Temple of Literature
Author: Judith de Laate
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This architectural masterpiece from 1070 is dedicated to Confucius.
The Temple of Literature was initially the first university of Vietnam but today, the temple is a relaxing park in the centre of Hanoi.
It is a symbol of the rich and great Vietnamese culture.
When the temple was a university, it was a highly renowned centre which awarded doctorates to many eligible students.
The 82 stone diplomas on the stone tortoises is an extraordinary sight. These stone sculptures hold the names and birthplaces of all the graduates from the university.
The original reason for the construction of the temple was to make a place of worship of the saints of Confucianism. Six years after construction, the temple was turned into a centre of education.
Altars to Confucius can still be seen and many fervent believers also visit the temple to pay homage to the site. There is a belief that if you rub the tops of all 82 tortoise steles, you will be blessed.
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