Temple of Chaplain (Quoc Su) Dam Cong Hieu

20/03/2025 09:15

(BNP) - The temple of Quoc Su Dam Cong Hieu (Huong Mac quarter, Huong Mac ward, Tu Son city) was built in the year Bao Thai 2 (1721) and has an ancient architecture of Chinese “Nhi” letter, consisting of 9 spacious compartments. After many renovations and embellishments, the temple has now become a place of activities, an address for educating the tradition of examinations and studiousness for descendants in the family and local people.

Dam Cong Hieu was born in the Nham Thin year (1652) during the reign of King Le Than Tong, the 6th generation descendant of Doctor Dam Than Huy. Being intelligent and eager to learn since childhood, he passed the imperial examinations early and held many important positions in the royal court. He was appointed to teach, and assisted Trinh Cuong in succeeding to the throne. After his death, through the dynasties, all the kings issued ordinations. In 1742, he was given the title of Quoc Su Dai Vuong and from then on, every king honored him as the God of Fortune (Phuc Than).


The temple entrance.


The temple gate is built in the traditional style, including the main door and 2 side doors.


The Front Ceremonial Hall (Tien Te) has 5 compartments made of sturdy ironwood with an architecture of Chinese “Cong” letter.


With moss covered tile roof...


The entire floor of the temple is paved with ancient bricks.


Chuyen Bong House is built of ironwood, square with four corner pillars and curved tile roof.


The Emperor’s Harem (Hau Cung) is an architectural work that has survived quite intact since the Le dynasty (the old lecture hall) consisting of 5 compartments, a frame made of ironwood, a tiled roof, and a front built in the style of lantern pillars and wind wings.


Currently, the temple still preserves many valuable artifacts from the Le - Nguyen dynasty: memorial tablets, altars, wooden plaques, royal boxes, and 06 ordinations.


Le Dynasty altar.


In front of the temple yard there is also a large stage, which is where cultural performances are held whenever the locality or family has a big event.


Tomb of Quoc Su Dam Cong Hieu is located in Lien Ha commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi city.

Every year on May 2 (lunar calendar), descendants of the family gather at the temple to celebrate the death anniversary of Quoc Su Dam Cong Hieu. The temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1988 under Decision No. 28-VH/QD.