On February 6 (January 9), Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Hai Pagoda) opened its doors to visitors. From early morning, the main hall of the pagoda was packed with people coming to pray and make offerings on the Jade Emperor's birthday.
According to folk beliefs, the 8th is for worshiping the stars, the 9th is for worshiping the gods (the Jade Emperor), and the 10th is for worshiping the earth. Therefore, thousands of people in Ho Chi Minh City have flocked to the Jade Emperor Pagoda to pray for luck and peace for themselves and their families.
The Jade Emperor's birthday ceremony is not only a spiritual ritual but also an occasion for people to express their gratitude to heaven, earth and ancestors, praying for a new year of good luck and prosperity.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam (60 years old, Binh Thanh district) shared: "Every year on this day, I come here to burn incense and pray. Pray for a peaceful new year for my family, full of blessings, and obedient children."
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, built by the Chinese in the early 20th century, is located on Mai Thi Luu Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). This is a famous spiritual place, attracting thousands of people to visit Ngoc Hoang on January 9 every year.
People who come to the Jade Emperor's birthday are only allowed to take and light small incense sticks, then put them in a large incense burner placed outside the temple yard. The temple instructs people to use candle bowls instead of incense sticks to make offerings inside the main hall.
The entrance to the main hall was crowded with people coming to make offerings to the Jade Emperor. Pilgrims lined up waiting for their turn to make offerings and pour oil.
The oil is pre-poured in plastic bottles, and pilgrims can buy a bottle of oil and then pour it into the lamp bowls in front of the Jade Emperor's shrine. Ms. Minh Ha (30 years old) shared: "I bought a bottle of oil for 10,000 VND. I want to pour the oil myself to show my respect to the Jade Emperor."
After the worship ceremony, people write down the names and information of their relatives on paper to ask for numbers, amulets, prayers to ward off bad luck, etc., and ask the temple to help them pray for peace.
Outside the main hall, in front of the temple yard, there are also many people coming to pray for peace, fortune or health. Mr. Hoang Huu Tam (61 years old) shared: "I come here every year on the occasion of the Jade Emperor's birthday. After expressing my thoughts and wishes to the higher-ups, I feel lighter and more peaceful."
Many people also buy items such as coins, beads, etc. with prayers written on them as lucky charms to carry with them.
At noon, the number of people flocking to Ngoc Hoang Pagoda is more crowded. In front of the pagoda gate is an extremely bustling but no less sacred scene on the Jade Emperor's birthday, January 9.
Dantri.com.vn
Comment (0)