Learn About the Life and Contributions of Princess Nguyet Nga

Situated in An Mong hamlet, Tien Phong commune, Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province, the Nguyet Nga Temple is a unique architectural work that commemorates the name of the female general Nguyen Thi Nga – one of the two Trung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung) heroines. This temple is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a place to preserve the distinctive cultural traditions of the Ha Nam region.

I. The Story of Princess Nguyet Nga

Aspiration for Freedom in Adversity

Nguyet Nga's life was intertwined with tragic events when she resolutely refused to become a concubine of To Dinh, a cruel and abusive man. Due to her unwavering resolve, she witnessed the tragic killing of her parents. The debt to the nation and the grudge against her family's fate drove Nguyet Nga to rally and gather soldiers, using her homeland as a strategic base.

Shining Glory After Enduring Hardships
After the Trung Sisters gained power, Nguyet Nga was granted the title of princess and appointed as an official in Phu Ly Nhan. Returning to her homeland, she organized a celebratory feast and established a shrineyard along the Chau River bank to use as a place of worship. This area still exists today, known as the riverside hill area.

The Image of a Female Hero in the Hearts of the People
In addition to her remarkable military achievements, Nguyet Nga is revered by the local people as the ancestress of the sericulture industry because she taught them how to grow mulberry trees, raise silkworms, and weave cloth. The Nguyet Nga Temple is not only a sacred place to commemorate the merits of a brave and filial woman but also a symbol affirming the status of Vietnamese women in the nation's history.

II. The Stone Temple - Allure from Its Unique Architecture

Amidst the Vietnamese countryside, a special architectural work has existed for centuries, attracting all eyes with its ancient beauty and exquisite artistry: The Stone Temple. A masterpiece created from hundreds of large and small stone blocks, intricately carved with delicate lines, adorning the traditional architectural style of the temple.

Unique Stone Architecture, Rich in Artistry
True to its name, the Stone Temple is one of the rare temples entirely constructed from stone. Hundreds of large and small stone blocks are skillfully joined together, forming sturdy temple columns, heavy crossbeams etched with time, solemn plinths, and imposing pedestals. Every detail and line on the stone columns is meticulously carved by skilled craftsmen, showcasing their dexterity and the dedication of our ancestors in imbuing traditional beauty into this unique architecture.

Timeless Ancient Beauty
Despite existing for centuries, the Stone Temple retains its ancient charm without compromising its solemn grandeur and classic beauty. The temple is architecturally designed in the Cong script style, comprising three chambers: a five-compartment front hall, a two-compartment middle hall, and a three-compartment main sanctuary. The unique feature lies in the stone front hall, constructed in the stacked and stepped pedestal style, with 12 imposing large pillars.

The Stone Temple is not only a unique stone architectural work but also a living testament to the talent, wisdom, and exquisite sculpting art of Vietnamese ancestors. This temple deservedly stands as a precious cultural heritage, a prideful artistic masterpiece that should be preserved for eternity.

III. The Stone Temple Festival - A Unique Traditional Cultural Beauty of Ha Nam

The Nguyet Nga Princess Temple is renowned not only for its unique architecture and significant historical value but also attracts visitors with its distinctive traditional festival held at the beginning of spring each year. The festival is a harmonious blend of spiritual rituals, folk games, and cultural activities, creating a vivid portrayal of the local people's spiritual and cultural life.

Tế Ceremony for the Agricultural God - Praying for Bountiful Harvests:
The Tế ceremony for the Agricultural God is an important ritual that opens the festival, expressing the people's gratitude to the god who has bestowed upon them bountiful harvests. The ceremony is held in the fields near the temple with a unique manner, bearing a strong imprint of traditional culture.

Boat Racing in Remembrance of Princess Nguyet Nga:
The boat racing game takes place at the three-way river junction in the eastern part of Tien Phong commune, where Princess Nguyet Nga is said to be commemorated. Two large boats are decorated with dragon shapes, with dragon heads and shrimp tails, symbolizing the power and majesty of the female hero. Each boat has a helmsman and a person wearing a red shirt, holding a gong, and beating it in rhythm with the oars to encourage the competing teams.

Vật Cầu - Remembering the Military Training:
The Vật Cầu game is organized to commemorate Princess Nguyet Nga's military training. According to legend, she often organized this game to strengthen the health of her soldiers. The game has a highly competitive nature, demanding agility, courage, and team spirit from the competing teams.

The Stone Temple Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate Princess Nguyet Nga's great merits but also a place for local people to bond, fostering a spirit of unity and joy. The festival activities contribute to preserving and promoting the local traditional cultural identity, attracting the participation of numerous locals and tourists.

When visiting Ha Nam to participate in the Stone Temple Festival, visitors should consider Tien Loc Palace Hotel as an ideal stopover. It boasts a prime location, close to attractions, making it easy for visitors to move around.

With a minimalist yet sophisticated design, modern amenities, and comprehensive facilities, Tien Loc Palace Hotel promises to provide visitors with a perfect relaxation experience.

Come to Tien Loc Palace Hotel and immerse yourself in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Stone Temple Festival to explore the unique cultural beauty of Ha Nam!