Relics

Visit Tu Ky to visit the place of worship of the founder of Vietnamese Confucianism

NGUYEN DINH SON December 7, 2024 14:56

Along with Pham temple and Coi temple, Kiem communal house in the old An Nghiep commune (now Dan An commune) is one of the three most important places of worship in Tu Ky district (Hai Duong), where the royal court organized ceremonies.

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Kiem village communal house (common name is Gom village)

According to the legend and the appearance of Kiem village, Si Nhiep (士燮), whose given name was Uy Ngan, was born on January 4, 137. His father was Si Tu. When Vuong Mang replaced the Han dynasty, Si Nhiep's ancestors fled to Giao Chau. In 187, he was appointed as the Governor of Giao Chi district until his death on November 12, 226.

He was the first person to teach the Vietnamese people writing systematically and was honored as “Nam Giao Hoc To” (南交學祖) - the founder of Confucianism in Vietnam, and was honored as Si Vuong by historian Ngo Si Lien. His written name in Kiem village temple is “Duc Si Vuong Tien”.

In "Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu", Ngo Si Lien praised his merits: "Our country is well-versed in poetry, studies music and rites, and is a civilized country, starting from Si Vuong. His merits are not only in his time but also passed on to future generations. Isn't that great?"

Kiem village communal house (the common name is Gom village) used to belong to An Nghiep commune (later changed to Quang Nghiep commune), now merged into Dan An commune (Tu Ky) is one of two communal houses in the commune worshiping the founder of Nam Giao school - Si Nhiep.

The communal house faces southwest, close to a large river named Dinh Dao. In the communal house, he is worshiped, with a tablet containing jade, hats, and clothes. The Nguyen Dynasty kings from Minh Mang to Khai Dinh conferred a total of 8 royal decrees on him.

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Altar of the Saint in the back palace

The books "Tu Ky district school office phoenix ky" and "Tu Ky dia du phong vat chi" both record: The communal house in An Nghiep commune has always worshiped Nam Giao school founder, the protector Si Vuong. The communal house is majestic, with lush trees, and is the place where the royal court offers (international) sacrifices, with incense and lamps burning endlessly. Every day, many people come here to pray for children...

The book "Dong Khanh Geography" recorded: during the reign of Le Canh Hung, the king praised the people of the commune for their loyalty to the military and awarded them a plaque with three words: "Kien Nghia Dan" (people firmly follow righteousness).

The communal house was demolished in 1965. Today, the elders in the village are still proud of the beauty and grandeur of the communal house. Over time, not many antiques of the communal house remain, now there are only 3 sets of dragon pavilions and 1 royal coffin in the back palace.

In 2005, the people of Kiem village were determined to restore the communal house on the same old land to worship the Saint.

Every year, villagers hold a festival on his death anniversary, November 12.

NGUYEN DINH SON
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