Visiting Dinh Hoa to see Thua Hoa Palace

Located in Thung Thuong village, Dinh Hoa commune, Thua Hoa Temple is one of the local historical and cultural relics with unique architecture. Over the years, thanks to the attention of the State and the people, the relic has been restored to meet the spiritual needs of the people.

The Phu Nhi Festival commemorates Empress Dowager Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao.

When visiting Dinh Hoa, tourists cannot miss Thua Hoa Temple. This is the center of the Thua Hoa Temple and Phuc Quang ancestral temple complex, located in the villages of Thung and Thung Thuong. The site boasts a beautiful location, bordered by the Cau Chay River to the southwest, Noi Mountain to the south, Si Mountain to the north, and Nhi Mountain (Quan Yen Mountain) to the east. According to some local documents, the site's origins are linked to Empress Dowager Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao, praised in history as "Mother of the Nation." Born in the year Canh Ty (1420), the daughter of Prince Du Ngo Tu, she held a special place in the history of the Le Dynasty (she was the wife of King Le Thai Tong, mother of King Le Thanh Tong, and grandmother of King Le Hien Tong). According to the Ngo family genealogy in Dinh Hoa commune, in February of the 4th year of Hong Duc (1473), King Le Thanh Tong returned to Tay Kinh (Lam Kinh) to pay respects to his ancestors. He visited his maternal hometown, had Thuan Mau Temple renovated, renamed it Phuc Quang Temple, and built a palace to care for his mother (Empress Dowager Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao), naming it Thua Hoa Palace. In the year of Bing Thin (1496), the Empress Dowager fell seriously ill and passed away, and was worshipped at Thua Hoa Palace.

The Thua Hoa Palace consists of three chambers: the first, second, and third. The third chamber, also known as the Khanh Nguyen Palace, has seven bays. This is where stone chimes, bronze bells, and ancient steles are preserved. Every year on the 26th day of the third lunar month, the local people hold the Phu Nhi Festival to commemorate the merits of Empress Dowager Ngo Thi Ngoc Dao. This is an occasion for people to express their wishes for a year of national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and to educate the younger generation about revolutionary traditions...

In 2016, Thua Hoa Temple and Phuc Quang Ancestral Hall were recognized as national historical and cultural relics. In 2018, Thua Hoa Temple was renovated and restored to a more spacious and beautiful state, meeting the spiritual needs of the people and tourists. Every year, Thua Hoa Temple and Phuc Quang Ancestral Hall welcome approximately 20,000 visitors for sightseeing and worship.

Ms. Le Thi Hien, Principal of Dinh Hoa Secondary School, shared: "In order to awaken pride and a sense of responsibility towards heritage, the school has recently organized practical history lessons at historical and cultural sites in the commune, including the Thua Hoa Palace. This activity helps students gain hands-on experience, thereby enhancing their pride and sense of responsibility in preserving local historical relics."

According to information from the People's Committee of Dinh Hoa commune, the Phu Nhi Festival in 2026 will feature many vibrant and attractive activities. The ceremonial part will include traditional rituals such as processions and sacrificial ceremonies. The festive part promises to be exciting with cultural and artistic activities and sports competitions. Currently, villages with participating teams have proactively developed flexible training plans, arranging schedules to suit the living and working conditions of the local people.

Mr. Do Cong Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dinh Hoa commune, said: "To preserve and promote the value of the Thua Hoa Temple historical and cultural relic, the commune continues to promote awareness among the people; strengthen management to protect the relic and prevent damage; improve the quality of cultural activities at the Phu Nhi Festival, contributing to strengthening community bonds. In addition, we will connect Thua Hoa Temple with other relics in the commune and neighboring areas such as Dong Co Cave (Quy Loc commune), Yen Trung tourist village (Yen Truong commune)... contributing to the development of regional tourism."

Nguyen Cuong

https://baothanhhoa.vn/ve-dinh-hoa-nbsp-tham-dien-thua-hoa-286462.htm

Source: https://svhttdl.thanhhoa.gov.vn/van-hoa/ve-dinh-hoa-tham-dien-thua-hoa-1010138