Discover the sacred temple that preserves over 20 ancient royal decrees.
(Baonghean.vn) - Having survived through many ups and downs, Tham Hinh Temple in Thanh Giang commune (Thanh Chuong district) is preserving more than 20 royal decrees along with many ancient artifacts.
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| TempleThe Court of Justice has three buildings: the lower, middle, and upper halls, located by the Nay stream. The temple is dedicated to Doctor Phan Nhan Tuong (1514 - 1576), a native of Bach Xa village, Hoang Xa commune, now Thanh Ha commune, Thanh Chuong district – a high-ranking official who rendered many services to protecting the nation and ensuring peace during the Le dynasty, and who held the position of Chief Judge of the Court of Justice. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Throughout the vicissitudes of history, the temple has been restored and renovated many times, but it still retains its traditional architecture. The temple still preserves many valuable ancient artifacts, especially a set of royal decrees from the Nguyen dynasty. Photo: Huy Thu |
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Setimperial decreeThere are 21 imperial decrees bearing the reign names of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors: Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Thanh Thai, Duy Tan, and Khai Dinh. Of these, 4 decrees are from the Tu Duc reign and 10 from the Khai Dinh reign. One of the 21 decrees pertains to the Tham Hinh Temple, while the rest are for other historical sites in the region, such as the Cao Son Cao Cac Temple and the Ngoc Nu Thanh Nuong Temple... (Photo: Huy Thu) |
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| These imperial decrees are more or less damaged, such as torn, crumpled, or missing corners, but generally the patterns, Chinese characters, seals, etc., on the surface of the decrees are still quite sharp. These imperial decrees are of great value in the study of history and relics... Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Mr. Nguyen Tien Sy (76 years old) - a member of the management board of Tham Hinh Temple - said: "Previously, the temple preserved dozens of ancient royal decrees. Recently, representatives of historical sites in the region whose royal decrees were kept at the temple came to request their return. Many royal decrees have been returned to these sites." Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Besides the royal decree, the temple also preserves four ancient woodblock prints. According to Mr. Sy, many temples and pagodas in the area were damaged or dismantled for public works projects in the past, but Tham Hinh Temple remains intact. Therefore, the people brought royal decrees, calligraphy, woodblock prints, ritual objects, etc., from other relics to preserve at the temple. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Each woodblock measures approximately 0.7m x 0.5m. Against a black background, bright yellow Chinese characters are inscribed. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Inside the main hall of Tham Hinh Temple, a strangely shaped "sacred stone" is worshipped. According to the temple management, this stone has existed since the temple's founding. Besides the visible part, which is about 0.8m high, there is also a recessed section about 0.7m deep. Legend says that the tomb of Phan Nhan Tuong lies beneath the stone. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| When visiting Tham Hinh Temple, tourists can also admire the pair of mythical creatures (Nghê) standing together on the altar in the lower hall. These Nghê, covered with pieces of porcelain, are also unique and ancient artifacts of the temple. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| In addition, the temple also preserves many ancient ritual objects such as swords, daggers, parasols, maces, and plaques... all artifacts steeped in history. Photo: Huy Thu |
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With its many significant values, Tham Hinh Temple has been recognized as a historical and cultural relic. The royal decrees and ancient artifacts of the temple are being carefully preserved and protected by the temple's management board. Photo: Huy Thu |
