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Embark on a journey to Tiền Giang and prepare to be amazed by the 110-year-old temple embraced by sacred bodhi trees in Tân Đông.
Explore Tiền Giang and visit the venerable Tân Đông Temple, over 110 years old, sheltered by the canopy of sacred bodhi trees
Experience the unique architectural marvel of Tân Đông Temple, nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where history intertwines with tradition
To reach Tân Đông Temple, you can take either of the following routes: - Take National Highway 1A, passing through Bình Chánh petrol station, turn left onto Đinh Đức Thiện street, continue onto DT826, then follow National Highway 50 – HL13 – Mac Van Thanh street, and ask locals for directions to Tân Đông Temple. - Take National Highway 50 for a shorter route directly to HL13 – Mac Van Thanh street – Tân Đông Temple.
Tân Đông Temple sits amidst sprawling fields with its main hall, annexes, and courtyard. The front of the temple bears the year 1907, but its exact origins remain a mystery. Many elders believe it dates back to the reign of King Minh Mạng, yet its architectural details reflect Nguyen dynasty influences.
Opt for National Highway 50, a shorter route where you just need to follow this highway until you reach HL13 – Mac Van Thanh street – Tân Đông Temple.
Tân Đông Temple is nestled amidst lush green fields, comprising the main hall, annexes, and courtyard. The front of the temple bears the inscription of the year 1907. However, the exact year of its construction or renovation remains uncertain. Many elders believe the temple dates back to the era of King Minh Mạng, yet the architectural decorations and carvings on the temple bear the distinctive features of Nguyen dynasty architecture.
In the past, the temple served as the venue for various ceremonies including the Kỳ yên festival, agricultural rites, and ancestor worship rituals. During the French colonial period, it became a meeting place for revolutionaries, while under the American occupation, it was used as a detention center and interrogation site for families with members involved in the revolution. After liberation, the number of visitors gradually decreased, and the temple fell into disrepair. Despite the vicissitudes of time, only the main altar of the temple remains intact with its original decorative motifs.
However, about 30 years ago, three bodhi trees appeared on the roof of the temple, growing tall and sturdy. Their roots extend outwards, clinging to the walls, with some roots stretching along the cracks and crevices of the temple, forming columns and beams to ensure the stability of the structure.
In 1990, one of the bodhi trees was removed by some greedy individuals to be used for decorative purposes. However, vigilant locals managed to preserve the remaining two trees. Thanks to these two bodhi trees, the temple roof is shielded from rain and sun, despite its dilapidated condition over time.
For the locals, these bodhi trees are revered as divine guardians, both protecting the temple from harsh weather conditions and supporting its structure. To this day, the local community holds deep faith in the sanctity of the temple. They light incense, clean the premises, and worship at Tân Đông Temple with great pride, considering it a special historical monument.
A gentle reminder to all visitors: Although the temple may not be as grand and majestic as others, if you happen to stop by, please tread lightly, speak softly, refrain from joking around, climbing, or causing any damage to the historical value of the ancient temple.
By Mai Nguyễn
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourMay 23, 2018
