The Chem Temple has existed for thousands of years on the bank of the Red River in Hanoi. It is considered one of the most ancient temples in Vietnam. Its beauty has often been mentioned in poems, including a work by Poet Pham Su Manh.
Anyone who has ever come to Chem Village in Thuy Phuong Commune, Tu Liem District, Hanoi, must be impressed by the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient village on the bank of the Red River. Ancient houses lie among gardens and moss-covered brick walls. Chem village is also famous for specialties such as Chem pork-pie, which have appeared in traditional folk verses.
Chem Temple is situated between the bank of the Red River and the countryside green space, creating a unique scene in the capital city today. On a site of nearly 2 hectares, the temple’s shape looks like丁, a Chinese character, with big pillars. Curvy roofs of the temple are covered with moss. The temple is built in form of "Nội công ngoại quốc" (internal shape looks like Chinese character “cong” 工, and external shape looks like character “quốc”国). It has a very sophisticated design with ornate sculptures on the temple pillars and roofs. Outside the temple is the three-door gate and four copper pillars.
The temple has two statues, namely the 20m high Thuong Dang Thien Vuong and 80m Qin princess Hoang Phi Bach, made in 1888. The temple also keeps wooden sculptures of the 18th century and incense-burner outside which is the main place for worship. Saint Ly Ong Trong is worshiped at Co Loa Temple in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, along with King An Duong Vuong. The saint is also worshiped at temples in Hoang Xa and Hoang Lien villages in Lien Mac Commune, Tu Liem District, Hanoi and La Tinh Pagoda in Dong La Commune, Hoai Duc District Hanoi, as well as many other localities.
Along with outstanding ancient architecture, Chem Temple has a legend about a general with talent and virtue who made great contributions to fight against invaders. The temple worships Thuong Dang Thien Vuong, Ly Ong Trong and Hoang Phi Bach Tinh Cung living in King An Duong Vuong’s dynasty.
Chem (also written as Trem in some sources) in ancient Vietnamese script is also named Thuy Diem. After that, it was turned into Thuy Huong and then Thuy Phuong. The word “Chem, Trem” in the ancient Vietnamese script is T’lem and was read as Tu Liem in line with Chinese characters. This is considered the origin of the current Tu Liem District.
In the past, Chem Village had a man whose surname was Ly and name was Than. His title was Ong Trong. He was a man of strong build. When King Hung Due Vuong recruited talents to save the country, Tu Liem District recommended Ly Than. The king was very satisfied with him and appointed him as a commander. He helped the king to defeat the invader. In King An Duong Vuong’s dynasty, Qin Dynasty was invaded by Hung No. The Qin King asked for help from An Duong Vuong. After that An Duong Vuong sent Ly Ong Trong to help the Qin Dynasty. The Qin king appointed him as a commander who managed 10,000 soldiers to fight against the invader. After defeating the invader, Ly Ong Trong continued to be promoted to higher positions and was allowed to marry a Qin Princess. He was asked to stay in Qin, but he did not agree and returned to his hometown. His wife also followed him and they lived in Chem Village until they died.
Ly Ong Trong was ranked third after Saint Tan and Giong in Vietnamese history. Chem is the only temple in Vietnam facing toward the north. This seems to be a way for Chem residents to show their admiration for the Chinese princess who moved to the neighbouring country to live with her husband, but always thought of her hometown.
People in Trao Thon Village, Da Loc Commune, An Thi District, Hung Yen Province still continue to worship the mother of Ly Ong Trong, Hoang Thi Kha.
Chem Village has seen changes day by day along with the country’s development, but still keeps its cultural features and the lifestyle of an ancient village.
Kim Nhung
Vietnamese
