Lanh Giang Temple
Lanh Giang temple also has folk names: “Lanh Giang Temple”, “Lanh Temple”, and “the Temple of the Third Venerable Mandarin”. ). Lanh Giang Temple has long been catering to religious and spiritual needs of locals and other Vietnamese people alike. Lanh Giang Temple Festival harks back to tales of gods worshiped at the temple, honors transcendentals of Truth – Goodness – Beauty, pays tribute to and expresses gratitude for the virtues of the righteous, sages, and national heroes who had devoted to the people and their country. All will be manifested through the unique language of oral tradition and distinctive folk performing arts. The temple attracts a host of local people and tourists flocking to visit, worship and practice rituals and beliefs each year.
Community religious activities at the temple show that Lanh Giang Temple plays an important role in many aspects of social life such as: satisfying and balancing the spiritual life of the people; preserving and promoting the cultural values inherited from our ancestors; stabilizing economy; creating social relationships and fostering community relationships.
National and Human Cultural Heritage
National Historical and Cultural Relic
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
National Non-tangible Cultural Heritage
Sacred Landmark
This ancient sacred temple is on a vast ground adorned with a verdant canopy, harmonizing with the lotus ponds and the river wharf by the right bank of the all-year-round bountiful Red River. It is located in Yen Lac Village, Moc Nam Commune, Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province.
It is situated on a high, wide, flat, and open piece of land which is described as “Kết duyên cơ - Minh đường tụ thủy, tả Thanh Long - hữu Bạch Hổ”. ”. This means that it looks over a big lake at the front, which reminds one of the royal meeting hall - an indication of concentrated blessings. On the left, the topography is raised and winding which resembles “Thanh Long” (the Azure Dragon) - a symbol of yang and an indication of ascendancy and prosperity. On the right is a raised and wide section of land which resembles “Bạch Hổ” (the White Tiger) - a symbol of yin.
The Unique Architecture of Lanh Giang Temple
Undergoing numerous renovations and embellishments, the temple architecture presently comprises the Lake, the Main Gate, and the Main Temple.
The lake is adorned with red water lilies and has a “Phương du” (water pavilion) at the center. The pavilion features a three-compartment and double-deck architectural design, having eight roofs and two bridges on both sides spanning the lake. The Main Gate is a double-deck structure featuring eight double-eaved roofs. Its upturned eaves are embossed with stylized dragon head, sun head, and foliage patterns. The Main Temple is laid out in the shape of the character “工”. It consists of three buildings with fourteen compartments of different sizes and with reception and altar halls on both sides, all surrounded by brick walls. The most outstanding building is the Central Hall - a double-deck structure featuring eight upturned double-eaved roofs.
Lanh Giang Temple Ritual Sites Map
The Unique Spiritual and Cultural Tourism Area
On April 3, 2012, Ha Nam People’s Committee issued Decision 527/QĐ-UBND approving the detailed construction plan (drawn to the scale 1:500) of Lanh Giang Temple with an aim to systematically develop the temple into an attractive spiritual tourism destination for visitors.
The spiritual tourism site of Lanh Giang Temple features large yards surrounded by trees where ceremonies and festivals are held, parking lots, and a service area where local specialties are showcased and essential items are sold. They are backed by a good system for connectivity, drainage, and sanitation.
Worshiped Figures At Lanh Giang Temple
Altar of Princess Tien Dung
Altar of the King of Eight Seas & the Three Great Generals
Altar of Chu Dong Tu
Values of History, Life, Culture, and Beliefs
National Historical Value
Cultural Value
Cheo Play “Legend of Lanh Giang Wharf” by Ha Nam Cheo Troupe Re-Enacting “The Third Venerable Mandarin”
Cheo play “Huyền tích bến Lảnh Giang” (Legend of Lanh Giang Wharf) was written based on the remaining records at Lanh Giang Temple, folklore, and inputs from People’s Artist Pham Hai Hau – Chairman of Ha Nam Provincial Club for Preserving and Promoting the National Cultural Heritage of Chau Van Singing. Cheo play “Legend of Lanh Giang Wharf” was first performed to the public on the occasion of Lanh Giang Temple Festival itself and during Lanh Giang Culture and Tourism Week 2020, which makes it even more meaningful.
Spiritual Value
The main festival of Lanh Giang Temple is held from the annual 1st to the 4th day of the Sixth lunisolar month.
Despite several changes in the festival’s timing, the historical and cultural values of the festival have been well preserved, maintained, and promoted in contemporary life. Lanh Giang Temple Festival is considered the foundation of local spiritual life. Each festival season, community members participate consciously in the rituals. They are excited to be chosen for the procession team, ritual ceremonies, or any other assignments. This fosters a sense of community among the residents of both Yen Lac Village and Moc Nam Commune, Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province.
Religious Value
A main ritual in the Mother Goddess Religion
Lanh Giang Temple is among the religious sites where the Mother Goddesses of the Three Palaces are worshiped – a practice inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 01 December 2016.