Sacred Temple of Cung - Jade Well

Cung Temple - Ngoc Well, located in Viem Xa residential area, Kinh Bac ward, Bac Ninh province, is not only the birthplace of Quan Ho folk singing but also one of the famous spiritual tourist destinations in Bac Ninh province. It is associated with its pure freshwater source, the legend of the "sacred fish," and the familiar folk song: "No matter where one goes to worship, nothing compares to the sacredness of lighting incense at Cung Temple."

The Jade Well has existed for a very long time, but no one knows exactly when it was founded. Legend has it that long ago, at the foot of Kim Linh and Kim Son mountains, there was an ancient forest of ironwood trees. Birds and animals flocked there, including crows that would forage for food and then fly away to find water to drink. They found a deep pool of water and came to drink, preening their feathers. After the ironwood forest was almost completely cut down, the villagers discovered the pool of water. They dipped their hands into it and found it sweet and refreshing. Later, the villagers told each other to dig it deeper, creating a well, and generation after generation they have shared the same sweet water from the village well. Seemingly purified through layers of mountain rock sediment, the well water is crystal clear and reflects a jade-blue color. Perhaps that is why the well is named Jade Well.

Cung Temple - Ngoc Well.

Whether out of reverence for the precious water source or not, the villagers have passed down ancient legends that have made the village well sacred and fascinating. Three "sacred fish" swim playfully in the well, but no one knows exactly when they originated. The villagers tell the story that the three "sacred fish" are the reincarnations of two princesses, Ngoc Dung and Thuy Tien, along with a maidservant. The Cung Temple is where the two princesses of the Ly Dynasty are worshipped, as they were instrumental in establishing the village and teaching the people their traditional crafts.

Our people have always believed that all things have spirits, so even wells are considered sacred wells, and goldfish are called "Ông Cá" (a deity). That's why Ngọc Well is cherished and treasured by the villagers, always kept clean. Before descending the 10 brick steps and 4 stone steps, they must remove their shoes. Each person only scoops up small amounts of water at a time to avoid contaminating the source.

Every year on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, a festival is held at Cung Temple - Ngoc Well to commemorate the contributions of the two princesses Ngoc Dung and Thuy Tien. The people participate in the ritual of draining the well, cleaning, and restoring the sacred space. The procession carrying water from the well to the temple symbolizes a prayer for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and good health.

Today, this place has become an attractive spiritual tourism destination for visitors from all over, especially during the Lunar New Year.

According to Baobacninhtv.vn

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/linh-thieng-den-cung-gieng-ngoc-a476430.html