Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi

Bach Ma Temple, also known as the Temple of the White Horse, is one of the oldest and most significant places of worship in Hanoi. Built in 1010, the temple is dedicated to Long Do, the patron saint of Hanoi, whose name translates to "Dragon’s Belly."

The temple's origin is intertwined with the history of Hanoi itself. When King Lý Thái Tổ transferred the capital from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long (the ancient name of Hanoi), he was guided by a white horse that appeared and led him to the temple's current location. This event was considered an auspicious sign, and the king began constructing the city's walls from this site. Although only a few parts of the original structure remain, the temple as it stands today is primarily a result of 18th-century reconstruction efforts.

Bach Ma Temple is situated in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, a vibrant area that reflects the city's rich history and culture. The temple complex consists of six main sections: the altar, the square house, the great house of ceremony, the incense chamber, the sanctuary, and the meeting hall. Each section has its unique function and significance, contributing to the temple's role as a center of worship and community gathering.

The temple houses numerous relics, including stone steles that document its history, royal ordinances, and records of restorations from the Lê to the Nguyễn dynasties. In 1839, a shrine to Confucius was added, highlighting the temple's importance in both religious and educational contexts.

Visitors to Bach Ma Temple can pass through its old wooden doors and explore its historical and cultural artifacts. Noteworthy treasures include a statue of the white horse that led King Lý Thái Tổ to the temple site and a red lacquer funeral palanquin. These artifacts, along with the temple's architecture and historical records, provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of Hanoi and the enduring legacy of Bach Ma Temple.