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The historical relic of Hung Hoc Shrine is now dedicated to two ancient emperors, Duc Huyen Quang Ly Dao Tai and Dong Hai, the indigenous deity of Vu Hoang Dao, classified as a National Monument, is a source of pride for the people of Quang Yen.
Explore Quang Ninh: Discover the historical relic of Hung Hoc Shrine
Hung Hoc Shrine in Dinh Hamlet, Hung Hoc Village, Quang Yen Town, derived its name from the village. Hung Hoc Village underwent several name changes: Initially called Huyen Quang Village, then changed to Ta Quan Village, then Quan Village, Hương Village, and finally Hung Hoc Village.
Hung Hoc Shrine was constructed around the late 18th century. Presently, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and features a fairly unique architectural style. Originally, the shrine was built near Hung Hoc Pagoda, but during the reign of King Thieu Tri in 1841, it was relocated to its current location.
The shrine underwent renovations in 1875, 1935, and 1994, yet it still retains the typical architectural features of Vietnamese shrines, with intricately carved decorations such as pillars, lintels, brackets, and rafters. These carvings depict traditional themes and are adorned with stylized floral motifs in the artistic style of the Le Dynasty.
The shrine houses numerous valuable artifacts such as 6 imperial decrees from the reigns of Emperor Tu Duc to Emperor Khai Dinh, inscribed steles, couplets, horizontal lacquered boards, incense burners, and sacred objects. Additionally, there are several ancient worship items of significant historical value well-preserved within the shrine.
Among these are a set of 6 wooden swords encased in gold-lacquered sheaths, 3 wooden pedestals, a congratulatory wooden board, and 2 bronze vases adorned with embossed images of mythical dragons and phoenixes.
Legend has it that when constructing the shrine, villagers sought the blessings of Duc Huyen Quang Ly Dao Tai, the third patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, to build a tomb tower in the temple compound and to worship him in the shrine. They also petitioned the king for his imperial decree to appoint him as the village emperor.
Furthermore, within Hung Hoc Shrine, there is an altar dedicated to Pham Ba Linh, also known as Pham Nhan, a general who defeated the invading Mongols. It is said that when the villagers faced an epidemic, they dreamt of the deity requesting them to worship him, promising an end to the disease.
The villagers subsequently constructed a shrine adjacent to the altar of Duc Huyen Quang Ly Dao Tai, symbolizing the convergence of Buddhist teachings and spiritual guardianship for the villagers.
The ancestral land of Vu Hoang Dao, the fifth patriarch of the Vu lineage in Hung Hoc village, was formerly a high-ranking official during the reign of the Le dynasty. Around the late 15th century to early 16th century, he helped establish Hung Hoc village and was one of the 19 pioneering figures in the region.
In the ancestral plaque of the Vu lineage, it is clearly stated that their revered deity is Thiên Hoàng Thủy Tế Vu Hoàng Đào Tôn. Upon his passing, he manifested into the spirit of Dong Hai, a sea deity who protects people traveling on the waters, ensuring their safety and warding off epidemics.
The resettlement efforts of Emperor Vu Hoàng Đào are prominently showcased in the couplets at Hung Hoc Shrine. In gratitude, the villagers of Hung Hoc sculpted a statue and erected a shrine called the Government Shrine. Elevated by King Khải Định to the position of Dong Hai Deity, he is the indigenous deity of the Imperial City, a figure of profound wisdom and dignity.
To reach the shrine, travelers follow the road from Halong City to the Halong - Haiphong expressway, then reach the Hoàng Tân – Tân An intersection, approximately 6km, turning towards the center of Quảng Yên town. After crossing Chanh River Bridge for about 2km, they arrive at the historical site of Hung Hoc Shrine.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourNovember 11, 2022
