The Temple of Do Thong Le Phung Hieu

Le Phung Hieu was born in 982 in the Bang Son region of Duong Son province, Co Dang district, Thanh Hoa road, now part of Hoang Son commune, Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province. Despite lacking formal education, he gained fame for his robust health and was a renowned wrestler with the nickname "Do Bung."

He served under the first three kings of the Ly dynasty: Ly Thai To, Ly Thai Tong, and Ly Thanh Tong. Le Phung Hieu held the position of Vo Ve Tướng Quan, along with other generals like Ly Nhan Nghia, Duong Binh, Quach Thinh, and more. On the 3rd day of the 3rd month in 1028, immediately after the death of King Thai To, while the funeral had not taken place, the princes Vo Duc Vuong, Duc Thanh Vuong, and Dong Chinh Vuong besieged the city to contest the throne with the Crown Prince. Le Phung Hieu pointed his sword at Vo Vuong and said, "Vo Duc Vuong covets the royal treasures, disregards the new king's authority, forgets the gratitude to the Heavenly Emperor, and opposes my loyalty. Thus, as Do Thong Le Phung Hieu, I offer this sword as tribute." He finished speaking and swung his sword, killing Vo Duc Vuong. The armies of the three princes fell into chaos. From then on, King Thai Tong successfully suppressed the rebellion, bringing stability to the Ly dynasty.

After the coronation ceremony, King Ly Thai Tong promoted Le Phung Hieu to the position of Do Thong Thuong Tướng Quan, a noble title. Throughout his life, Do Thong Thuong General Le Phung Hieu wholeheartedly served the Ly dynasty, achieving significant accomplishments, including the victory against Chiem Thanh in 1044, thereby maintaining stability for Dai Viet both internally and externally.

The Temple of Do Thong Le Phung Hieu also preserves valuable historical artifacts, especially two stone steles named "Pha luc tam vi thanh" dated Thanh Thai 13 (1901), and the stele named "Su tich bi ky" dated Tu Duc 33 (1880). These inscriptions document information about the worshiped figure, Do Thong Le Phung Hieu, and two notable Ly dynasty figures.

In 1990, the Temple of Do Thong Le Phung Hieu was recognized as a national-level historical site. Today, visitors who have the opportunity to visit Bac Ninh and stop by the Temple of Do Thong Le Phung Hieu will deeply appreciate the significance it holds. It is not only a sightseeing spot to recall various events in history, but it also instills a sense of pride in visitors, standing before the monument that once held the first Party flag.

The Temple of Do Thong Le Phung Hieu is an architectural structure with historical, cultural, and tourist value. It is a source of pride for the people of Bac Ninh and an integral part of the region's beautiful landscape.