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Kiến An Cung (also known as Ông Quách Temple) is a Chinese temple situated in the center of Sa Đéc, directly across from Cái Sơn Creek. The temple was constructed between 1924 and 1927 by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province.
The History of Kiến An Cung
Kiến An Cung was built between 1924 and 1927. Merchant Huỳnh Thuận initiated a fundraising effort among the Chinese community in Sa Đéc to support the temple’s construction. Its primary purpose was to preserve traditional religious beliefs. Secondly, it provided a space for the community to unite, discuss business, and share information. Locals refer to it as Ông Quách Temple in honor of Quách Vương Thần Công, a historical figure from the Tang Dynasty.
The temple features unique architecture, reflecting Chinese cultural influences. Skilled craftsmen from Fujian worked alongside local builders to meticulously create the temple’s intricate details, designs, and symbols. As a result, this structure has become a majestic temple. It faces Cái Sơn Creek and is designed in the shape of the Chinese character 'Công'. The temple’s façade is harmoniously arranged with three main sections. The roof, featuring curved dragon-shaped tiles, is built to evoke the image of six waves rising high.
On the roof, there are four small pagodas arranged horizontally, each containing statues of immortals, Buddhas, and deities. In the center of the roof, a pair of dragons encircling the moon can be seen. On either side of the main entrance, two large green stone qilin statues stand guard. To the left and right, paintings of two guardian deities can be found. Additionally, there is a celestial courtyard designed to capture sunlight. Twelve large round columns support the temple’s roof, with intricate carvings and wooden panels inscribed with Chinese characters decorating the columns.
The grandeur of the Kiến An Cung is remarkable, a testament to its magnificent design and structure.
Surrounding the central hall, intricately carved wooden plaques and canopies are displayed. Two rows of ancient weapons stand at the front of the main hall. The central hall itself is divided into three sections, with the central one dedicated to the main deity. On either side are altars for two deities holding seals and swords. The left side houses an altar for Thanh Thủy Đại Sư, while the right side is dedicated to Bảo Sanh Đại Đế. Outside the main hall, there are altars for the Council, Huyền Thiên Thượng Đế, and Quan Thánh Đế Quân. The left and right wings serve as reception areas for guests during ceremonies.
The temple is adorned with numerous paintings on the walls, featuring traditional water ink style. These artworks are delicate, with sharp, flowing brushstrokes depicting themes such as promoting good, expelling evil, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Journey to the West. The materials used in the temple’s construction were transported from China, and even after nearly a century, the Kiến An Cung retains its grandeur, with the colors of the paintings still vivid.
Every year, the temple holds two major ceremonies. The first is on the 22nd of the 8th lunar month, marking the day of the deity's enlightenment. The second falls on the 22nd of the 2nd lunar month, commemorating the deity’s birth. During these events, local authorities and visitors from all over the country gather to participate. The Kiến An Cung was officially recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information on April 27, 1990.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnSeptember 12, 2024
