Top 8 Spiritual Monuments Honoring the Four Immortals in Vietnam

Buzz

Content

1. Va Temple

2. Soc Son Temple Complex

3. Historical Site Tản Viên Sơn Thánh Temple

4. Phủ Dầy Archaeological Site Complex

5. Phù Đổng Temple

6. Đa Hòa Temple

7. Liễu Hạnh Quảng Bình Temple

8. Dạ Trạch Temple

1. Va Temple

Va Temple, also known as Đông Cung, worships Tản Viên Sơn Thánh - the leading deity in the folk belief of Vietnam's Four Immortals.

According to legend, after helping people build mountains and control water, the Holy Tản Viên often roamed around, aiding the locals. One day, facing the rising sun, he arrived at a low hill by the Tích River. Impressed by the beauty of the place, he decided to stop and rest. At that moment, colorful clouds swiftly covered the entire area on Ba Vì Mountain. Believing it was an auspicious sign, he built a palace right there and named it Vân Già Đông Thần Cung. This location is now Va Temple. The locals, inspired by the tale of the auspicious clouds, named their village Vân Gia. From then on, the villagers prospered, taking great care in worshiping the Holy Tản Viên. The stone stele of Vân Già Đông Thần Cung, erected at the entrance of the ancestral temple, records this event and was built in the 36th year of Emperor Tự Đức's reign (1884).

Va Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Vietnamese government in 1964.

Location: Vân Gia Hamlet, Trung Hưng Ward, Sơn Tây Town, Hanoi

Festival: Spring festival on the 13th to 15th day of the first lunar month

Va Temple

Va Temple Festival

2. Soc Son Temple Complex

Soc Son Temple (Soc Temple), also known as Phu Dong Thien Vuong Temple, venerates Saint Giong, the second deity in the folk belief of the Four Immortals in Vietnam. This place is deeply rooted with the legendary iron horse hoofprints of the heroic Saint Giong, symbolizing the indomitable spirit against foreign invaders.

According to the stone stele recounting the legend at the temple, after defeating the An invaders, King Hung ordered the construction of the temple to commemorate Saint Giong's contributions. The king conferred the title of deity as Dong Thien Vuong. The temple was built at the location with the iron horse hoofprints, which is the present-day Upper Temple.

The original historical site was just a small shrine dedicated to Phu Dong Thien Vuong. According to historical records, during the fight against the Song invaders, King Le Dai Hanh and his army passed by the Phu Dong Thien Vuong shrine. King Dai Hanh performed a ceremony to pray to Saint Giong for victory in the battle against the Song invaders. Indeed, in that battle, the Song army suffered a severe defeat and had to retreat to their country. Grateful and respectful of the divine spirit, King Le Dai Hanh commissioned the carving of a sandalwood tree into a worship statue and constructed the temple into a grand Soc Son Temple.

The Soc Son Temple complex comprises six architectural structures, each with its own unique historical and artistic value. These include the Upper Temple, Mother Goddess Temple, Lower Temple, Dai Bi Pagoda, Non Pagoda, and the stele area (where there is an 8-sided stone stele). The most prominent feature of this site is the statue of Saint Giong atop Da Chong Mountain (nearly 300m high with 4,000 steps), made entirely of pure copper, standing at 11.07m tall and weighing 85 tons.

The Soc Son Temple complex was designated as a national historical and cultural site by the Vietnamese government in 1962.

Location: Located on Ve Linh Mountain (Soc Mountain) in Phu Linh hamlet, Phu Linh commune, Soc Son district, Hanoi

Festival: The Soc Son Giong Festival takes place from the 6th to the 8th day of the 1st lunar month every year.

Upper Temple - Main temple dedicated to Saint Giong

Statue of Saint Giong on top of Da Chong Mountain

3. Historical Site Tản Viên Sơn Thánh Temple

Historical Site Tản Viên Sơn Thánh Temple is situated on the western slope of Ba Vi mountain range – the highest and most sacred mountain in Vietnam, west of the ancient capital Thang Long. Besides Tản Viên, Ba Vi is also home to other towering mountains such as Ngoc Linh, Tuong Mieu, U Bo, Nui Tre, Ghe Dung, Tram Voi, Ngoc Hoa (named after the princess, the 18th Hùng King's daughter, married to the mountain saint Tản Viên), and Vua mountain. Vua mountain, reaching a height of 1296m, houses the temple dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh on its summit.

According to legend, in the era when gods guided mankind, the mountain deity Tản Viên, also known as Sơn Tinh, married Princess Ngọc Hoa, the daughter of the 18th Hùng King. This union led to an epic battle between Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh. The region around Ba Vi mountain is rich with names of land, villages, hills, streams, rivers, valleys, lakes, shores, shrines, temples, and people associated with the legend of Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh.

