The Dinh and Le Kings Temple are two temples located in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province. This is where the two kings who made great contributions to the unification of the country and established the regime of the ancient Dai Co Viet, King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, are worshipped. The Dinh and Le Kings Temple were built during the Ly dynasty, and were rebuilt in the 17th century under the Later Le dynasty. To this day, the relics still retain their ancient features and unique historical and cultural values.
Dinh King Temple
The Dinh King Temple is located in Truong Yen Thuong village, also known as Thuong temple. The temple faces East, in front of it is Ma Yen mountain which looks like a saddle. On the mountain is the tomb of King Dinh. The Dinh King Temple was built in the style of inner service outer state, consisting of three main areas: worship hall, incense burning, and main palace.
- The worship hall is a large courtyard, with a finely carved long sàng altar on blue stone slabs.
- The incense burning area is where the officials who contributed to the country during the Le period are worshipped: Nguyen Bac, Le Co, Trieu Tu and Dinh Dien.
- The main palace is where the bronze statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang, painted with red lacquer and gilded, is placed on a monolithic blue stone altar. The right compartment worships Prince Dinh Hang Lang and Dinh Toan. The left compartment worships Dinh Lien – the eldest son of the king.
Le King Temple
Le King Temple is located in Truong Yen Ha village, also known as Ha temple. The temple faces West, in front of it is Cam Son mountain. The Le King Temple was also built in the style of inner service outer state, consisting of three main areas: worship hall, incense burning, and main palace.
- The worship hall is a large courtyard, with a finely carved long sàng altar on blue stone slabs.
- The incense burning area is where the officials who contributed to the country during the Le period are worshipped: Le Phung Hieu, Le Long Dinh, Le Long Viet and Le Ngoa Trieu.
- The main palace is where the bronze statue of King Le Dai Hanh, painted with red lacquer and gilded, is placed on a monolithic blue stone altar. The right compartment worships King Le Long Dinh and Le Ngan. The left compartment worships King Le Trung Tong and Le Thai To.
The Dinh and Le Kings Temple is not only a historical relic, but also an attractive tourist destination, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists. Here, visitors can combine visiting other famous places of Ninh Binh.
The Dinh and Le Kings Temple also has many interesting tourist activities, such as walking, visiting constructions, observing bronze statues, worshipping and praying, participating in traditional festivals… The Dinh and Le Kings Temple is a must-visit destination when tourists visit Ninh Binh and the ancient capital.
