Buzz
Hung Yen Temple is located within the special national heritage complex of Pho Hien, a highly revered shrine, always bustling with pilgrims, especially during the spring and Lunar New Year.
Hung Yen Temple - A Sacred Shrine in Pho Hien
Situated on Bai Say Street, in Hung Yen City, the temple sits beside the crescent-shaped lake, housing valuable cultural and historical artifacts of Pho Hien.
The temple was built during the reign of King Tran Nhan Tong in 1279 and has undergone numerous renovations, yet its ancient charm still lingers on every brick, roof, and statue. Today, the temple worships Lady Duong Qui Phi, reputedly the wife of a Chinese emperor, and is said to contain a bed that once belonged to her.
The ceremonial entrance of Hung Yen Temple is constructed in the architectural style of stacked tiles, with two floors and eight roofs. The arched door features a grand inscription in Chinese characters: “Lady Duong Thiên Hậu – Tống Triều” (Lady Duong – Song Dynasty), and the grand inscription is composed of blue pottery pieces bearing the Han characters: “Thiên Hạ mẫu nghi” (Mother of the World).
Visitors coming to pay homage to the temple feel like entering a sacred space with the faint scent of incense lingering in the air, surrounded by tranquil scenery. In front of the temple's courtyard stand ancient trees casting soothing shadows, creating a serene atmosphere.
These three trees were planted approximately 800 years ago and have grown intertwined with each other. Their roots have formed a sturdy tripod-like structure, reminiscent of a mother's welcoming embrace. According to scientists, ancient trees are abundant in northern regions, but truly precious ones like those at the Mother Temple are exceedingly rare.
Passing through the temple's courtyard, you'll come across the ancestral hall consisting of three sections, featuring a three-story, eight-roof architectural style. The gracefully curved roofs resemble dragons, while the front facade is adorned with intricate motifs, flanked by the Lyu Lyu Palace and the Quang Han Court.
The central hall, comprising three sections, boasts magnificent architecture with stacked lotus-petal walls, adorned with elaborate couplets, horizontal lacquered boards, ceremonial utensils, dragon-shaped pillars, and octagonal lanterns—all shimmering in golden hues.
Beyond the ancestral hall lies the rear courtyard, housing the statues of Lady Duong Quy Phi alongside her two attendants, Kim Thi and Lieu Thi, dating back to the 17th-18th centuries. All statues are intricately gilded and adorned with gold leaf.
The reason why the Mother Temple always bustles with visitors is because travelers from afar whisper to each other that when seeking blessings or good fortune at the temple, their wishes unfailingly come true—bringing them peace, health, and prosperity in return.
The Mau Temple festival takes place from the 10th day of the lunar March, with the 12th day marked by the procession of the Mau statue around the streets. Wherever the Mau procession goes, locals set up tables and offer fruits and flowers to welcome her. The 13th is Mau's death anniversary, and the 15th is a day of gratitude, with the Mau statue being brought back from the procession to the inner sanctum.
Additionally, the 14th day of the lunar July is another significant festival day at the temple. It's the day of wardrobe changing for Mau, accompanied by a grand feast for both locals and visitors from afar.
The Mau Temple, a purely Vietnamese architectural marvel, stands as a cultural heritage site deeply intertwined with history. However, it worships Dương Quý Phi, a figure from China—a rare distinction among Vietnam's ancient temples, showcasing the intricate cultural exchange between the two nations.
As reported by Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 12, 2022