The historical site of Tản Viên Sơn Thánh Temple includes three temples (Upper, Middle, Lower):

Upper Temple, also known as the Main Shrine, stands at an elevation of 1227m, located in Ba Vi commune. According to legend, the temple dates back to the reign of King An Dương Vương (the king who established Âu Lạc dynasty, ruled from 257-208 BCE / 208-179 BCE).
Middle Temple, also called Trung Cung, is situated on the western slope of Ba Vi mountain, in Minh Quang commune, at an elevation of about 500m. The temple was constructed during the Lý dynasty and has undergone numerous renovations. It is the most magnificent temple with the best location among the Tản Viên temples on the western slope of Ba Vi mountain.
Lower Temple, also known as Tây Cung (in the system of Four Palaces: Bac Cung in Tam Hong commune, Vinh Lac district, Vinh Phuc province; Nam Cung in Tản Lĩnh commune; Tây Cung in Minh Quang commune, Ba Vi district, Hanoi; Đông Cung in Trung Hung ward, Son Tay town, Hanoi), is an ancient pagoda located at the foot of Tản Viên mountain, next to the Minh Quang river. According to legend, the Lower Temple appeared later than the Middle and Upper Temples.

Location: Located in the Minh Quang and Ba Vi communes, Ba Vi district, Hanoi

Tản Viên Sơn Thánh Temple - Middle Temple

Upper Temple

4. Phủ Dầy Archaeological Site Complex

Phủ Dầy Archaeological Site Complex, also known as Phủ Giày, Phủ Giầy, is a temple complex consisting of many small shrines assembled, among which is the Holy Mother Liễu Hạnh - one of the 'four immortals' revered by the people (Tản Viên Sơn Thánh, Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, Holy Mother Liễu Hạnh, and Chử Đồng Tử).

The Phủ Dầy site is considered the 'cradle' and the center for practicing the Tam Phủ worship belief of the Vietnamese people, including: Thiên Phủ (sky region) - Nhạc Phủ (mountainous region) - Thoải Phủ (river region). Each region is presided over by a Holy Mother, including: Mẫu Thượng Thiên (First Mother) overseeing the sky, Mẫu Thượng Ngàn (Second Mother) guarding the mountainous region, and Mẫu Thoải (Third Mother) taking care of the river region.

According to legend, Princess Liễu Hạnh, originally the daughter of the Jade Emperor named Đệ Nhị Quỳnh Hoa Princess, had three incarnations in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The Holy Mother Liễu Hạnh became an emblem of virtue, embodying the qualities of Loyalty, Chastity, Filial Piety, and Kindness through her conduct, appearance, speech, and actions.

The Phủ Dầy complex features more than 20 remarkable architectural structures, including three closely associated with the life of Holy Mother Liễu Hạnh during her second incarnation: Tiên Hương Palace (main palace), Vân Cát Palace, and the tomb of Princess Liễu.

Address: Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh Province, approximately 15km southwest of Nam Dinh city center

Festival: Annually in the third lunar month (main festival on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month)

Phủ Dầy Complex

Tiên Hương Palace (main palace)

5. Phù Đổng Temple

Phù Đổng Temple or Giỗng Temple, also known as Upper Temple, is a sacred land with deep historical and cultural traditions, located in the ancient Kinh Bac region. This place is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, intertwined with many legends from the early nation-building and defense periods of the Vietnamese people. It venerates the village hero Gióng, also known as Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, one of the four immortal saints in Vietnamese folklore, deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the Vietnamese people through generations.

Legend has it that Phù Đổng Temple was built on the old house foundation of Saint Gióng, inside the Đuống River dyke, while the Lower Temple (Mother's Temple) worshipping Gióng's mother is located outside the dyke, near the place where it is believed that the giant footprints were imprinted, and where she tested the soil before giving birth to Saint Gióng. In 1010, when moving from the capital to Thăng Long, Emperor Lý Thái Tổ had the temple constructed, and since then, it has undergone numerous renovations.

The structure of Phù Đổng Temple includes:

Main Shrine
Worshiping Path
Incense-Burning Hall
Water Puppetry Stage in the pond in front of the temple
Triple Gate built in the late 19th century.
Statue of Saint Gióng, placed in the main shrine, surrounded by two rows of statues depicting 6 civil officials, 6 military officials, 2 elephants, and 4 bodyguards.

On December 9, 2013, the historical and artistic architectural relic of Phù Đổng Temple was recognized by the Government as a Special National Monument.

Location: Phù Đổng Commune, Gia Lâm District, Hanoi

Festival: The festival takes place from the 7th to the 9th of the 4th lunar month annually (with the main celebration on the 9th).

Encompassing Phù Đổng Temple

Water Pavilion and Gate of Phù Đổng Temple

6. Đa Hòa Temple

Đa Hòa Temple is the temple dedicated to Chử Đồng Tử - the fourth deity in the Four Immortals of Vietnamese folklore - and the two Fairy Princesses, Hồng Vân (Nàng Tây Sa). Legend has it that this is where the love story of Chử Đồng Tử and Fairy Princess Hồng Vân originated.

