is organized on a large scale, attracting many visitors with some main ceremonial activities such as the Incense Offering Ceremony; unique folk art performances; Character ceremony...

The festival part is more about cultural activities: opening traditional houses Education - Training, writing calligraphy, performing traditional water puppetry art... In the early days of the new year, many young people also went to the temple to ask for letters at the beginning of the year for luck and burned incense to commemorate talented people.

Calligraphy exhibition at Mao Dien Temple of Literature. Source: Baovanhoa

The Autumn Festival is shorter than the Spring Festival with solemnly organized incense offering activities, the Alarming Ceremony to Offer Saints activity and cultural exchanges among local schools.

Conclusion

Mao Dien Temple of Literature bears deep historical and cultural imprints of the ancient Thang Long Capital Eastern Region, symbolizing the spirit of studiousness. Through the ups and downs of national history, Mao Dien Temple of Literature has preserved traditional cultural values of academic achievements

Till now, this temple remains a source of pride for the Hai Duong people in particular and Vietnam in general. Contact Asia King Travel now to plan a history trip!

Read more: Vietnam Cycling Tour 4 days: Red River Delta & Mai Chau