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Bà Đen Mountain is a renowned spiritual tourist destination in Tây Ninh. The legend of Bà Đen Mountain has multiple versions, all revolving around an unjustly deceased maiden who, in saving humanity, brings abundant luck and prosperity.
The Legend of Bà Đen Mountain: Three Prophecies, Divine Apparitions
- Who is Bà Đen?
Embark on a journey through the folklore of Bà Đen, where the protagonist, Lý Thị Thiên Hương, is revealed to be the daughter of the esteemed official Lý Thiện and Bà Đặng Ngọc Phụng, a native of Bình Định. Thiên Hương, known for her beauty, is nurtured by the revered monk Trí Tân, capturing the admiration of many in the village.
A nobleman, driven by ill intentions, attempts to abduct Thiên Hương to make her his concubine. In a perilous moment, Lê Sỹ Triệt courageously intervenes, protecting her from the violence inflicted by the martial arts master Châu Thiện. Touched by his heroic spirit, Thiên Hương recounts the incident to her parents, who agree to betroth her to Lê Sỹ Triệt.
Their union is postponed as Lê Sỹ Triệt is called to military service. True to her commitment, Thiên Hương maintains her virtue while awaiting her husband at home. However, a tragic event orchestrated by Châu Thiện unfolds on the mountain, altering the course of their destiny.
In an intriguing variation of the Bà Đen mountain legend in Tây Ninh, a devoted soul named Đênh, driven by a profound commitment to Buddhism, stealthily disappears to the mountain, rejecting the path of marriage. Upon discovering only a fragment of her leg, her family speculates that she fell prey to a wild creature, leading to a solemn burial beneath the mountain.
- First Prophecy
Three days later, Thiên Hương conveys a prophetic dream to Venerable Trí Tân, manifesting as a enigmatic woman dressed in black, narrating the unfolding events:
– Disciple Thiên Hương, 18 years old, unfortunately besieged by the minions of the district magistrate in Trảng Bàng, had to jump down the perilous mountain cleft to preserve her life. Thanks to her past life cultivation, her body remains intact even after 3 days. Seeking the master's help to descend the southeastern mountain ridge to find the disciple's remains for proper burial.
The venerable monk, following the dream's guidance, ascended the mountain and discovered Thiên Hương's body, bringing it back for a dignified burial. Due to the ominous nature of the dreamt woman, the monk referred to her as 'The Black.' Subsequent generations respectfully called her 'Madam Black' to express reverence.
- Second Dream Report
Emperor Nguyễn Ánh, pursued by the Tây Sơn forces, sought refuge in the Trảng Mang Chà region, the current site of the desolate fort. Hearing the sacred legend of the Bà Đen Mountain, Nguyễn Ánh dispatched his royal envoy to seek advice from the deity. Thiên Hương, in her dream, guided Nguyễn Ánh through the Siamese route for temporary shelter, simultaneously revealing an escape route for his survival.
- Manifestation of Divine Remains
The legend of Bà Đen Mountain reached the ears of the high-ranking official, Lê Văn Duyệt. Determined to uncover the truth, he pledged to honor and reward the Lý family's daughter if she demonstrated divine prowess.
Portrait of High-ranking Official Lê Văn Duyệt (Photo: ST)
One day, Thiên Hương entered the body of a young girl to converse with the official:
– The soul of the high-ranking official will be deified through virtue and talent, but the physical form will suffer incompleteness.
The upright official responded:
– I don't inquire about my own future; I only seek to understand the root cause of her injustice.
The tearful girl recounted the unjust death that befell her. According to her, due to not living with her husband, she became a celestial saint and was sent down to the mortal realm to save humanity. The girl fell silent, unconscious, awakening only after a long while.
Lê Văn Duyệt, on behalf of the king, conferred upon Thiên Hương the title of 'Linh Sơn Holy Mother,' residing on the Một Cột Mountain. Since then, the mountain took on the name Bà Đen.
The Legend of Bà Đen Mountain – A mystical tale without resolution
According to the spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people, women who die unjustly are often considered sacred. The Legend of Bà Đen Mountain, with its three divine revelations spreading far and wide, has attracted pilgrims from all directions to Tây Ninh, seeking blessings and prosperity.
Pilgrims flocking to Bà Đen Pagoda (Photo: ST)
Taking the cable car to Bà Đen Mountain (Photo: ST)
Beyond the dream narrative, The Legend of Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh becomes even more intriguing with numerous sacred relics: the Hàm Rồng Cave, dedicated to the 'Seventh Uncle,' the mountain deity for pilgrims; the Giant's Footprints on the way to Bà Đen Pagoda leading to the Tower of Ancestors; the 'Golden Stream,' a mysterious stream on the mountain always glistening with golden sand; a split rock believed to occur after a monk's chant;...
From Tet to the end of January, tens of thousands of people from all over come to witness and offer prayers at Bà Đen Mountain Pagoda. It can be affirmed that this place is a culturally and spiritually significant space for Tây Ninh in particular, and the entire country in general.
Explore more: Sacred tourist spots in the Southern region
