The Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Later Lê Dynasty

20/12/2024 43 0

The main architecture of the Imperial Ancestral Temple consists of two structures, the Front Hall (Tiền điện) and the Rear Hall (Hậu điện), arranged in succession.

Located 2 kilometers south of the city center, the Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Later Lê Dynasty (also known as the Lê Family Temple) can be found in Kiều Đại Hamlet, formerly Bố Vệ Village, in Đông Vệ Ward, Thanh Hóa City. The Lê Family Temple was constructed in the fourth year of Gia Long's reign (1805). It serves as a place of worship for the 27 emperors of the Lê Dynasty, the Empress Dowager, and the royal princes of the Later Lê Dynasty. During the feudal period, the ancestral temples and the national altar were the two most revered symbols. Major state affairs were often proclaimed at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The land of Bố Vệ is the birthplace of the emperors of the Later Lê Dynasty, with the Imperial Ancestral Temple having been moved from Thăng Long, distinguishing it from other ordinary Lê temples. From that point on, it became the central place of worship for the Lê Dynasty, from the Early Lê to the Later Lê, along with the tombs in Lam Kinh, located in Xuân Lâm Commune, the birthplace of the emperors of the Early Lê Dynasty. The Lê Family Temple was constructed in the architectural style of the Later Lê and Nguyễn dynasties, featuring the Front Hall (Tiền điện) and the Rear Hall (Hậu điện), connected by a continuous courtyard. The temple currently houses many valuable original artifacts with great historical significance. It also venerates two prominent national heroes, Nguyễn Trãi and Lê Lai. Notably, the temple contains six statues of Emperor Thần Tông and his five consorts of different nationalities: Dutch, Mường, two Cham wives, and one from Kinh Bắc.

The Lê Family Temple was awarded the title of 'National Historical, Cultural, and Architectural Heritage Site' by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism). When visiting the Lê Family Temple, in addition to exploring and learning about the history of the Lê Dynasty, visitors also have the opportunity to discover the distinctive ancient architecture and sculpture of the Later Lê period.

Some images of the Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Lê Dynasty:

The Reception Gate of the Lê Temple is located next to a small road in Quảng Xá Village

The interior landscape of the Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Lê Dynasty

The Front Hall (Tiền điện) has five altars. In the center is the altar for the council of officials, while on either side are altars dedicated to the princes of the Later Lê Dynasty

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