Springtime in the Bong Crossroads

Many times I've returned to the Bong Junction (Tong Son commune), a riverside area, but each time, each season leaves a unique impression and feeling in my heart. Unlike the somber, solitary atmosphere of the cold winter days, spring brings a new look and a new lease of life to the Bong Junction. There, spring paints the roadside flowers with color, scatters sunlight on the shimmering silver water, and on the lush green corn and sugarcane fields along the riverbanks. The sound of temple bells echoes in the distance; the lively sounds of folk singing accompany the footsteps of worshippers throughout the region...

The peaceful scenery at Bong Crossroads. Photo: Dang Khoa

From the historic Do Len Bridge on National Highway 1, heading west along the Len River embankment to the Bong intersection, a distance of only about 10km unfolds into a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Mountains, rivers, and lush green banks appear... no matter which way you turn, you'll feel a surge of joy and delight at the tranquil and peaceful rural scenery.

As if that weren't enough to paint a vivid picture, glimpses of nimble farmers herding buffaloes down to the fields, beginning the spring plowing. Buffaloes lead, the farmers follow in rhythm, their footsteps synchronized with each movement. Right nearby, the river flows on, the banks whispering stories of livelihood, the land, for generations, embracing and nurturing life to sprout...

The embankment of the Len River continues its journey; visitors are further captivated by the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, peonies, sunflowers, and other flowers blooming along both sides of the road. These flowers not only beautify the landscape but also seem like a warm welcome from the locals to visitors from all over who come to explore, admire the scenery, and learn about the local history and culture during the early days of the new year. The residents of the Bong Crossroads area are contributing to the development of tourism in their hometown with all their sincerity, through the most practical actions.

Not only beautiful because of its natural scenery, this river confluence area makes a strong impression on visitors with its continuous series of historical, cultural, and spiritual relics associated with legends, anecdotes, and myths... Along the "road of relics," the temple of Ly Thai Uy stands as a historical witness, where every mark of time is etched into the consciousness, evoking pride in a sacred land. The majestic temple faces the Len River, in a space where temples and pagodas are intertwined, and villages are clustered together. The temple's architecture is generally well-preserved, with many elements such as the entrance gate, the front hall, the rear hall, and the temple courtyard... Among them, the entrance gate is designed with two floors and eight roofs in the Nguyen Dynasty style, creating a grand and majestic yet graceful and soft appearance. Right in the center of the entrance gate, the three words "Ly Dai Vuong" appear solemnly, as if whispering the story of the renowned general. The ancient banyan and fig tree trunks, covered in moss that has weathered them over the years, further accentuate the solemnity, evoking a sense of solitude and mystery in this sacred temple.

From the temple dedicated to General Ly Thai Uy, visitors continue their journey through various historical sites. At each destination, visitors respectfully offer incense and small offerings to the deities, conveying their hopes and wishes for a prosperous and successful new year, good health, luck, and peace. Returning to the Bong Crossroads, amidst the lingering incense smoke at Han Temple, visitors can still hear echoes of folk legends about General Le Tho Vuc, who fought against the Champa invaders and protected the country and its people.

Amidst the melodious chanting of folk songs, sometimes gentle and leisurely, sometimes resounding and clear, the legends of the Fourth Goddess (the Fourth Goddess Temple) and the Bo Bong Goddess (the Bo Bong Goddess Temple) in the river confluence area become even more special. Among them, the Bo Bong Goddess Temple is considered one of the centers of Mother Goddess worship in Thanh Hoa province in general, and the Bong River confluence area in particular.

The goddess Co Bo (also known as the Water Goddess) is worshipped in many places throughout the country, but the Co Bo Temple is her place of origin. Many legends about Co Bo are passed down through folklore, but they all agree that she not only served the king and the country but also helped the people achieve favorable weather conditions. Her merits are remembered by the people as: "The Le Dynasty bestowed a royal decree upon her; a heroic and virtuous woman, loyal for generations to come."

For many people in Thanh Hoa province, the name Bong Crossroads not only evokes the image of a "coordinate" where rivers meet, but also represents a place where history, culture, and spirituality intersect. Returning to this place, each person finds a moment of tranquility to contemplate life, their roots, and to grow to love even more the land of "Thanh Hoa, a land of charm and beauty," a land of "spiritual and talented people."

Dang Khoa

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/xuan-tren-vung-nga-ba-bong-281564.htm