Bach Ma Temple
₹ 6,748 onwards
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Weather :
Timings : Tuesday - Sunday: 8:00 AM -11:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee
Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi Overview
Located in the centre of Old Quarter, Bach Ma temple is a beautiful 11th century Buddhist temple in Hanoi. It's dedicated to Bach Ma or 'White Horse', a legendary horse that is said to have led Emperor Ly Thai to the best area to construct a temple. A red-lacquered palanquin greets you upon entrance, along with a shrine dedicated to Confucius and a Phoenix altar.
Considered to be Hanoi's oldest standing temple, Bach Ma Temple is an important relic that is found between Hang Buom Street and the back door on Ngo Gach Street. It was even said to be a major hideout for Resistance fighters during the French occupation of Vietnam.
Despite its age, the Bach Ma temple is still actively used for worship, and even stays open longer on the 1st and the 15th day of every lunar month for extended prayers, offerings and ceremonies. It is a great place for foreigners to come see the local traditions especially on the days with extended opening hours.
The Bach Ma Temple represents some of the oldest cultures of Hanoi. From its architecture to the the rituals performed, the Vietnamese hold this place in very high regard. Its history is not just corroborated by facts but is steeped in mythology, making it that much more of an attraction.
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Tips
- If possible visit on the 1st or the 15th day of the lunar calendar or on the 9th or 10th days of February, during the evening prayers. There are a lot more local rituals performed on these auspicious days.
- Dress conservatively, even though there are no strict rules that say so, in an effort to respect the locals and their traditions. There are a few conservative locals who get angry if you don't.
Legend of the Temple
Significance
Architecture
The Bach Ma Temple has some beautifully decorated interiors. The temple has big iron-wood columns with a wooden framework rafters joining together to form a weight-bearing structure, completely covered with decorative carvings. You will find a large dome-shaped roof over the incense-burning house. Within this serene temple are valuable artefacts such as stone steles, altars, shrines and statues.
It also features a funeral palanquin, a memorial to Confucius, an altar dedicated to four seasons in the shape of a phoenix, and most importantly, a statue of the white horse. Along with architectural and artistic merit, Bach Ma Temple is also a valuable resource for researching and studying the history of Thang Long (modern-day Hanoi).
History of the Bach Ma Temple
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