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When in Côn Đảo, don't forget to visit the Shrine of Lady Phi Yến, one of the spiritual destinations revered as the 'Goddess,' loved and respected by the locals.
Shrine of Lady Phi Yến – A Spiritual Destination in Côn Đảo Linked to Mysterious Legends
The Shrine of Lady Phi Yến, also known as An Sơn Shrine, is located approximately 2km southwest of the town center of Côn Đảo, along Hoàng Phi Yến Street in residential area 3.
Lady Phi Yến, the consort of King Nguyễn Ánh, is adored and admired by the people for her virtues, loyalty, and devotion to her husband. She is an exemplary figure representing Vietnamese women, honored and worshiped by the people, leading to the establishment of a shrine in her name.
According to local folklore, Lady Phi Yến was saved by two wise and loyal animals, the white deer and the black tiger. They brought her to the village of Cỏ Ống, where the tomb of Prince Hội An is located. The villagers, grateful for her rescue, built a house near the tomb for her convenience to be close to her son's resting place.
In October (lunar calendar) of 1785, the village of An Hải (now home to An Sơn Shrine) organized a grand ritual within the village. They invited Lady Phi Yến to enhance the solemnity. That night, in An Hải village, she was secretly intruded by Biện Thi (a notorious bandit) into her private chamber, attempting harassment. However, Lady Phi Yến quickly shouted for the villagers to capture him, and he was apprehended for trial. On that same night, Lady Phi Yến bravely took her own life to preserve her honor.
For the islanders, the shrine is deeply sacred, entwined with the heartbreaking story of a woman of talent, virtue, and patriotism. After her passing, the islanders mourned and erected a shrine in her honor. In 1861, after the French colonialists took over the island, they relocated the entire population to the mainland to build a prison, causing the shrine to deteriorate. In 1981, the islanders reconstructed the majestic shrine on the foundation of the old one, and to this day, participating in her memorial is a cultural highlight when touring Côn Đảo.
The people of Côn Đảo come together at the shrine to offer tributes and wholeheartedly seek blessings. Afterwards, they participate in cultural and recreational activities organized at the shrine. After the ceremonial rituals, both locals and tourists enjoy vegetarian dishes contributed and prepared by residents from various neighborhoods.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMarch 2, 2023
