Kinh Thien Temple, also known as Nam Giao Temple, is the place where kings and lords of feudal dynasties perform the ceremony of worshiping heaven - the most important ceremony in the canonical ceremony. The ceremony of worshiping heaven, also known as Nam Giao ceremony, is extremely important to pray for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, and national prosperity.
Mr. Truong Dinh Tuong - Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial Historical Science Association - said that the heaven worshiping altar is a palace religious work, from the Dinh - Tien Le period to the Nguyen Dynasty (feudal dynasties in Vietnam), emperors of all periods paid attention to Giao worshiping ceremony. Ninh Binh was once the capital of 3 dynasties Dinh, Tien Le, Ly. Therefore, the traces of the ancient Hoa Lu capital are still deeply imprinted to this day.
“Dinh Thien Temple in Hoa Lu used to be the place where Dinh Bo Linh performed the ceremony of worshiping heaven, then sent troops to suppress the rebellion of 12 envoys and reunite the country. Also here, in 968, after pacifying the world, ascending the throne as Emperor, the king confessed to heaven and earth, announced to the world, proclaimed himself Dinh Tien Emperor, named the country Dai Co Viet, took the year name Thai Binh and became the first Emperor of the central feudal state in Vietnam” - Mr. Tuong shared.
Also according to Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial Historical Science Association Truong Dinh Tuong, Kinh Thien Temple of the Dinh Dynasty more than 1,000 years ago was located in the ancient capital Hoa Lu, today belonging to Trang An Scenic Complex - World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Kinh Thien Temple of Trang An is located adjacent to Bai Dinh mountain and pagoda, in Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province.
In 2018, Ninh Binh province restored Kinh Thien Temple right on the occasion of the 1,050th anniversary (968 - 2018) of Van Thang Vuong Dinh Bo Linh ascending the throne as emperor, establishing the Dai Co Viet State. This is not only a historical and cultural work but also an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists when coming to Ninh Binh.
Kinh Thien Temple is located on the highest land of Moc Hoan valley (about 270ha). The structure is restored according to three large gates from outside to inside: Human gate - Earth gate - Heaven gate (according to the ancient "Three Talents" concept: Heaven - Earth - People), forming the universe.
Each main hall has three doors passing through in the direction of the royal court: main hall, left hall, right hall. The main halls are built of fake laterite bricks, high-level brick making and burning skills of Bat Trang (Hanoi) workers, colored stone railings decorated with surrounding motifs...
According to the reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper, three large stilt houses have been built in the middle of Moc Hoan valley, built according to the ancient Muong stilt house model. These stilt houses are considered Muong museums, displaying items and products, restoring the living scenes of the Muong people such as spinning silk, weaving fabric, kitchens, daily living areas of families, and specialty cuisine of the Muong people. This is to commemorate King Dinh, who was originally from the Muong people in Kim Lu book, Hoa Lu cave in the past.
Mr. Bui Van Manh - Director of Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism said that in the near future, the Thung Ui cultural and spiritual tourist destination - where the Kinh Thien Temple has just been restored - will open to welcome visitors right on the occasion of the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026.
