Ly Thai To - Early Years

Early Years

He was born in Cổ Pháp village, Đình Bảng, Từ Sơn, Bắc Ninh Province in 974. There is little details about his parents and family background as they were not prominently recorded. It is known however, that his mother was called “Phạm Thị” which means "Lady Phạm". It is possible that his father who remains a mystery, may have been a minor official of the Anterior Lê Dynasty or perhaps the Đinh Dynasty, or even has some connection to the Cổ Pháp Pagoda monastic clergy.

He was born at Cổ Pháp Pagoda, also known as Rặn Pagoda or Dận Pagoda. At the age of 3, his mother brought him back to the pagoda. Lý Khánh Văn, head monk of the pagoda, adopted him and named him Lý Công Uẩn. He was brought to the pagoda and became a Buddhist disciple.

Later in his youth, he was put under the guardianship of the pagoda's new headmaster Lý Vạn Hạnh, who was a very well respected cleric during the Anterior Lê Dynasty era, he came to the royal capital Hoa Lư to be religious advisor for the Lê royal court. He was gradually promoted from a minor official to a prominent post of the imperial government and was ultimately bestowed with the title “Tả Thân Vệ Điện Tiền Chỉ Huy Sứ” meaning "The Commander of the Palace's Left Flank", which was one of the most important position within the imperial guards. In 1009, Lê Ngoạ Triều, the last monarch of the Anterior Lê Dynasty died under the wrath of the people because of his brutality and cruelty he brought onto them during his reign. Đào Cam Mộc, an imperial official, and Vạn Hạnh seized the opportunity and imposed their power and political influence to enthrone their trusted disciple Lý Công Uẩn without much resistance, thus ended the Anterior Lê Dynasty.

After his ascension to the throne, Lý Công Uẩn named his era "Thuận Thiên" meaning "Will of Heaven". His royal title became Lý Thái Tổ and the first year of his reign was in Hoa Lư.