Sùng Nghiêm Diên Thánh Temple

About

Sùng Nghiêm Diên Thánh is an old Buddhist heritage site in Duy Tinh village. Its stele and stone lotus pedestals offer insight into Lý-period art within grounds restored many times.

Visitor information

Founded

A stele records the completion of a rebuilding campaign in 1118 under the Lý dynasty.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours may change with the temple’s practice schedule; please ask the temple before your visit.

Fees

No fee has been confirmed by the temple. Please check notices at the site; external services may be charged separately.

Address

Làng Duy Tinh, xã Hậu Lộc, tỉnh Thanh Hóa; địa chỉ cũ thuộc khu vực Văn Lộc, Thuần Lộc, huyện Hậu Lộc.

Highlights

• ✓A stele recording restoration in 1118
• ✓Stone lotus pedestals in the Lý-period artistic style
• ✓A pond, stone bridge and temple setting in Duy Tinh village

History and origins

The 1118 stele records the rebuilding of the temple after King Lý Nhân Tông’s southern tour in 1116. This is a documented reconstruction date, not necessarily the temple’s first foundation. The temple suffered wartime damage, was designated a National Relic in 1990 and had many components restored from the late 1990s.

Architecture & surroundings

The main sanctuary has curved roofs, timber framing and a brick-paved courtyard; a pond and stone bridge create an open space in front. Stone lotus pedestals, the old stele and wooden statues should be distinguished from later reconstructed buildings. Not all the architecture now visible survives unchanged from the Lý period.

Cultural value

The temple’s objects reflect several historical layers of Duy Tinh, an important area of the former Châu Ái region. The community festival helps sustain the relationship between the temple and village life.

Events & festivals

The traditional festival usually takes place from the eighth to the tenth days of the second lunar month, with processional ceremonies and folk-cultural activities. Please check annual announcements for the exact dates.