According to the plan of Vietnam government, a full scientific database of 82 stone steles in Temple of Literature in Hanoi will be established to restore, manage and search. The database also contributes to the preservation of 82 stone steles and other relevant items, the managing methods, and promotion of 82 stone steles. If the plan is approved, it will be implemented between 2015-2020. In 2015 alone, two gravestones will be restored first, then continue to deploy another gravestones. The project is also believed to make great contribution to protection of a long-lasting Vietnam education tradition, and preservation the second-to-none historical relic as well as a famous attraction in Hanoi. When the restoration finishes, it will help visitors have a full understanding about the time-honored work.
Existing from Le - Mac Dynasty (1442 - 1779), The system of stone steles at Temple of Literature and the first National University of Vietnam has been undergoing almost 600 years. And, these gravestone monuments are located in the Temple of Literature to honor names who passed the national entrance exams in Le and Mac Dynasties. On each stone stele, there is an inscription of an essay in Chinese characters. The content of the essays is the history of the examinations held from 1442 to 1779. There are 82 steles corresponding to 82 examinations organized. The first stone stele was erected in 1484 under the power of King Le Thanh Tong.The stone stele recorded the history examination in 1442. The last stele was erected in 1780 for the examination held in 1779.
As being one of the most important and famous Confucian relics in Vietnam, only Temple of Literature in Hanoi possesses 82 stone steles. The 82 stone steles are not only rich sources reflecting an over 300-year historical period of Le-Mac dynasty, but also reflect a vivid picture of the recruitment and training of unique talents in Vietnam which is reflected in national political ideology based on talents. From the stone steles, later generation can perceive valuable material resources to learn about life, career of Vietnam ambassadors, the diplomatic relations between countries of Northeast part. With precious historical values, the system gravestone at Temple of Literature is recognized by UNESCO as world material heritage. And, recently the 82 gravestone monuments at Temple of Literature continues to be recognized as the national treasures according to Prime Minister's decision.
Over time, the historical complex is affected by natural and human impacts. Therefore, it is very important to renovate, restore and promote the values of 82 gravestones. Currently, the renovation of roof covering these steles is undergoing to complete. All roof covering stone steles will be equipped with anti-leaking, and restored. Construction units are repairing partially the covering part of stone steles to assuring the need of visitors Ms. Nguyen Thi Luan, Vice Director of Science Center for Temple of Literature said that "To implement the project, we have to select the contractors with ability, profession, and experience on restoring relics. It is expected that, before Tet holiday, the restoration of stone steles' cover will be completed."
According to the plan, a full scientific database of 82 stone steles will be be founded to restore, manage and search. The database also contributes to the preservation of 82 stone steles and other relevant items, the managing methods, and promotion of 82 stone steles. If the plan is approved, it will be implemented in the period 2015-2020. In 2015 alone, two gravestones will be restored first, then continue to deploy another gravestones. Existing from Le - Mac Dynasty (1442 - -1779), The system of stone steles at Temple of Literature in Hanoi had undergone almost 600 years, affected by natural and human conditions. In 1994, the first outhouse was designed to limit impacts on the gravestones. Recently, at Temple of Literature, the barriers are created to prevent visitor from rubbing tortoises.