The Khue Van Cac (Pavillion of Constellation of Literature):

- The second courtyard contains the Khue Van pavilion (Khuê Văn Các), a unique architectural work built in 1805 and a symbol of present-day Hanoi. The Khue Van pavilion is built on four white-washed stone stilts. Round windows in square wooden frames reflect circular sun- square earth concept of yin and yang harmony of the ancients, and wooden pillars propping up the roof symbolize health. At the top is a red-coloured with two circular windows and an elaborate roof. Inside, a bronze bell hangs from the ceiling to be rung on auspicious occasions. Beside the Khue Van pavilion are the Suc Van gate (Súc Văn Môn- concise, persuasive literature) and the Bi Van gate (Bí Văn Môn- pure literature). These two gates are dedicated to the beauty of literature, both its content and its form. In the first and second courtyards there are topiaries (bushethes that are cut into particular shapes) that represent the 12 zodiac animals.

* When and why was it built?

– This pavilion didn’t belong to the temple original architecture. It just was built by the end of 18th century, when the Nguyen king carried out the last restoration in this temple before moving the capital to Hue.

– There’s also a temple of literature in Hue. It’s much smaller than this one but the architecture an purpose are exactly the same.

– Now we use this pavilion as the symbol of Hanoi. You can see it on every street signs.

* The name’s meaning? How does it represent for the Yin – Yang concept?

– Khue Van Cac means Constellation of literature pavilion. The pavilion is rich in the complementary symbolism of yin- yang. They are high and low, square and circle….The Legs mansion (Venus) is one of the western mansions of the White Tiger with 16 stars shaped into the form of the word “literature” in Chinese. Therefore Khue Van pavillion is considered as a symbol of Hanoi, intellectuals and a symbol of the capital with thousand years of civilization.

* The relationship between this pavillion and the two small gates at the previous section?

– In order for the student to pass through the gate to the next level of knowledge, the virtue and talent of the first stage must be joined to excellence in literary expression.