Ancient An Ma Temple

Amidst the vast expanse of Ba Be Lake, a small island quietly rises in the middle of the lake. On that island, the ancient An Ma temple stands as a historical testament, a sacred space that captivates generations of locals and visitors from all over.

An Ma Temple is located on a limestone island in the middle of Ba Be Lake.

An Ma Island rises nearly 30 meters above the lake's surface, shaped like a turtle shell, covered in trees year-round, and teeming with birds, creating a rare tranquil atmosphere. On the island is the An Ma Temple, dedicated to Buddha, the Mother Goddess of the Mountains, the Lord of the Mountain, and Saint Tran...

Legend has it that An Ma Temple is a place of worship for loyal officials of the Mac Dynasty during the feudal wars between the Le and Mac dynasties. After their defeat, these loyal officials retreated to the Puong cave area and committed suicide. Their bodies drifted ashore on the island, where local people erected a temple to commemorate their contributions and unwavering loyalty. Since then, An Ma Temple has become a place to express reverence and gratitude to those who fell for their dynasty.

In the Tay language, An Ma means "peaceful graves"—a name that serves as a consolation for the loyal generals and soldiers of the Mac dynasty. People around the lake often go to the temple to light incense and pray for wealth, prosperity, peace, and happiness for themselves and their families.

Despite enduring historical ups and downs, An Ma Temple has retained its serene appearance amidst nature. In the tranquil atmosphere of the temple on the small island, incense smoke blends with the sound of wind and waves, creating a sacred yet intimate feeling.

Not only is it a place of religious worship for the people around the lake, the temple is also a spiritual stop for tourists whenever they come to Ba Be. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, from Bo Lu village, Ba Be commune, said: On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, local people row boats to the island to offer incense and pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness for their families.

In particular, at the beginning of spring, the temple grounds become more vibrant as it is associated with traditional festival activities of the Ba Be Lake region. Every year, An Ma Temple is the place where offerings are made to open the Ba Be Long Tong Festival, held on the 9th and 10th of January. The offerings are made solemnly, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.

Furthermore, on the evening of the main festival day, people often come to the temple to release floating lanterns, praying for a year of favorable weather, peace, and happiness for their village. In that atmosphere, the melodious sounds of Then singing echo through the mountains and forests, like a thread connecting the past with the present, spirituality with life.

Besides the activities associated with the Ba Be Long Tong Festival, the An Ma Temple Festival is also held on the 6th day of the second lunar month every year. Visitors come here not only for its spiritual significance but also to admire many rare orchid varieties that bloom year-round; and to gaze at the emerald green lake amidst the fresh, peaceful air, dispelling the fatigue and worries of life.

Locals and tourists release floating lanterns in the area around An Ma Temple.

Ms. Dao Thi Mai, a tour guide at Ba Be Lake, shared that many tourists, after visiting the temple, share a common feeling of special tranquility: When listening to Then singing in the sacred space of the island, many people say that they feel their hearts calm down, as if they have returned to their roots.

Ms. Ngo Phuong Anh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared her feelings: "For me, it's the most unique temple I've ever visited. The space here has a rare tranquility, both real and surreal, making one's heart feel lighter, as if temporarily leaving behind the hustle and bustle of daily life to find a moment of peaceful serenity."

Today, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, An Ma Temple still retains its tranquil haven. Visitors come to An Ma Temple not only to offer incense and pray, but also to immerse themselves in the emerald green waters, breathe in the fresh forest air, and admire the wild orchids that bloom year-round on the cliffs. The harmonious blend of stunning nature and profound history and spirituality has created an An Ma Temple that is both mystical and intimate.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202603/co-kinh-den-an-ma-3a977c7/