Temple of Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh

The Temple of Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh is located in Mong Phu residential group, Son Tay ward, Hanoi city, about 50m from Mong Phu Communal House. The relic is part of the ancient village relic complex in Duong Lam. This is the place of worship for Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh – a typical notable figure of the Duong Lam homeland, known for his talent, spirit, and national pride and for the Giang clan in Duong Lam. The relic was ranked by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National-level Historical-Cultural Relic, commemorative type for notable figures, in 1984.

Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh (1573–1638), courtesy name Quoc Hoa, pen name Van Chung, was born in Mong Phu hamlet, Phuc Loc district, Son Tay trấn. He was a man of broad learning and great talent; he passed the Tham Hoa examination in the Mau Thin examination, the 10th year of the Vinh To era (1628), under King Le Than Tong, and was appointed an official at court. With his talent and mettle, he was trusted by the court and assigned many important responsibilities.

In 1637, Giang Van Minh was sent to lead the Dai Viet envoy delegation to China. During their time in Yen Kinh, the delegation had to wait for a long time and repeatedly endured the harassment and contempt of Ming officials. When he was granted an audience with the Ming emperor, he demonstrated the mettle of a talented, resourceful, and forthright diplomat. In response to a couplet implying the bronze pillar of Ma Yuan: The bronze pillar to this day is covered with moss (The bronze pillar to this day is covered with moss), Giang Van Minh replied with the line: The Bach Dang River since ancient times still has red blood (The Bach Dang River since ancient times still has red blood). The couplet refers to our nation's resounding victories on the Bach Dang River, thereby expressing national pride and affirming Dai Viet's will for independence.

According to transmitted records, the Ming emperor was angry and executed Giang Van Minh, disregarding diplomatic protocol. He sacrificed himself with the mettle of an envoy, leaving a typical image of loyalty and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. After his death, King Le and Lord Trinh were deeply grieved, posthumously conferred on him the title of Left Vice Minister of Public Works and the noble title Vinh Quan Cong, and held a solemn funeral. The story of his diplomatic mission and Giang Van Minh's mettle became a deep imprint in the history of diplomacy and the nation's patriotic tradition.

According to the stele inscription Giang Thi Tu Duong Bi Ky, The Temple of Giang Van Minh was built in the spring of 1845, the 5th year of the Thieu Tri era. The structure was built in the shape of the character Nhi, including a Bai Duong worship hall and a Hau Duong rear hall. The main items were built with laterite bricks, and the roof was covered with ri tiles. The Bai Duong consists of 5 bays, connected to the Hau Duong through a small brick-paved courtyard. The Hau Duong consists of 3 bays, is the main worship place, and keeps worship objects and relics related to the notable figure.

The temple currently preserves many valuable relics such as 3 stone steles, 4 wooden horizontal plaques, brick plaques lacquered in red and gilded, plaques recording the merits of those who contributed to building the family temple, and a set of dragon-carved altars lacquered in red and gilded. In particular, the system of stele inscriptions, couplets, and horizontal plaques are valuable sources of material for learning about the life and career of Giang Van Minh as well as the history of the clan and the Duong Lam homeland.

Today, the Temple of Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh is a meaningful tourist site within the Duong Lam ancient village relic complex. Not only does it have architectural and artistic value, but the relic is also a place that preserves the memory of a talented and spirited notable figure, contributing to educating traditions of patriotism, national pride, and respect for learning and talent for present and future generations.