Literature Temple in Ha Noi

Khue Van Cac (the constellation of literature pavilion) in Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature), Viet Nam's first national university, has been chosen the symbol of Ha Noi capital and the traditional symbol of the eagerness for learning of Vietnamese people.

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam now preserves 82 steles engraved with the names of 1,306 people who obtained the doctoral titles at 82 royal examinations, held from 1442 to 1779.

The pavilion is a two-storey complex made of wood and bricks, which is mirrored on the Thien Quang Well. Located in the third courtyard (from the front gate), the pavilion's ground floor is empty with four brick pillars of 85cm x 85cm engraved with designs of clouds. The pillars stand on a square base, 6.8m x 6.8m, which is covered with Bat Trang bricks. The upper floor, made of wooden frames, stands on four brick pillars, with four round windows facing the four directions and having rays like the sun. This floor is the symbol of the brilliant constellation that is shining. The Oriental people consider this star as a symbol of literature. On this floor, the balustrade is supported by engraved wooden pieces and a gilt board with three letters of Khue Van Cac hanging on the wall.

 Khue Van Cac represents the vision of education and spirit of learning of the countryanf deserves a symbol of a cultural work of the Thang Long thousand-year civilization. - 

By Ngoc Van