To Hien Thanh (?-1179) is a Mandarin who served three kings of the Ly dynasty, known for his extreme honesty. To Hien Thanh was a native of Hạ Mỗ Village (Đan Phượng District, Hà Nội). He distinguished himself in wars against Ai Lao (1159) and Champa (1167), later becoming military commander and regent.
According to legend, he closed a temple because the guardian spirit of the temple was unable to control thefts and banditry in the region, even though the spirit threatened to kill his wife. Temples dedicated to To Hien Thanh exist in many villages.
