The cultural symbol "Three Saints"

"Tam Thanh" (Ba Thien Hau Temple, Quan De Temple, and Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Temple) is a unique religious center, reflecting the cultural life and spirit of solidarity of the Teochew community in Ca Mau; a place that preserves the memories of the pioneers who settled and established themselves in this new land.

• Land of festivals and cultural heritage
• The potential for cultural tourism from the ancient temple.
• Cao Dan Pagoda – Cultural and Historical Heritage
• Promoting intellectual capacity, cultural identity, and the aspiration for national development in the new era.

Located in the heart of An Xuyen ward, the three Teochew temples – Thien Hau Temple , Quan De Temple, and Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Temple – stand out with their architectural beauty and historical value. More than just sacred places of faith, these temples are symbols of unity, goodness, and the unique identity of the Teochew community who settled in this new land.

During the southward expansion, the Teochew people were an important part of the Chinese community, migrating southward to Ca Mau. Together, they cleared land, established villages, built markets, and created a unique economic , cultural, and religious life.

From this stream of beliefs, the Teochew people harmonize religion and life, commerce and righteousness, forming a "spiritual triangle" that blends together, forging a unique cultural identity. This blend is clearly demonstrated by the fact that every year, on the festival of the Goddess Thien Hau, the community organizes a procession of Quan Thanh De Quan from Quan De Temple and Tien Su from Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Temple to participate – symbolizing the strong bond in their spiritual life.

The Thien Hau Temple is a sacred religious center and a cultural and spiritual hub for the entire community. Originating from Fujian Province (China), following the footsteps of the first Chinese immigrants who migrated south to settle, the worship of Thien Hau gradually took deep root in the lives of the people of Ca Mau , a land where people always pray for peace and safety as they seek their livelihoods by the sea. Every year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the Thien Hau Festival is solemnly celebrated, attracting a large number of fishermen and merchants to offer incense, pray for wealth and good fortune.

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is a sacred religious center and a cultural and spiritual hub for the Teochew community in Ca Mau.

Besides worshipping Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Cong), Quan De Pagoda also enshrines Chau Xuong, Quan Binh, Phuoc Duc Chanh Than, and Prince Nezha, creating a harmonious religious whole that is both solemn and imbued with traditional moral values. Every year, the Quan Thanh De Quan festival is celebrated solemnly on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, attracting a large number of locals and tourists to pay their respects.

Quan Đế Temple is a beacon of morality and righteousness.

If the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy symbolizes the aspiration for peace and prosperity, then the Temple of the God of Mercy is a cornerstone of morality and righteousness, clearly reflecting Taoist thought in the spiritual life of the Teochew people. For them, Guan Sheng Di Jun is not only a deity who wards off evil and protects the Dharma, but also a model of loyalty, filial piety, and unwavering integrity – a "torch of morality" illuminating the path to maintaining one's character amidst the vicissitudes of life in a foreign land.

The statue of Guan Sheng Di Jun, along with his two guardian deities Guan Ping and Zhou Chang, symbolizes loyalty and integrity.

Unlike the Ba Thien Hau Temple or the Quan De Temple, the Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Temple has a more tranquil and serene atmosphere. "Minh Nguyet" originates from the names of the two founding masters of this religion: "Minh" is the name of Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton, and "Nguyet" is the name of Tong Thien To Su Tong Sieu Nguyet. Legend says that Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton was an incarnation of Ly Thiet Quai, one of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea in Taoism; Tong Thien To Su Tong Sieu Nguyet is considered the originator of Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam. The monks of this religion are from Chaozhou, practicing at home, calling themselves lay practitioners, and referring to their community as Cu Si Lam. This is a gathering place for lay practitioners and Chinese scholars to study Buddhist scriptures, practice meditation, and spread the teachings of compassion and generosity. Every year, the commemoration of Patriarch Ly Dao Minh Thien Ton is held on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month, becoming a significant occasion to remember the revered master, inspire virtuous conduct, and foster community unity.

Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda serves as a "spiritual school," helping to cultivate moral knowledge and guide people towards enlightenment and peace.

Acting as a "spiritual school," fostering moral knowledge and guiding people towards enlightenment and peace, the presence of Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam Pagoda completes the picture of the "Three Saints" coexisting, complementing each other, and creating a harmonious and sustainable belief system.

Developing the "Three Saints" area into a cultural and spiritual tourism route, along with the unique festivals and cuisine of the Teochew people, will create a distinctive tourism product, while contributing to the preservation of heritage and enriching the cultural identity of the southernmost region of Vietnam.

Tang Vu Khac

Source: https://baocamau.vn/bieu-tuong-van-hoa-tam-thanh--a123742.html