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Located approximately 40km northeast of Hải Dương city, there stands a sacred shrine dedicated to An Sinh Vương Trần Liễu, the ancestor of Đức Thánh Trần Hưng Đạo. Although recognized as a Special National Monument, it remains largely undiscovered.
Cao An Phu Sanctuary – A Hidden Gem in Kinh Mon, Hải Dương Unveiled
The archaeological site of Cao An Phu Sanctuary, commonly known as Cao Sanctuary, situated in An Sinh commune, Kinh Mon district, Hải Dương province, is a captivating destination full of spiritual and cultural allure. The sanctuary, also known as “An Phu Mountain Sanctuary,” sits atop An Phu Mountain with a length of 17km and a height of 246m.
Looking northeast, one can behold the majestic Yen Tu Mountain Range, while to the northwest stands the revered Kinh Chu Cave, famously known as the “Southern Heaven Six Caves,” with the winding Kinh Thay River nestled at the foot of the mountain. To the southwest stretches vast plains. This place exudes natural charm, making it a sight worth exploring.
Trần Liễu, born in the first year of Kiến Gia (1211), was the elder brother of Trần Cảnh – the first king of the Trần dynasty. In 1237, the court allocated land in An Phu, An Sinh, An Dưỡng, An Hưng, and An Bang to Trần Liễu for him to establish his domain, bestowing upon him the title of An Sinh Vương Trần Liễu.
Together with his wife, Thiên Đạo Quốc Mẫu, they contributed to nurturing the talent of National Duke Tiết Chế Hưng Đạo Great King Trần Quốc Tuấn, a filial son, a national hero, whose literary and martial prowess greatly contributed to three resistance wars against the Mongol invaders.
An Sinh Vương Trần Liễu passed away on the 1st day of the 4th month in 1251. After his death, people erected a shrine on the peak of An Phu Mountain. Since then, the 1st day of the 4th lunar month has become the annual festival of Cao An Phu Shrine, where people from all over gather to pay tribute and express gratitude.
The shrine was constructed in the pre-Le post-Dinh architectural style, comprising a front hall, middle hall, and rear hall. The rear hall houses statues of Trần Liễu and his two granddaughters, First Princess Cô and Second Princess Cô, who were renowned for their sanctity, daughters of the famous hero Hưng Đạo Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn.
Within the An Phu historical complex lies the ancient Tường Vân Pagoda, commonly known as Cao Pagoda, built in the 13th century under the Trần dynasty. In front of the pagoda stand two ancient trees over 700 years old, serving as historical witnesses to the changes atop this mountain peak.
Throughout the ups and downs of history, the pagoda suffered severe damage and underwent numerous renovations. Today, Tường Vân Pagoda, along with the main hall, nun's quarters, and other structures at An Phu, has been elegantly restored.
In an interview with reporters, leaders of Kinh Môn district revealed plans to enhance promotion of this historical site to raise awareness and attract more visitors, thereby fostering local tourism development.
Source: Hoàng Dương/baotintuc.vn
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJanuary 21st, 2019
