Phuong Bang Shrine

Phuong Bang Shrine

Phuong Bang Shrine (in Phuong Bang village, Son Dong commune, Hanoi) is a spiritual architectural work located on high ground at the eastern end of the village. Although local people habitually call it a “quan”, this relic is not related to Taoism but is a place of worship for the village tutelary deity – a general from ancient times who made great contributions in helping King Ly Nam De (544–548) drive out the invading Lam Ap army, and who was renowned for his both literary and martial talents and deep compassion for the people.

The overall grounds of the relic are harmoniously planned, including a simple pillar-style ceremonial gate, courtyard and garden, the Phuong Dinh pavilion, and the main architectural complex with a structure in the form of the character “Dinh”, including Dai Bai, Trung Cung, and Hau Cung. The first architectural highlight of the relic is the Phuong Dinh pavilion, built in the early 20th century in a two-tier, eight-roofed stacked-eave style with softly curved corner ridges. This structure is supported by 12 stone columns evenly distributed on four sides, of which the two main front stone columns are finely carved with dragons coiling around their bodies; the upper eave section is fitted with sturdy balustrades, and behind it is a bridge house connecting to the Tien Te hall.

Next is the imposing Dai Bai hall, consisting of 3 bays and 2 side wings, 9.8 m long and 4.4 m wide. The load-bearing frame here consists of 4 rows of columns with trusses made in the traditional “chong ruong” structure; on the surfaces of the components are vividly carved motifs of the four sacred creatures and flowers and leaves, such as dragons, unicorns, lotus leaves, and phoenix tree leaves. The front of Dai Bai is fitted with a system of discreet panel doors; inside the central bay, a horizontal plaque bearing four Chinese characters “Tieu liet van co” is solemnly hung, together with a pair of couplets praising the merits of the tutelary deity.

Connecting deeper inside is the Hau Cung, which has a structure similar to Tien Te but possesses clear Le dynasty-style carving art. The truss system here has beams placed close together to form large bracket panels, with relief carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and clouds in a graceful manner. In the most solemn position in the last bay of Hau Cung is placed the altar tablet of the tutelary deity along with a large lacquered and gilded relief carving of a pair of phoenixes dancing in attendance around a vase of jade leaves and golden branches; below is an ancient incense table carved intricately on four sides.

With profound historical values and traditional wood and stone carving art, Phuong Bang Temple was officially classified by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic in 1997.