Đậu Temple

Key facts

Address

Gia Phúc Hamlet, Thượng Phúc Commune · Open in Google Maps

Founded

Traditionally from the time of Sĩ Vương (2nd century) (according to tradition)

Heritage status

Special national-level Architectural-Artistic Site (1964)

Lineage

Four Dharma Deities

Book pages

160–171

Highlights

• Preserved bodies of Zen Masters Vũ Khắc Minh and Vũ Khắc Trường
• The bronze-bound Pháp Vũ tự thực lục tells the Four Dharma legend
• Pair of Trần-era stone dragons on the Front Hall steps

Milestones

1. 1565 Mạc-era stele erected recording the temple's rice fields
2. 1636 Lady Ngô Thị Ngọc Nguyên rebuilt the Incense Hall and Front Hall
3. 1639 Stele Tu tạo Pháp Vũ tự bi erected
4. 1742 Stele raised recording restoration and the Trường Thọ hermitage
5. 1947 French colonial troops burned the Upper Hall
6. 1983 X-rays of the two preserved bodies showed no embalming

From the book

Đậu Temple, also known as Thành Đạo Temple, worships the goddess Pháp Vũ (Dharma Rain Deity) within the Four Dharmas system, and is also called Pháp Vũ Temple or Bà Temple (Lady Temple). During the feudal period, the temple was reserved mainly for kings to worship Buddha, while common people were allowed to enter only during festivals, so it was colloquially known as the King’s Temple.

Frequently asked questions