Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter is a sacred relic: the Hoa Than Temple at 30 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District. This is the only temple in Vietnam dedicated to the Fire God and has remained a spiritual anchor for generations of Hanoians despite urban transformation and time’s wear.

Known by its formal name “Hoa Than Tu,” the temple honors the deity Quang Hoa Ma Nguyen Suy, guardian of fire. Legends surrounding the fire god are deeply influenced by Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian philosophies.

Folklore says the Fire God was originally a divine flame in a Buddhist temple. After hearing many sutras, he became enlightened and joined the Buddha’s disciples. However, due to his fiery nature, he broke the monastic rules and was reincarnated into the Phung family. After another lifetime of practice, he achieved spiritual fulfillment and returned to heaven, serving the Jade Emperor by preventing fire-related disasters.

“Locals consider the Fire God the founding figure of firefighting. As far as I know, this is the only temple in Vietnam dedicated to the fire deity,” said Trinh Van Hung, the temple’s caretaker and deputy head of the site’s preservation committee.

In the temple’s inner sanctum, a solemn statue of the Fire God stands between two guardian figures: Thien Ly Nhan (Eyes That See All) and Thuan Phong Nhi (Ears That Hear All).

According to locals and historical texts, Hoa Than Temple was built in the early Nguyen Dynasty. At the time, the area outside Hanoi’s Dong Gate was filled with thatched houses and frequently struck by fires.

In 1828 alone, two major fires destroyed over 1,600 homes. Another 1,400 homes burned in 1837. In response, locals built a shrine to the Fire God in 1838, the 19th year of King Minh Mang’s reign, praying for protection from fire disasters.

The original shrine was modest - a small altar with a copper statue of the Fire God. That statue still remains today, along with three bells once used to summon divine aid during emergencies.

The temple has been renovated and expanded multiple times under the patronage of various emperors.

Trinh Van Hung, who has lived across from the temple on Hang Dieu Street for nearly 50 years, recalled: “The entrance used to be a narrow one-meter alley that opened into a tiny courtyard. It was where neighbors gathered to cook sticky rice cakes during Tet. As space shrank and population grew, the temple was reduced to a small altar for rituals.”

It wasn’t until just before 2019 that the government began a formal restoration. Seven households were relocated to reclaim space for the temple, which now features two halls and a courtyard.

Earlier this year, the front gate was rebuilt, making the temple more accessible.

Unique spiritual features preserved over centuries

Despite numerous renovations, the temple retains its traditional architectural and artistic essence.

One unique feature of the temple is the combined worship of both a deity and a goddess. The inner sanctum honors the Fire God, while the outer hall is dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

In the courtyard stands a memorial stone honoring war heroes. The temple also houses altars for two former spiritual mediums who once managed the site.

The temple was officially designated a national historic and cultural relic on August 27, 1996.

As the temple’s caretaker, Mr. Hung rises early every day to tend to the rituals: “I’m here by 5:30 a.m. to make tea, light incense... After breakfast, I return with members of the temple committee to sweep leaves, dust, and maintain cleanliness - even when there are no visitors.”

Mrs. Le Thi Xe, head of the neighborhood’s community affairs committee, has long been responsible for the temple’s upkeep. Each day, she sweeps the grounds, replaces flowers and water, and welcomes worshippers.

“I’ve seen many people come to pray here. Once their wishes are granted, they always return with offerings,” she said.

However, she also called on authorities to gather more historical documentation: “Many visitors are curious about the temple, but we lack sufficient material.”

Currently, the temple has only a Vietnamese-language signboard. Foreign tourists rely on smartphone translators to speak with Mrs. Xe and learn about the temple’s history.

Twice a year, the temple holds its main festivals on the 28th day of the 3rd and 9th lunar months - marking the Fire God’s birth and ascension. In the past, these events included traditional games, but limited space now restricts the celebration to solemn rituals coordinated with local authorities.

Most visitors come to pray for peace and protection from fire hazards in both daily life and business.

Mr. Hung reminds everyone that expensive offerings are not required - sincerity and respect matter most. He also urges guests to keep the temple clean and sacred.

“As caretakers, we hope people and tourists understand the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this temple. I’m thrilled that more people are discovering Hoa Than Temple and hope that authorities continue to support its preservation as a revered national relic,” he said.

Binh Minh - Le Anh Dung