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Tran Temple is dedicated to 14 emperors of Tran Dynasty (1225 - 1400). Royal family members and officials having significant contributions are also honored at the temple. Tran Dynasty was a glorious era marked by three victories against Mongol invaders. This remarkable feat has been etched into Vietnamese people's memory for generations.
Main Gate to Tran Temple
Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival is among northern Vietnam's largest festivals on Lunar New Year. Locals and visitors from afar come to receive a seal, hoping for blessings of Tran emperors. Join Asia King Travel on a journey to Tran Temple and discover the temple festival through the article below.
Tran Temple is located in Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City, Vietnam. It is about 2 kilometers from Nam Dinh City Center and approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. The route will be shorter if you depart from Hai Phong, about 7 kilometers.
From both directions, the most convenient way is by car. The drive from Hanoi starts at National Highway 1A and then turns right onto National Highway 21A to arrive in Nam Dinh. While Hai Phong visitors just need to follow National Highway 10.
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There's no better time than spring to visit Tran Temple, especially during Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival. While the festival is held around February, you can arrive earlier for sightseeing. The fresh air and fragrance of budding flowers will refresh your soul.
Tran Temple after a spring rain. Source: 24h
September and October are also great times to visit Tran Temple, coinciding with the Tran Temple Festival. Celebrated in the eighth lunar month, the festival is more elaborate in even-numbered years. However, it still attracts a large number of visitors every year.
In 1258, facing a Mongol invasion, Tran's military and civilians strategically retreated from Thang Long (Hanoi) to Thien Truong (Nam Dinh), employing a "scorched earth" tactic. After the victory, King Tran Thai Tong celebrated on the 14th day of the first lunar month, honoring and rewarding everyone contributing to the triumph.
Elders are performing Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony. Source: Baochinhphu
The seal-opening ceremony was also held, featuring offerings to ancestors and prayers for peace and prosperity. This tradition continues today, Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival opens at the beginning of each new year to commemorate and express gratitude to Tran emperors and their army.
Before Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival, on the second day of the Lunar New Year, the temple elders perform a ritual to request the seal opening to print the amulets used in the ceremony.
Tran Temple's Seal Amulets
After dark on the 14th day of the Lunar New Year, the festival begins with a procession carrying the seal chest from the inner sanctum of Co Trach Temple to Thien Truong Temple. After the seal is opened by 14 elders, visitors enter Thien Truong Temple to worship and receive an amulet to hope for a better new year.
Tran Temple consists of 3 smaller temples: Thien Truong, Co Trach, Trung Hoa. Thien Truong Temple is situated in the center of Tran Temple. It was once a place of worship for the Tran royal family, as well as the living and working quarters for retired emperors.
Thien Truong Temple's architecture comprises nine structures and 31 chambers. Upon entering the temple, visitors will pass through various chambers, each serving a different purpose. Almost the entire temple is constructed from ironwood, with a tiled roof and a brick floor.
14 Tran Emperors' tablets inside Thien Truong Temple
Inside the front hall are the altar and the memorial tablets of heroic officials. The middle hall contains 14 memorial tablets of the Tran Emperors. In front of the entrance, three thrones are placed to pay homage to emperors.
The main sanctuary is divided into three sections: the central section honors four founding ancestors of the Tran Dynasty and their primary wives, while the left and right sections are dedicated to imperial consorts. The ritual hall is reserved for meritorious people, each one has own altar.
Co Trach Temple is located to the east of Tran Temple complex. In the 21st year of the reign of King Tu Duc (1868), a broken stele was discovered in the east inscribed with words meaning "The old house of Tran Hung Dao ". From this discovery, Co Trach Temple was built in 1895. The temple is a place of worship for Greater General Tran Hung Dao, his family and under generals.
Outside Co Trach Temple
Trung Hoa Temple is located on the left side of Thien Truong Temple. The temple was built in 2000 on the foundation of Trung Hoa Palace. In ancient times, this was where Tran emperors often came to consult with retired emperors.
Bronze statues depict Tran Emperors
Trung Hoa Temple houses 14 bronze statues, depicting 14 Tran Emperors. These statues are placed in the central hall and the main chamber. Notably, the left wing of the temple is used to worship civil officials, while the right wing is dedicated to the worship of military officials.
The revered Tran Temple can teach you more about a great era in Vietnamese history. Come to Tran Temple at the beginning of spring to fully indulge in beauty and participate in the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony. Contact Asia King Travel now to plan a trip to stop by this historical site!
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