A sacred temple by the sea, a place that commemorates the heroic women.

(Baohatinh.vn) - Located at the Ky Ninh estuary (Hai Ninh ward, Ha Tinh province), the temple dedicated to Lady Che Thang Nguyen Thi Bich Chau has stood for nearly seven centuries as a spiritual landmark, guarding the peace of ships sailing out to sea. On the eve of the 649th anniversary of Lady Che Thang's death, the ancient space is bustling with festive colors, preparing to welcome thousands of people seeking to return to this place of remembrance.

Báo Hà Tĩnh•26/03/2026

The temple dedicated to Lady Chế Thắng, Nguyễn Thị Bích Châu, is located in the former Kỳ Ninh commune (now Hải Ninh ward), and was built in the 14th century on a high and wide sand dune.

Over time, and through the vicissitudes of history, the temple has retained its ancient and sacred appearance, becoming a destination for spiritual tourism.

Over time, and through the vicissitudes of history, the temple has retained its ancient and sacred appearance, becoming a destination for spiritual tourism .

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The nearly 650-year-old sacred temple stands silently amidst the sea breeze, preserving the memories and beliefs of generations of residents in this coastal area.

In 1991, the temple was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Historical Monument and Scenic Spot.

Each corner of the temple is a layer of time's sediment, where traces of history are still evident in every roof tile and stone step.

Every small detail bears the distinct mark of ancient architecture, with rustic and simple patterns preserved by the people of the coastal region for over six centuries.

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The marks of time have thickly covered the sacred temple at the mouth of the sea...

Every detail in the temple reflects reverence for our ancestors.

Every year in the second lunar month, people in Ha Tinh and numerous visitors from all over flock to the temple of Lady Che Thang Nguyen Thi Bich Chau to offer incense, perform rituals, and commemorate the death anniversary of this

Ms. Pham Thi Thu (Song Tri ward) said: “Every time the anniversary of Lady Che Thang's death comes around, my family prepares offerings carefully to bring to the temple to offer incense and pay respects. For us, this is not only a beautiful religious tradition but also an opportunity to express our reverence and pray for peace for our family...”

These days, officials and civil servants of Hai Ninh ward, as well as the Management Board of the historical site, are actively preparing for the 649th anniversary commemoration of Lady Che Thang Nguyen Thi Bich Chau. The series of commemorative activities will be arranged throughout four days (from February 9th to 12th, lunar calendar), harmoniously combining ceremonial and festive elements.

The meticulously crafted wreaths convey the people's reverence for the Holy Mother.

The preparation of the lanterns adds a special touch to the commemoration ceremony for Saint Mother Nguyen Thi Bich Chau. Organizing this ceremony is not only about remembering our ancestors but also about preserving and spreading enduring cultural values to present and future generations.

Mr. Phan Cong Dinh, Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Che Thang Phu Nhan Nguyen Thi Bich Chau Temple Relic Site, said: “The Management Board has coordinated with the local authorities to comprehensively implement tasks such as beautifying the grounds, cleaning the environment, preparing the worship space, and providing conditions for the memorial ceremony. At this point, most items have been completed, ready for a solemn, safe, and well-organized memorial ceremony...”

The area surrounding the temple is meticulously maintained, creating a friendly and solemn impression. Service personnel are specifically assigned and ready to assist locals and tourists offering incense.

From within the temple area...

...along the path leading from the temple to the Bay River, festival flags were planted uniformly, contributing to a solemn and lively atmosphere.

The area in front of the main gate of the temple has been renovated and cleaned, creating a neat and tidy appearance; the stalls have also been arranged neatly, ensuring aesthetics and order.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet (Tam Hai 1 residential area - a business owner in front of the historical site) happily shared: "We have proactively prepared a full range of goods, arranged and displayed them neatly and attractively; at the same time, we have cleaned the business area to welcome visitors from all over to offer incense and pay respects on the occasion of the anniversary..."

Mr. Tran Ba Toan, Chairman of the Hai Ninh Ward People's Committee and Head of the Management Board of the Che Thang Phu Nhan Nguyen Thi Bich Chau Historical Site, said: “ The commemoration ceremony is not only a religious activity but also an important cultural event of the locality. Therefore, we pay special attention to organizing it in a solemn manner, preserving traditional identity, and at the same time creating favorable conditions for people and tourists from all over to come and offer incense and pay respects...”.

According to historical records, Lady Chế Thắng Nguyễn Thị Bích Châu (? - 1377), whose real name was Nguyễn Cơ, also known as Bích Châu, was from Bảo Lộc commune (Hải Hậu, Nam Định - now Ninh Bình province). She was the daughter of a highly upright and honest high-ranking official of the Nguyễn family and Lady Phạm. From childhood to adulthood, she received thorough education from her parents in literature, morality, and martial arts, including archery. Growing up beautiful and intelligent, she was selected by King Trần Duệ Tông to enter the palace, later becoming a concubine and enjoying the king's great favor.

Being a wise woman who was always concerned about the safety and security of the nation, in the context of a country still in turmoil, with unstable politics and restless people, Lady Bich Chau presented King Tran Due Tong (1336 – 1377) with the "Ten Strategies for Governing the Country and Ensuring Peace for the People," which remains valuable to this day.

In 1377, the southern border of Dai Viet was harassed by invaders. King Tran Due Tong led his army to attack Champa, and she volunteered to accompany him to protect him. During the campaign, due to a trap set by the enemy, the king's generals were successively killed in battle. At that time, Bich Chau personally took command of the army protecting the king. Unfortunately, she was struck by a poisoned arrow; the wound was too severe, and she passed away at midnight on February 11, 1377 (Dinh Ty year).

The coffin of Consort Bich Chau was being transported to Thang Long by sea. However, upon reaching the estuary of Ky Ninh commune (now Hai Ninh ward), they encountered heavy rain and strong winds, making further journey impossible. King Tran Phe De (the successor to the recently deceased King Tran Due Tong) immediately issued a decree ordering the officials and soldiers to bury her coffin there and erect a temple for the people to worship and offer incense.

In 1470, King Le Thanh Tong, while fighting against the Champa invaders, discovered a temple at Ky Ninh estuary. Upon learning of the story of Lady Bich Chau's victory, he inscribed the four characters "Heroic Woman" on her memorial tablet and performed a ceremony to pray for her spirit's assistance. After returning victorious, King Le Thanh Tong issued a decree to establish a temple, granted land for worship and a caretaker, and bestowed upon her the title of Che Thang (Victory).

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/den-thieng-ben-cua-bien-noi-luu-dau-nu-trung-hao-kiet-post308065.html