In the past, in Chử Xá village, there were two poor men, Chử Cù Văn and Chử Đồng Tử, who had to share a single piece of cloth, contributing whatever they could. When Chử Cù Văn passed away, he instructed his son to use the cloth but Chử Đồng Tử couldn't bear to let his father go without clothes. He used the cloth for his father and then buried him. At that time, there was a beautiful fairy princess named Hồng Vân, who remained unmarried despite her beauty. Once, while sailing along the Chử Xá river, Chử Đồng Tử saw her quickly bury herself in the sand. Impressed by the beauty, Hồng Vân stopped the boat, erected curtains for bathing, and inadvertently chose the spot where Chử Đồng Tử hid. Seeing Chử Đồng Tử, learning the reason, Hồng Vân decided to be fated with him. To avoid her father, Hồng Vân stayed by the river with Đồng Tử. After living a simple life, Hồng Vân let Đồng Tử go to the sea to find a way. Đồng Tử encountered a monk named Phật Quang and stayed to study. Later, Phật Quang gave him a magical staff and hat when descending the mountain. Afterward, Đồng Tử and Hồng Vân left the village to find a secluded place to live. Thanks to the magical hat and staff, they obtained a magnificent palace with soldiers. When the king learned of this, he thought they were causing chaos and sent troops to fight. When the soldiers arrived, the entire palace along with Đồng Tử and Hồng Vân flew into the sky, leaving only an empty field in the pond.

The love story of Chử Đồng Tử and Princess Hồng Vân lingers through time. Many people come here not only to offer incense in memory of one of the 'Four Immortals' of Vietnam and the two beautiful princesses, Fairy Princess Hồng Vân and Princess Tây Sa, but also to pray for finding true love and a warm family throughout the year.

Within the temple, there are three statues of Chử Đồng Tử, Fairy Princess Hồng Vân, and the beautiful Princess Tây Sa placed in the Rear Palace. Besides the statues, the temple also houses some precious artifacts such as the pair of Hundred Longevity Vases and horizontal lacquered boards, well-preserved and protected by the people.

Đa Hòa Temple was recognized as a National Cultural Monument by the State in 1962.

Location: Đa Hòa Hamlet, Bình Minh Commune, Khoái Châu District, Hưng Yên Province

Festival: Once every three years on the 10th-12th of the 2nd lunar month

Main Hall of Đa Hòa Temple

Chử Đồng Từ Festival

7. Liễu Hạnh Quảng Bình Temple

Liễu Hạnh Quảng Bình Temple stands as the most vivid testimony to the legend of Princess Liễu Hạnh. Despite the passing years, her story is still preserved and passed down to this day.

According to legend, Princess Liễu Hạnh is the second daughter of Ngọc Hoàng. In Vietnamese folklore, she is revered as one of the Four Immortals in legends, standing at the head of the Tam Phủ (Three Palaces) and Tứ Phủ (Four Palaces) worshiped by the people of Vietnam. The location of Liễu Hạnh Quảng Bình Temple marks the first footsteps when she descended to the mortal realm.

Liễu Hạnh Quảng Bình Temple covers a total area of 350m2, surrounded by the majestic Hoành Sơn mountain range. The temple is built in a distinctively Vietnamese architectural style, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the nation. Although not overly intricate, the structure of the triple gate is well-balanced and harmonious, displaying a sense of seriousness and straightforwardness. The temple, while not excessively elaborate, radiates meticulous attention to detail and the artisan's dedication, who invested considerable time and effort to construct this sacred place.

In 1995, the People's Committee of Quảng Bình Province decided to recognize Liễu Hạnh Temple as a historical, cultural, architectural, artistic, and religious monument for its cultural values associated with hundreds of years of history.

Location: Quảng Đông Commune, Quảng Trạch District, Quảng Bình Province

Located at Đèo Ngang Pass

Liễu Hạnh Mother Goddess Temple

8. Dạ Trạch Temple

Dạ Trạch Temple, also known as the Temple honoring three legendary figures: Chử Đồng Tử along with two princesses Tiên Dung and Hồng Vân (Princess Tây Sa). Legend has it that the temple was built on an ancient foundation after Chử Đồng Tử and Tiên Dung – the daughter of the 18th Hùng king ascended to heaven together. They left behind a beautiful love story, a poor fisherman and a beautiful princess who coincidentally met by the riverbank and became a destined couple. Since then, the couple contributed significantly to cultivating the wild land.

The main architectural structure includes a bell tower, a half-moon lake, through the courtyard leading to the temple with 3 buildings from outside to inside. The entire interior, exterior, and architecture of the temple exude an ancient and sacred charm. Looking straight to the east, Dạ Trạch Temple is built in the shape of the letter I (cong) and consists of three grand buildings. The third beautiful building, namely the rear palace, has a three-story vaulted roof giving the impression of standing in a boat cabin. In the main hall, three large statues stand out, with Chử Đồng Tử sitting in the middle wearing royal attire. On the left is Tiên Dung, and on the right is Nội Trạch Tây Cung (Princess Tây Sa).

Location: Đa Hòa Hamlet, Bình Minh Commune, Khoái Châu District, Dạ Trạch, Khoái Châu, Hưng Yên Province

Festival: Annual festival from the 10th to the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month, celebrating Chử Đổng Tử at Dạ Trạch Temple

Aerial view of Dạ Trạch Temple

Half-Moon Lake

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]