The place to preserve Lam Son's heroic spirit

In Son Dong commune, Phu Tho province, for many generations, there has been an ancient and quiet temple named the Temple of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han, also known as the Upper Temple. The temple is not only an architectural work of art bearing the imprint of the Later Le Dynasty, but also a place to preserve the Lam Son spirit of a heroic founding father.

Tran Nguyen Han, an outstanding general in the Lam Son uprising, was originally from the royal family of the Tran dynasty. He was famous for his extensive knowledge, strategy, loyalty and patriotism. When Le Loi raised the flag of uprising against the Ming army, Tran Nguyen Han was one of the first to follow, planning strategies, organizing forces, directly commanding many major battles, contributing significantly to the great victory of the Lam Son uprising, liberating the country from the yoke of Northern domination.

The temple was built on flat, wide and high land, and is said to be the site of the old palace of Tran Nguyen Han.

After the successful uprising, Le Loi ascended the throne, establishing the Later Le Dynasty. Tran Nguyen Han was given the title of Left Prime Minister, becoming one of the most meritorious founding fathers of the country. Although he held high positions and power, he still maintained his integrity, indifferent to fame and fortune. His loyalty made the people extremely impressed. The story of the life and unjust death of this talented general became a symbol of loyalty, making many generations of people respect him and build this temple to commemorate his merits.

From the temple gate...

... the front house

...to the harem were renovated and built many times, mainly during the Nguyen Dynasty.

The temple of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han was built more than 200 years ago, during the Later Le Dynasty, with the architecture in the shape of the letter "T" - a traditional architectural style in ancient worship buildings. Passing through the Tam Quan gate with 7 mossy stone steps, two side gates, above is a horizontal plaque engraved with the 3 words "Toi Linh Tu".

Inside the main hall, the central room has a solemn altar, above which is a large horizontal plaque engraved with the four words "Khai Quoc Nguyen Huan", which is said to have been bestowed by King Le Thanh Tong himself to honor the great merits of the founding minister. The glossy black ironwood columns, the delicate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and tigers are still preserved intact, demonstrating the talented hands of ancient artisans. Every detail in the temple contains the people's devotion and respect for the national hero.

After more than two centuries, the temple still retains its ancient appearance despite the vicissitudes of time. In the temple grounds, on the banks of Son pond, there is still a sword-grinding stone where Tran Nguyen Han is said to have forged his swords for battle at night. On the stone body, there are deep indentations like slash marks, proving the spirit and iron will of the hero of the past. In front of the Tam Quan gate, an ancient Barringtonia acutangula tree spreads its luxuriant shade, planted by the people nearly 600 years ago to commemorate his merits. Through many rainy and sunny seasons, the tree remains steadfast and green, symbolizing the eternal vitality and undying loyalty of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han.

The Sword Sharpening Stone of the Left Prime Minister

Not only that, in the temple grounds there is also a banyan tree planted by General Vo Nguyen Giap. That banyan tree, together with the ancient Barringtonia acutangula tree, are like two witnesses of two eras - two heroes hundreds of years apart but sharing the same ideal of sacrifice for the Fatherland.

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

The temple of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han is not only an ancient architectural work of high artistic value but also a place for cultural and spiritual activities of the people in the region. Every year, on the occasion of the anniversary of Tran Nguyen Han's death, people from all over flock to Son Dong to offer incense in memory. The festival is solemnly held, with rituals of palanquin procession, sacrifice, incense offering, mixed with folk games such as tug of war, wrestling, human chess... creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and intimate, imbued with the spirit of "remembering the source of drinking water". During the festival, the sound of drums, gongs and incense smoke make the temple scene more magical, as if bringing people back to the heroic years of the Lam Son insurgents.

Tran Nguyen Han Temple attracts many tourists from inside and outside the province to worship and commemorate.

With its unique historical, cultural and artistic values, in 1984, the Ministry of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) ranked the Temple of the Left Prime Minister Tran Nguyen Han as a National Historical Relic. This recognition is not only the pride of the people of Phu Tho but also a testament to the everlasting 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