Tran Dynasty was one of the most glorious reigns in the process of Vietnam’s construction and protection. But nowhere in Vietnam, Tran Dynasty’s relics are abundant, densely populated, and uncovered like they are in Dong Trieu Town where is considered as the hometown of the dynasty.
Historical researches shows that Tran Dynasty’s legacy in Dong Trieu Town formed more clearly in terms of scale post 1299 when King Tran Nhan Tong traveled to Yen Tu to live a life of a monk and established Truc Lam zen sect. By the end of 14th century, many tombs of Tran Dynasty kings had been built in or moved to Dong Trieu Town.
Besides, Tran Dynasty built a number of shrines and temples for worshipping late kings and other religious constructions for zen practice and teaching. King Tran Nhan Tong chose Ngoa Van as the place where he practiced Buddhism during the final years of his life. Therefore, it is considered as one of typical historical and cultural centers, Dai Viet’s “center of Buddhism” under Tran Dynasty, and a “holy land” of Truc Lam zen sect.
Dr. Nguyen Van Anh, a lecturer at the Department of History at Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities, affirmed that “The most special place of ancient Yen Tu is Ngoa Van. The most special thing in Ngoa Van is Ngoa Van Shrine where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong entered nirvana. Ngoa Van, as the holy land of Truc Lan zen sect, was built and continuously expanded until Nguyen Dynasty in 19th century with 15 relics in total”.
Archeological excavation since 2007 at almost tombs, shines, temples under the complex of Tran Dynasty’s relics has revealed an old golden age in the area. For example, Thai Temple used to be a place worshipping royal people under Tran Dynasty. Excavated An Sinh Temple shows the architectural development of itself…
Tran Dynasty’s precious artifacts have also been found here. For instance, bronze phoenix statues, large brown flower pots adorned with lotus flowers and dragons, round flower tubs with tiles arranged in form of lemon flowers, which is said extremely unique and first seen in Dong Trieu…
Archeological results about Tran Dynasty are precious proof contributing to affirming the great values of Tran Dynasty’s Complex of Monuments and Landscape, which is proposed by Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, and Bac Giang for UNESCO recognition as the world heritage.
Translated by Quynh Trang
