Ancient tiled bridges are unique structures, typical of the Northern Delta. Thay temple is home to two such bridges… Among the architectural features that make up the unique features of Thay temple (Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi), it is impossible not to mention the two ancient tiled bridges Nhat Tien (the Sun) and Nguyet Tien (the Moon).
These two bridges are located on both sides of the front yard of the temple, of which Nhat Tien Bridge connects the temple with a small island, on which there is a temple worshipping Tam Phu.
Nguyet Tien Bridge connects the village with the pagoda and the road up to Sai Son Mountain.
According to historical records, these two bridges were built by Mr. Phung Khac Khoan, also know as “Trang Bung” – a 16th-century Vietnamese military strategist, politician, diplomat and poet during the Later Le dynasty warlord period.
According to legend, Phung Khac Khoan used feng shui to explain that Thay temple was built on the dragon’s forehead, Nhat Tien and Nguyen Tien bridges have curved shapes, which are the dragon’s eyelids…
The water surface is separated from Long Chieu Lake by two bridges which are the dragon’s eyes.
Overall, the two bridges were built according to the “above the house, below the bridge” architecture, each bridge has 5 compartments, the bottom is built with rolled stones and the top is built with a wooden house frame covered with tiled roof.
The two sides of the bridge are airy, with low railings that are widened to serve as a resting place for visitors.
In front of each bridge is a pair of ancient stone dragons.
Tiled bridges are a common architectural form in villages, rarely present in ancient Vietnamese temples. Therefore, appearing in a Buddhist space has brought specialness to the two roofed bridges of Thay temple.
This is both a testament to the harmony between Buddhism and traditional Vietnamese culture, and also breathes new meaning into the traditional tiled bridge.
In a space imbued with Buddhism, the two bridges have become a bridge connecting the mundane world of humans with the pure world of Buddhism.
According to tradition, Buddhists who go to the temple to pray when crossing the bridge will pray for good things for their families and loved ones.
The naming of the bridge based on the symbol of Sun – Moon also has the meaning that the two bridges symbolize the two harmonious aspects of Yin – Yang, creating balance for heaven, earth, and all things.
For the people in the area, the two tiled bridge in Thay Temple are both a bridge and a shop: a path, a place to rest, and enjoy the cool breeze…
Source: collected by An
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