Buzz
Tuệ Thành exudes solemnity and antiquity with the color palette of time.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall is also known as the Thien Hau Temple or Chua Ba Ben Chuong Duong
On the spacious Vo Van Kiet street near Calmette Bridge, there is a rarely noticed assembly hall nestled behind a modest high gate. However, once stepping through that gate, it seems like all the hustle and bustle of the street vanish, replaced by a tranquil space, with the scent of incense lingering, making me feel as if my heart also calms down.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall is also known as Thien Hau Temple or Chua Ba Ben Chuong Duong (as the current location of the assembly hall on Vo Van Kiet street was formerly Ben Chuong Duong). The assembly hall used to be a gathering place for the Cantonese and Trieu Khanh Chinese community from Guangzhou and Guangdong province, China, as well as a place of worship for Thien Hau Holy Mother. Thien Hau Holy Mother has long been regarded as a sea goddess who aids fishermen, merchants...
Legend has it that on the treacherous sea journey, where calm waters are scarce and perils abound, the people encountered many trials and tribulations. However, strangely, whenever they faced calamity at sea, they were often rescued by a goddess, Thiên Hậu Holy Mother. Hence, on their sea voyages to Vietnam, almost every Chinese person carried the prayer card of the goddess, seeking her protection.
Characteristic of the Quang Dong style is the triangular pediment adorned with intricate wave-shaped motifs.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall embodies the Quang Dong architectural style, characterized by straight-lined continuous roofs, triangular pediments adorned with intricate wave-shaped motifs, topped with the figure of two dragons. Below, small statues and decorative patterns, produced by Buu Nguyen and Dong Ho ceramic kilns, depict ancient Chinese legends. Gazing up at these ceramic statues and patterns, though not fully understanding the significance of the legends, I am enthralled and amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship and enduring colors, preserved despite years of weathering. The assembly hall also preserves relief sculptures using the brick carving technique in its courtyard. This is a famous form of Chinese sculpture using chisels and wooden hammers to carve human figures and scenery onto bricks for interior and exterior decoration of ancestral temples.
Vibrant hues adorn Quang Trieu Assembly Hall.
At the peak of the roof are ceramic statues from Buu Nguyen and Dong Ho kilns depicting ancient Chinese legends.
Exquisite ceramic sculptures.
The pinnacle of brick molding artistry.
Adorning the entrance of the assembly hall is an intricately carved wooden relief sculpture, symbolizing the boats rescued by Thiên Hậu Holy Mother. The main hall houses the altar of Thiên Hậu Holy Mother at the center, flanked by altars dedicated to Kim Hoa Goddess and Dragon Mother Goddess. Additionally, there are other altars such as the Earth Mother Goddess, Literary Emperor, and Northern Emperor...
Within the assembly hall, there are numerous incense coils hanging high. Anyone can purchase these incense coils, write their wishes on paper, attach them to the incense, and they will be hung up high as prayers to Thiên Hậu. The gentle fragrance of the incense coils will soothe the soul, making each person feel more relaxed and contemplative.
You can write your wishes on paper, attach them to the incense, and they will be hung up high as prayers to Thiên Hậu.
Tuệ Thành Assembly Hall
Leaving Quang Trieu Assembly Hall, I strolled down to District 5 to visit the oldest historical assembly hall in Saigon, also in the Quang Dong style, which is Tuệ Thành Assembly Hall. This place is also known as Thien Hau Temple or Chua Ba Cho Lon.
Tuệ Thành exudes a more solemn and ancient atmosphere compared to Quang Trieu, so from the moment I stood in the courtyard outside, I was captivated by the hues of this era. The collection of ceramic statues on the roof of the assembly hall is considered the most outstanding, crafted by ancient renowned kilns such as Buu Nguyen, Dong Hoa, dating back to 1908.
The collection of ceramic statues on the assembly hall roof is considered the most outstanding, crafted by ancient renowned kilns such as Buu Nguyen, Dong Hoa, dating back to 1908.
At the peak of the roof are the Twin Dragons chasing the pearl and a series of statues on the middle tier depicting 'Master and Disciples of Tang Dynasty', 'Three Sages'... and statues depicting ancient Chinese legends. At the bottom are statues resembling the ancient tale of 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea'. Interspersed with the legends are flowers and mythical creatures like dragons, qilins, turtles, and phoenixes...
Beneath the ceramic bas-reliefs, the wall depicts herds of deer, pairs of fighting cocks amidst peony flowers, fish turning into dragons, mythical creatures like dragons, qilins, lions... At the top of the swords are ceramic figures of Mr. Nhat, Mrs. Nguyet, Vo Tong Da Ho... In front of the assembly hall, besides the two stone lion statues guarding, there are also ceramic bas-reliefs, bas-relief statues, and famous Tang poems decorating the walls on both sides of the courtyard.
Hues of time
Stepping through the gate, I felt like I was entering a mysterious yet strangely familiar place. The faint scent permeated the space, and drifting smoke made people converse softly to maintain the solemn atmosphere. Like other assembly halls, Tuệ Thành is built in the shape of a 囗 (rectangle). The three rows of houses in the middle form the front hall, main hall, and rear hall. The two side rows, East Wing and West Wing, run along both sides, extending from the front hall to the main hall and are separated by corridors. The statue of Thiên Hậu Holy Mother enshrined in the main hall is carved from an original block of wood, illuminated by golden and red lights, and glittering candles, creating an even more mystical and serene atmosphere.
The statue of Thiên Hậu Holy Mother enshrined in the main hall is carved from an original block of wood.
Every year on the 23rd of March lunar calendar, the assembly hall will organize the Lady's Day incense offering ceremony following traditional rituals and many interesting activities.
Author: Tran Hong Ngoc
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