Stone Temple - A Place of Worship for Princess Nguyet Nga

In Ha Nam, there are many temples and shrines that attract people to visit and admire the scenery. Nguyet Nga Temple is one of those temples, widely known for its unique architecture and fascinating festivals. Let's explore it with Tien Loc Palace!

History of Princess Nguyet Nga
 

Nguyet Nga Temple is located in An Mong village, Tien Phong commune, Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province. It is a temple built to commemorate and worship Princess Nguyet Nga, who was a female general and one of the two Trung Sisters, national heroines. Nguyet Nga, whose real name was Nguyen Thi Nga, hailed from An Mong village (also known as Mống village). Her life witnessed painful events as she refused to become a concubine for To Dinh, a cruel and abusive man. Due to her strong will, her parents were killed.

With a sense of national debt and family vengeance, Nguyet Nga rallied and gathered soldiers, using her homeland as a strategic base. After seizing power, the Trung Sisters bestowed upon her the title of Princess Nguyet Nga and appointed her as an official in Ly Nhan prefecture. Returning to her homeland, Nguyet Nga organized a celebratory feast and established a sanctuary along the banks of the Chau River for worship. This area, known as the hillside near the Chau River, still exists to this day.

In addition to being a female heroine, Nguyet Nga is also known as the person who taught people to cultivate strawberries and raise silkworms, and weave fabric. That's why the local people revered her as the "ancestor" of the silk and strawberry industry. Nguyet Nga Temple is a sacred and respected place, where people come to remember and honor the contributions of a brave and virtuous woman in the history of the nation.

Architecture of the Stone Temple
 

True to its name, the Stone Temple is one of the few completely stone - built temples, with hundreds of large and small stone blocks forming pillars, lintels, pedestals, and bas - reliefs. The temple retains an ancient and solemn charm, with a sense of ancient beauty. The temple consists of three buildings arranged in the shape of the Chinese character "gong": a five - compartment front hall, a two - compartment second hall, and a three - compartment main hall. The most unique feature is the front hall made of stacked stone walls and bas - reliefs, with 12 giant columns. The columns in the temple are meticulously carved, showcasing the craftsmanship of the ancestors and the attention to detail in the unique architectural lines.

Festivals at the Stone Temple
 
 
Nguyet Nga Temple is not only famous for its architecture and sacred worship, but it also hosts vibrant and special festivals. In addition to the birthday (15th day of the 7th lunar month) and transformation day (12th day of the 10th lunar month) ceremonies, the Spring Festival is held on the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of the first lunar month. The festival includes ceremonies, processions, agricultural rituals, and competitions such as ball kicking and boat racing.
The Agricultural Ritual is a special ceremony performed by the locals to pray for peace and a bountiful harvest. This ritual takes place in the nearby rice fields and is conducted in a unique manner.

Next, there is a boat racing game held at the intersection of three rivers in the eastern part of Tien Phong commune. This is considered the place where Princess Nguyet Nga is commemorated and where the dragon boat appears to welcome her into the water palace. In this game, two large boats are arranged and decorated as dragon - shaped, with the head resembling a dragon and the tail resembling a shrimp. Each boat has a helmsman and a person wearing red clothes, a straw hat, and holding a paddle to cheer on the team.

Furthermore, during the festival, a game of kicking shuttlecock is organized to commemorate Princess Nguyet Nga's military training. According to legend, she often organized this game to enhance the soldiers' physical fitness.

These activities in the festival not only serve the purpose of remembering and honoring the contributions of Princess Nguyet Nga but also foster community cohesion, unity, and joy. The Agricultural Ritual, boat racing, and shuttlecock kicking have become an integral part of the local culture and traditions, attracting the participation of both locals and tourists.

When visiting Ha Nam, don't forget to stay at Tien Loc Palace, as we are confident it will be the perfect accommodation for tourists. Tien Loc Palace enjoys a prime location close to the tourist attractions, making it convenient for travelers to explore. Moreover, Tien Loc Palace is the most prestigious 3 - star hotel in the area, featuring minimalist yet elegant design, modern facilities, and comprehensive amenities to meet every guest's needs.
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