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Located on the mountain of the same name in Bình An Ward, Dĩ An City, Bình Dương, Châu Thới Temple is a 400-year-old ancient sanctuary that draws numerous pilgrims and visitors for worship.
The Ancient Châu Thới Temple
Châu Thới Temple, also known as Châu Thới Mountain Temple, sits at an elevation of 85 meters above sea level. Visitors can reach the temple by climbing 225 steps or driving up the paved road. Historically, the temple was built in 1612 by Zen Master Khánh Long. It is deeply intertwined with the history of migration and settlement in the Southern region.
Moved by the plight of people wandering in treacherous forests, Zen Master Khánh Long voluntarily followed them, chanting prayers daily for their safety. He later chose Châu Thới Mountain to build Hội Sơn Temple. After several generations of abbots, the temple was renamed after the mountain. Due to its remote location, it became a revolutionary base during the resistance wars against the French and Americans.
After over 400 years, the remaining structures of Châu Thới Temple reflect a profound blend of Buddhist culture and folk beliefs. The temple complex was constructed in various phases, featuring the main hall and shrines dedicated to deities like Thiên thủ thiên nhãn, Linh sơn Thánh mẫu, Diêu trì Kim mẫu, Ngũ hành Nương nương, and Ngọc hoàng Thượng đế. The ancestral house and lecture hall were restored in 1930.
Fascinating Features of Châu Thới Temple
From 1971 to 1993, the temple added 225 steps leading up to the main hall and a three-gate entrance. The temple's decoration is highlighted by nine large dragons crafted from colorful ceramic pieces. Inside, the temple houses numerous valuable paintings, statues, ritual objects, and worship items. Notably, it features a set of Thập bát La hán (Eighteen Arhats) and Thập điện Diêm vương (Ten Kings of Hell) made of terracotta. Additionally, the temple preserves three stone Buddha statues dating back to the late 17th century and a sacred wooden Quan Âm statue carved from an ancient jackfruit tree in the temple garden.
Châu Thới Temple is renowned as a sacred site. The story of the sacred rock, known as “ông Tà,” is particularly famous. In 1971, while constructing the steps from the mountain base to the temple, the abbot encountered a massive rock at the 170th step that could neither be moved nor broken. The abbot decided to leave it in place. Today, the rock bears the inscription “Tà lão trung sơn,” meaning “ông Tà in the middle of the mountain.” Locals refer to it as “ông Tà” or “the sacred rock” and worship it with great reverence.
Despite centuries of historical changes, Châu Thới Temple retains many valuable artifacts and historical records. The temple features two bells cast in the style of Thiên Mụ Temple in Huế. One bell, weighing 1.5 tons, was cast in 1988, while the other, weighing approximately 5 tons, was cast in 2003. Perched on the mountain peak and surrounded by lush greenery, the temple is also home to a population of monkeys. With all these unique elements, it remains an ideal spiritual destination in Bình Dương.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnSeptember 9, 2024
