The Temple of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan – the sacred origin of the Vietnamese lineage.

In the sacred land of Phu Tho – considered the "ancestral land" of the Vietnamese people – the Temple of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan stands majestically as a spiritual anchor connecting the past with the present. More than just an architectural work of historical and cultural value, the temple is also a profound symbol of the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," evoking pride in the shared roots of the Vietnamese community. The complex includes several main components such as: the temple gate, the symbolic gate, the inner and outer ceremonial gates, the ceremonial courtyard, the pavilion, the left wing, and the "Dinh" shaped temple complex comprising the main temple, the front hall, the main worship hall, and the rear hall.

A space that preserves memories of our origins.

According to legend, Lac Long Quan – the son of Kinh Duong Vuong – was the progenitor who, together with Au Co, gave birth to a hundred eggs, which hatched into a hundred children, the beginning of the Lac Viet race. Fifty children followed their father to the sea, and fifty followed their mother to the mountains, creating the formation and spread of the Vietnamese ethnic community throughout the country. This image not only carries legendary significance but also embodies a profound philosophy about the unity, diversity, and enduring bonds of the nation.

The temple gate, also known as the ceremonial gate, is also built in the traditional style with four pillars.

The temple dedicated to the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan was begun in 2007 on Sim Mountain, in Hy Cuong commune, with a "mountain-backed, water-facing" position, harmoniously blending nature and spirituality. From afar, the temple stands out amidst the green of the midland mountains and forests, with its ancient curved roof and solemn architecture, deeply rooted in traditional style. Every carving and decorative detail reflects the reverence for the founding ancestor of the nation.

The iconic gate stands tall and majestic.

In the inner sanctuary of the temple, large, gilded horizontal plaques stand out, most notably the large inscription "Xích quang mãn địa" – red light illuminating the entire land. A 1.98-meter-tall, 1.5-ton statue of the National Ancestor, carved from solid bronze, sits on a throne, resting on a stone pedestal adorned with Dong Son culture motifs. The statue of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan is sculpted in a traditional style, with a benevolent yet resolute face, exuding the spirit of a founding father. The National Ancestor's attire is purely Vietnamese: a feathered headdress, a dragon robe, and grass sandals. On either side are statues of Lac Hau and Lac Tuong.

The inner sanctuary dedicated to the National Ancestor is distinguished by a large inscription that reads "Crimson light fills the earth."

The couplets on either side of the altar are elaborately carved, praising the origins of the "descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal," emphasizing the principle of gratitude to ancestors for generations to come. Visitors who come to worship the statue of the National Ancestor often rub their hands on his feet, then on his head and forehead, to ask for the ancestor's spiritual energy and good fortune.

Visitors who come to venerate the statue of the National Ancestor often rub their hands on his feet, then on his head and forehead, to ask for the ancestral spirit and good fortune.

The temple's tranquil and pure atmosphere evokes a sense of reverence and peace in visitors. Amidst the lingering incense smoke, the resonant sound of the bells blends with the slow pace of pilgrims, creating a sacred and serene ambiance. Pilgrims feel as if they are returning to the deep roots of their nation, more acutely aware of the invisible connection between generations of Vietnamese people from the founding of the country to the present day. Each step up the temple is not only a geographical journey but also a spiritual one, reminding descendants of their responsibility to preserve and promote the values ​​bequeathed by their ancestors. Everyone who comes here carries within them a sense of reverence, entrusting their wishes for peace and national prosperity.

Pilgrims from all over the world flock to the temple.

Doan Thi Lam Binh, a medium from Luong Son commune ( Phu Tho province ), emotionally shared: "Every time I come to the National Ancestor's temple, I feel a sense of peace. This is not just a pilgrimage, but also an opportunity to remind myself and my descendants of our origins as 'descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal'."

A strong source of emotional support.

Every year, especially on the anniversary of the death of the National Ancestor (the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month), the temple dedicated to National Ancestor Lac Long Quan becomes an important destination in a series of activities honoring our forefathers. Solemn and traditional ceremonies are held, attracting large numbers of people and tourists from all over. It is not only an occasion to remember the contributions of nation-building, but also a space for community cultural activities, where Vietnamese identity is continued and spread.

On either side of the temple courtyard are the left and right side buildings, each with five bays, constructed with a lim wood frame and tiled roof.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Tien Cuong, the temple's caretaker, said: "Every year, the temple welcomes tens of thousands of visitors who come to offer incense, especially during major festivals. Maintaining the temple's sanctity and offering incense is not only a responsibility but also a matter of heart for those who serve it. We always remind each other to keep this place solemn and peaceful, so that everyone who comes here can feel the sacredness and warmth of their roots. Beyond being a place of religious practice, the temple dedicated to the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan also plays an important role in educating the younger generation about historical and cultural traditions. Many groups of students come here to visit and learn, contributing to fostering national pride."

The temple caretaker shared with visitors about the relief sculpture depicting the national ancestor Lac Long Quan and his 50 sons descending to the sea.

In the modern world, amidst the ever-fast pace of life, the temple dedicated to the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan quietly stands as a spiritual anchor for the nation. The temple serves as a reminder to the Vietnamese people: no matter where they go or what they do, the blood of "descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal" flows in their veins. It is this awareness of their origins that fosters national unity, creating a solid foundation for the country's long-term development.

The temple dedicated to the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan is therefore not just a landmark, but a living symbol of Vietnamese history, culture, and soul – a place of origin for each person to return to, contemplate, and further love the land they are connected to.

Relief sculpture of Queen Au Co and her 50 children ascending the mountain.

Besides its historical and scenic value, the worship space at the Temple of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan is arranged solemnly and meticulously according to Vietnamese folk religious traditions, clearly showing reverence for the nation's progenitor. At the center of the temple is the main hall, where the altar of National Ancestor Lac Long Quan is placed, creating a sacred, majestic yet intimate and warm atmosphere.

The temple's altar system is arranged symmetrically and harmoniously, adhering to traditional rituals. Prominent among the items are the bronze altar, incense burner, censer, candlesticks, and flower vases, all bearing an antique, somber hue, contributing to a sacred and tranquil worship space. On the altar, offerings are presented simply yet respectfully, reflecting the pilgrims' sincere devotion to the National Ancestor.

Sacred worship space

Every detail in the arrangement – ​​from the altar objects and inscriptions to the colors and materials – is carefully considered, reflecting the solemn spirit and enduring continuity of the Vietnamese ancestor worship tradition.

It is the harmony between the architecture, the worship space, and the symbolic elements that gives the temple dedicated to the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan its cultural depth. This place is not only a place of worship but also a space for traditional education, contributing to fostering a sense of origin, cultivating pride, and instilling a responsibility to preserve national identity in present and future generations.

Dinh Thang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/den-tho-quoc-to-lac-long-quan--coi-nguon-thieng-lieng-cua-dong-giong-viet-244303.htm