Despite many challenges and restorations, Voi Phuc Temple as one of four sacred temples of Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) Citadel, the old name of Hanoi, retains its ancient and beautiful architecture and has becomes an indispensable part of Hanoi, attracting domestic and foreign visitors.
Voi Phuc Temple was built in 1065 during the dynasty of King Ly Thanh Tong in the former Thu Le village, western Thang Long citadel, now on Kim Ma street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. |
Voi Phuc Temple is dedicated to Prince Hoang Chan, also known as Linh Lang Dai Vuong, the son of King Ly Thai Tong (1000–1054). |
According to legend, the Prince Hoang Chan helped his father fight against the Chinese Tong invaders and died in the battle. The king ordered to build a temple to honor him. In front of the temple are two kneeling elephants, hence the name Voi Phuc of the temple called by the residents. |
The temple is located on a flat ground in a spacious mound. The main hall overlooks the East – the Thu Le lake. |
In front of the yard, there are many high-stone steps leading to a semicircular well. |
Its architecture follows the feng shui fundamentals representing vitality from heaven to earth. |
The temple stands now on a high mound south of the Thu Le Zoo, with a nice view to a large beautiful lake and surrounded by gardens and many luxuriant ancient trees. |
In the beginning of 1994, the Thu Le village’s residents donated a bell to the temple. The bell with the height of 93cm, the diameter of the mouth was 70cm, the body is embossed with the phrase in Chinese “Tay chan thuong dang” Or the Supreme God Guardian of the West. |
The temple possesses many signs and parallel sentences, mainly praising the merits and sacredness of Linh Lang. |
In 1962, Voi Phuc Temple was classified by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and as a national historical and cultural monument. |
| Every year, to commemorate the merits of Linh Lang Genie, Voi Phuc Temple Festival is held on the 9th to the 11th day of the second lunar month. |
Local visitors often go to the temple for worshipping. |
