A place that preserves the heroic spirit of Lam Son.

In Son Dong commune, Phu Tho province, for generations there has been an ancient and serene temple called the Temple of General Tran Nguyen Han, also known as the Upper Temple. The temple is not only an architectural masterpiece bearing the distinct mark of the Late Le Dynasty, but also a place that preserves the heroic spirit of Lam Son of a founding national hero.

Tran Nguyen Han, a distinguished general in the Lam Son Uprising, came from the royal Tran dynasty. He was renowned for his extensive knowledge, strategic thinking, and unwavering loyalty to the king and his country. When Le Loi raised the banner of rebellion against the Ming army, Tran Nguyen Han was one of the first to join, contributing to strategic planning, force organization, and directly commanding many major battles. He played a crucial role in the great victory of the Lam Son rebels, liberating the country from Northern domination.

The temple was built on flat, spacious, and elevated land, traditionally believed to be the site of the former residence of Tran Nguyen Han.

After the successful uprising, Le Loi ascended the throne, establishing the Later Le Dynasty. Tran Nguyen Han was granted the title of Left Prime Minister, becoming one of the most important founding fathers of the dynasty. Despite holding a high position of power, he maintained his integrity and honesty, disregarding fame and fortune. His unwavering loyalty earned the profound admiration of the people. The story of his life and unjust death has become a symbol of loyalty and righteousness, inspiring generations to revere him and erecting this temple to commemorate his merits.

From the temple gate...

...the front hall

...the inner palace was renovated and expanded many times, mainly during the Nguyen dynasty.

The temple dedicated to the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han was built over 200 years ago, during the Later Le Dynasty, in the shape of the Chinese character "Đinh" - a traditional architectural style in ancient religious buildings. Passing through the three-arched gate with its seven moss-covered stone steps, and the two side gates, above which is a horizontal plaque inscribed with the three characters "Toi Linh Tu" (Most Sacred Temple).

Inside the main hall, the central section features a solemn altar, above which sits a large horizontal plaque inscribed with the four characters "Khai Quoc Nguyen Huan," traditionally believed to have been bestowed by King Le Thanh Tong to honor the merits of the founding minister. The polished black ebony columns and the exquisitely carved dragons, phoenixes, and tigers remain intact, showcasing the skillful hands of ancient artisans. Every detail in the temple embodies the dedication and reverence of the people for this national hero.

For over two centuries, the temple has retained its ancient appearance despite the vicissitudes of time. Within the temple grounds, by the Son pond, remains the whetstone where, according to legend, Tran Nguyen Han used to forge his swords nightly for battle. Deep indentations, like sword marks, are still imprinted on the stone, a testament to the hero's spirit and unwavering will. In front of the triple-arched gate, an ancient banyan tree, planted nearly 600 years ago to commemorate his contributions, provides abundant shade. Through countless seasons of rain and sunshine, the tree remains strong and vibrant, a symbol of enduring vitality and the undying loyalty of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han.

The whetstone of the Left Prime Minister.

Furthermore, within the temple grounds stands a banyan tree planted by General Vo Nguyen Giap. This banyan tree, along with the ancient Barringtonia tree, serves as a witness to two eras – two heroes separated by hundreds of years but sharing the same ideal of sacrificing for the Fatherland.

The banyan tree was planted by General Vo Nguyen Giap in the temple grounds.

The temple dedicated to General Tran Nguyen Han is not only an ancient architectural masterpiece of high artistic value but also a center of cultural and spiritual life for the local people. Every year, on the anniversary of Tran Nguyen Han's death, people from all over flock to Son Dong to offer incense and pay their respects. The festival is held solemnly, with processions, rituals, and incense offerings, interspersed with folk games such as tug-of-war, wrestling, and human chess... creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and intimate, imbued with the spirit of "drinking water, remembering the source." During the festival, the sound of drums and gongs, along with the rising incense smoke, makes the temple even more sacred, transporting people back to the heroic years of the Lam Son army.

The Tran Nguyen Han temple attracts many visitors from within and outside the province who come to pay their respects and commemorate him.

With its outstanding historical, cultural, and artistic value, in 1984, the Ministry of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) classified the Temple of General Tran Nguyen Han as a National Historical Monument. This recognition is not only a source of pride for the people of Phu Tho but also a testament to the enduring value of the temple – a precious heritage of the nation.

Le Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/noi-luu-giu-hao-khi-lam-son-242347.htm