All the four temples were built early and closely associated with Thang Long ancient capital – the ancient name of Hanoi. The four temples of Bach Ma, Voi Phuc, Kim Lien and Quan Thanh located at four main direction of the city were dedicated to four gods believed to be guardians of the ancient capital.

These temple are currently regarded as of most sacred places in Hanoi, and historical, cultural and spiritual symbols left to the present by the forefathers of the country.

Eastern guardian Temple of Bach Ma

Bach Ma Temple currently located at 76 Hang Buom street in Hoan Kiem District is believed to be the oldest temple in Hanoi. This temple was originally built in the ninth century dedicating to God Long Do believed to be the Eastern guardian of Thang Long ancient citadel, and later renamed by King Ly Thai To in honour of Bach Ma.  The translation of Bach Ma is ‘́White Horse’́ and this refers to a story behind the construction of the Temple. King Ly Thai To had been struggling building Dai La citadel as its walls kept collapsing. It is said that a white horse appeared from the ancient temple and delineated the best area to build the citadel with its hooves to help the king in constructing the temple. The king renamed the temple when the citadel was successful completed.

Much of the current structure of Bach Ma Temple dates from the 18th century under the Nguyen dynasty. Passing through the wonderful old wooden doors of the temple, one can see a statue of the legendary white horse, as well as the beautiful decorated interior.  

Bach Ma Temple is still actively used by worshippers who come there to offer incense and pray. The temple’s main festival is annual held on the 12^th and 13^th of the first lunar month, often with colourful palanquin processions

The Western guardian temple of Voi Phuc

Voi Phuc Temple, also called Thang Long Tay Tran (Thang Long Citadel’s Western Guardian God Temple) is currently located near Thu Le Park in Ba Dinh district’s Cau Giay ward and has a large campus and lush green trees.

The temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054 - 1072), dedicated to Royal Highness Linh Lang - Linh Lang God. Therefore, it is also known as Linh Lang Temple.

According to historical records, the god Linh Lang was a prince of Ly Dynasty - the son of King Ly Thanh Tong. He helped his father fight the Song invaders at Nhu Nguyet River (now Cau River) and sacrificed there. He was immortalized as one of the capital's tutelary gods.  To remember the merits of the prince, King Ly Thanh Tong bestowed the title His Royal Highness on Linh Lang and built the temple in his honour. In front of the temple are two kneeling elephants, hence the name Voi Phuc is called by local residents.

Over the vicissitudes of history, the temple was heavily damaged, and has been renovated several times.   

Despite many challenges and restorations, Voi Phuc Temple retains its ancient and beautiful architecture. It has becomes an indispensable part of Hanoi, attracting a lot of domestic and foreign visitors.

Every year, to commemorate the merits of Linh Lang God, Voi Phuc Temple Festival is held on the 9th to the 11th day of the second lunar month.  

Southern guardian temple of Kim Lien

Kim Lien Temple (or Cao Son Temple) is located in Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi. The temple was built in honor of Cao Son Dai Vuong - the deity who secretly contributed to helping King Le Tuong Duc quell the rebellions for the recovery of Le Dynasty.

Cao Son Temple is located on a high hill and consists of two separate parts: in front of the hill is the arched gate with two lean-tos in the spacious grounds, and the main structure on the hill itself. The two parts are linked by a flight of nine steps built of old bricks. 

Despite of several renovations, the temple still preserves its traditional architectural style with vivid and sophisticated decorative motifs. The most important relic in the Kim Lien Communal House is the stone stele of “Cao Son Dai Vuong thần từ bi minh”  telling of Cao Son’s efforts to help King Le regain his throne from troublesome members of his family, and listing the 39 certificates of honorary titles upon Cao Son Dai Vuong by the King.

Annual Kim Lien Temple festival takes place on 16th day of the third lunar month.

Northern guardian temple of Quan Thanh

Quan Thanh Temple

The three characters at the top of the entrance of Quan Thanh Temple read "Tran Vu Quan", which means that the temple is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, the God who guarded the North with merits  for chasing away ghosts.  

The temple was built in 1010 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To (1009-1028). There is a black bronze statue of Saint Tran Vu, nearly four meters in height and four tons in weight, located in the main hall.  This statue has been considered as sacred and having a unique architectural work.

The Temple is located right at the intersection of Quan Thanh Str. and Duong Thanh Nien. Its festival is annually held on the 3^rd of the third lunar month. 

 PTT