In early spring, visit the King Roc Temple.

In early spring, visit the King Roc Temple.

Monday, February 17, 2025 | 10:09:49

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In the joyful atmosphere of the early spring days of the Year of the Snake (2015), the King Roc Temple in An Diem village, Vu An commune (Kien Xuong district) attracted a large number of tourists who came to visit and offer incense to pray for good fortune in the new year.

Tourists from all over flock to visit and pray for good fortune at the King Roc Temple in Vu An commune (Kien Xuong district) at the beginning of the new year.

The King Roc Temple Festival takes place over two days, January 5th and 6th, and is solemnly organized by the local government and people to honor the merits of the Great King Doan Thuong Cong of the late Ly Dynasty – a figure who helped the court fight invaders and secure the borders more than 800 years ago. The ceremonial part includes a procession of palanquins and rituals praying for a peaceful new year, national prosperity, favorable weather, abundant harvests, and the well-being and happiness of the people. The festive part features folk games such as chess and traditional opera performances, attracting a large number of visitors. Mr. Do Van Thang from Vu Lac commune ( Thai Binh city) shared: "For nearly 10 years, my family has moved to the South to live and work, only returning to our hometown for Tet to reunite with relatives and friends, but we still maintain the habit of visiting temples and pagodas at the beginning of the year, especially going to Vu An to visit the King Roc Temple. The King Roc Temple is not only famous for its sacredness but also for its beautiful, peaceful scenery, fresh air, and many ancient trees." "At the temple, I light incense for the deities, praying for peace and health for my family, and hoping for smooth sailing in my work in the new year," said Mrs. Vu Thi Dieu, from An Vinh 1 village, Vu An commune. "For generations, the people of Vu An have always been proud of the King Roc Temple, which worships a general of the Ly Dynasty who helped the court fight invaders and defend the country. I often visit the temple to admire the scenery and pray for health and peace for my family. The temple also serves as a community cultural center for the local people."

The large bronze bell at the King Roc Temple was built with charitable donations from the government and people of Vu An commune in early 2025.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa, the caretaker of the Vua Roc Temple, said: "The temple covers 2.4 acres, surrounded by a deep moat, built by our ancestors on land shaped like a dancing phoenix, a bowing dragon, and a kneeling elephant. Inside the temple grounds are two jade wells, called 'dragon's eyes,' located on either side of the temple gate, always full of water. On either side of the main temple dedicated to the General are two shallow wells that never fill with water, called 'dragon's ears.' Visitors come here not only to immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere of the festival but also to admire the unique architecture of this sacred ancient temple, hundreds of years old. The Vua Roc Temple has a Nguyen Dynasty architectural style, in the shape of the letter 'Dinh,' consisting of five wooden bays with exquisite carvings. The temple also preserves many valuable artifacts such as stone steles, couplets, and horizontal plaques... with high historical and artistic value. Within the temple grounds are the main temple dedicated to the General, the Mother Goddess house, the Hành Mã gate, and many ancient trees, wells, ponds, and mounds." The Hạ Mã Temple gate – a massive five-gate structure nearly 30 meters high – still retains its ancient, solemn, and sacred appearance. The temple is situated in the Rộc field, a land considered a "dragon's head" or "dragon vein." The land where the temple is built is significantly higher than the surrounding area. In front of the temple gate is a mound shaped like a human bowing to a general, while to the south rises a mound shaped like a kneeling elephant. Above the sanctuary is the "posture mound," representing the king's pillow.

The Jade Well – considered the "dragon's eye" in the King Roc Temple – never runs dry.

The Vua Roc Temple is considered one of the four sacred temples in Kien Xuong district, situated on a land blessed with auspicious geomantic energy. It served as a secret refuge and operational base for revolutionary fighters during the two wars against French colonialism and American imperialism. In 2002, the Provincial People's Committee recognized the Vua Roc Temple as a historical and cultural relic. Over time, the temple has been restored, renovated, and expanded by the local government, people, and benefactors, becoming increasingly grand and imposing while retaining its traditional and ancient features. It is not only a historical site for the local people and a popular tourist destination, but also a place for educating future generations about patriotic traditions.

Tuyet Phuong

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/19/218176/dau-xuan-tham-den-vua-roc