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When discussing the most exceptional village temples in Ben Tre, one cannot overlook Phu Le Temple. Located in Phu Khuong hamlet, Phu Le commune, Ba Tri district, Ben Tre province, Phu Le Temple was permitted to establish by King Minh Mang in 1826, on the foundation of the previous leaf-covered wooden temple. On January 29, 1852, the temple received royal recognition from King Tu Duc.
Amidst the tranquil surroundings, the gate of Phu Le Temple stands out with grandeur. Nearly two hundred years old, the temple has undergone numerous renovations but still retains its ancient charm. The temple hides amidst ancient trees, and when the sun rises, its rays filter through the leaves, casting a serene and dignified aura upon the moss-covered brick walls and stone steps of the temple.
Temple Gate
The foundation and platform of the temple are structured with green stone, topped with bricks. The temple comprises a total of 10 sections: 6 main sections attached to the roof and 4 auxiliary sections arranged in the 'Dinh' style, which was common in the Mekong Delta in the past. The temple columns are made of ironwood, a rare and precious wood in the southwestern region, with a diameter of 40cm, and the roof is tiled with fish scale tiles.
The foundation and platform of the temple are structured with green stone, topped with bricks.
Inside the temple, there are 6 altars, all beautifully painted with gold-leafed dragon and unicorn motifs, following the pattern of ancient Vietnamese temples. Particularly noteworthy is the art of multi-layered wood carvings surrounding the columns in the main hall, demonstrating the skilled craftsmanship of artisans of that era. Legend has it that when building the temple, elderly locals invited artisans and craftsmen from Hue to carve these exquisite woodworks. These artworks depict not only the mythical creatures of Vietnamese culture but also include images of fish and crabs from the Ba Tri coastal region—common animals integrated into the architectural design. The grandeur and solemnity of the temple reflect the prosperity and rich cultural heritage of the residents of Phu Le and the Ba Tri region in the early 20th century.
The temple hides amidst ancient trees.
Due to wars and the passage of time, many architectural structures and interior decorations (altars, scrolls, horizontal lacquered boards, screen walls, ceremonial vessels, ritual objects, etc.) have deteriorated and suffered significant damage. However, the fundamental aspects of the architecture remain intact, untouched by bombings and destruction. Especially, the exquisite wood carvings adorned with gold leaf are still preserved to this day.
The temple boasts the most unique architecture in Ben Tre.
Phu Le Temple serves as the spiritual center of the community, where villagers entrust their wishes to the guardian deity of the village, recognized by the state as the Primeval Emperor. In addition to the Primeval Emperor, the ancestors who contributed to the founding and development of the village are also revered and worshipped in the temple.
The temple, nearly two hundred years old, still retains its ancient charm.
The distinctive feature of Phu Le Temple is the celebration of the Tet or Temple Worship Festival (Ky Yen Festival) held on the 18th and 19th of the third lunar month every year. Prior to the festival, traditional opera performances are organized in front of the temple, attracting the attention of many locals and international tourists. On the 9th and 10th of the eleventh lunar month, the temple holds ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest. On January 7, 1993, Phu Le Temple was officially recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
When visiting Ben Tre, exploring Phu Le Temple also unveils the traditional craft village of Phu Le, known for its traditional crafts such as weaving and distilling liquor. The traditional rice liquor of Phu Le has been a long-standing favorite due to its exquisite taste, purity, stable quality, non-toxic nature, and appeal to consumers' palates. In the Mekong Delta, connoisseurs still regard Phu Le liquor (Ben Tre), Gò Đen liquor (Long An), and Xuân Thạnh liquor (Trà Vinh) as premium choices.
Posted by: Nguyen Tu
Keywords: Phu Le Temple - The Most Unique Village Temple in Ben Tre
