The ancient temple contains many mysteries, remembering the founder of the land

Sacred temple in the old village

This ancient temple is a sacred place for local residents. Archaeologists and cultural researchers have confirmed that Xom Co (now renamed Go Co community tourism village) in Long Thanh 2 residential group, Pho Thanh ward (Duc Pho town, Quang Ngai) was once home to the ancient Sa Huynh people, associated with a culture dating back about 3,000 years. This place preserves many ancient vestiges. Stone embankments, ancient wells, stone-paved roads, temples... dating back to the time when the Cham Pa people (descendants of the ancient Sa Huynh people) lived on this land.

Grass Hamlet seen from above

After experiencing the rain and sun, the temple was damaged, causing sorrow to many people. Therefore, the Board of Directors of the Go Co Village Community Tourism Cooperative rebuilt a small temple from old bamboo growing around the garden. The temple is placed on a large rock next to a hundred-year-old banyan and bodhi tree. "The temple was damaged, only ceramic worship items were left in the tree hollow. In 2023, we will build a bamboo temple to burn incense...", said Ms. Tran Thi Thu Thuy, Director of the Go Co Village Community Tourism Cooperative.

In the past, the temple was surrounded by dense vegetation, making many people afraid to come here. When approaching the temple, local people had to bow their heads and stay silent for fear of being disrespectful to the supernatural. Adults reminded children not to come near or make noise, disturbing the tranquility around the temple, making the place mysterious.

"For many generations, our ancestors have passed down that the temple is very sacred. So when passing by the temple, we must show respect and not dare to breathe heavily, let alone speak loudly...", said Mrs. Bui Thi Anh (73 years old).

Remember the land pioneer

Dr. Doan Ngoc Khoi, archaeologist, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Provincial Museum, who has spent many years studying and researching the Sa Huynh culture in this area, confirmed that it is the Tho Chu Temple, worshiping the Cham people who reclaimed this land. The temple was first built by the Vietnamese who settled here since the Nguyen Lords opened up the southern land. And this is a cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people, showing gratitude to those who have contributed to reclaiming the land and establishing villages.

"Vietnamese people also have the custom of worshiping the land, which means worshiping the Cham people who opened up the land. In the past, my father and many people maintained this good custom. At noon, he would arrange offerings in the garden and then sincerely and solemnly worship...", Dr. Khoi added.

Mr. Pham Ro prays in front of the ancient temple.

Every day, Mr. Pham Ro (64 years old, security guard of the Go Co Village Heritage Park) hangs around the ancient temple. On the 15th and 1st of the lunar month, he offers flowers and fruits and burns incense to worship. He kneels on a large rock in front of the temple, mumbling prayers for good health for his family, peace for his neighbors, and a prosperous life...

"If you worship, you will be blessed, if you abstain, you will be safe. Not only me, but everyone here always respects the god worshiped in the temple like our ancestors worshiped on the altar in their house. We burn incense and pray, hoping for all the best for our family and everyone...", Mr. Ro confided.

For generations, the proverb "When you eat the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree" has always been engraved in the minds of Vietnamese people. And, the ancient temple in Sa Huynh is a testament to the gratitude of descendants to those who contributed to reclaiming the land and establishing the village.

Xom Co covers an area of about 105 hectares, located between mountain ranges by the blue sea with murmuring waves day and night. The altitude of this area is uneven, varying from 20 - 50m above sea level. More than 60 households with over 250 people live in small houses hidden among trees and leaves, a wild and poetic landscape. Xom Co changed its name to Go Co community tourism village, the first community tourism destination in Quang Ngai province to be recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as achieving 3-star OCOP status by the end of 2022.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoi-mieu-co-chua-bao-dieu-huyen-bi-nho-on-nguoi-mo-dat-185241021093403588.htm