The Legend of Virtuous Woman Vu Thi Thiet in Chan Ly
Traditional Festival – When Spirituality Meets Cultural Heritage
Every year on the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, the Ba Vu Temple Festival is solemnly held, consisting of two parts: rituals and festivities. The ritual segment includes the palanquin procession, ceremonial offerings, a lantern-floating ritual, and a performance titled “Gratitude to the Holy Mother”-honoring long-standing traditions. The festival section is vibrant with folk games such as tug of war, blindfolded goat catching, bánh-making contests, and antiphonal singing, creating a joyful and community-bonding atmosphere.
In 2023, the Ba Vu Temple Festival was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming its importance in the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Ha Nam and visitors from near and far.
The Story of a Woman Named Thiet – As Steadfast as Her Name, As Gentle as Her Soul
The tale of Vu Thi Thiet, a woman born in the 14th century in Vu Dien village, is rooted in real history, yet has been woven into legend-a blend of personal tragedy and the divine image of a goddess.
Orphaned at a young age and living in poverty, she maintained her dignity and virtue. During a famine, she did not hesitate to give away her dowry to help the poor. For her kindness and benevolence, she was deeply respected and praised in folk songs:
“Honored by the king with royal decree,
Her name echoed in ceremonial chants of Nam Xuong…”
She married Truong Huyen, the only son of a local nobleman, hoping for a peaceful life. But soon, war broke out. Her husband left to join the army, leaving her alone to manage the household. She cared for her in-laws, raised her child, and remained faithful. However, tragedy came from within her own home.
When Truong Huyen returned, a child’s innocent comment-about "a father who comes every night" (referring to his mother’s shadow)-sparked suspicion. Without proof to clear her name, and with no one to defend her, Thiet chose to throw herself into the Red River, using her death to assert her chastity and loyalty.
And So-Legend Begins Where Life Ends
From an unjust death, a woman named Thiết was gradually deified by the people and became a goddess in folklore. It is said that when King Lê Thánh Tông led his army to fight Champa, his fleet encountered strong winds on the Red River and had to stop at the Hoàng Giang wharf. The king personally entered a small temple by the riverbank to offer prayers. That night, he dreamed of a woman who introduced herself as Vũ Thị Thiết — a resident of Vũ Điện village — asking to accompany him and help in the battle.
After the victory, the king returned to the capital and ordered the construction of a temple in her honor, conferred her the title “Holy Mother”, composed a dedicatory poem, and had a bronze statue cast. The king’s poem is still preserved on a wooden plaque in the temple today:
“The sun and moon testify to your virtue,
There is no need for endless rituals to clear your name…”
Remarkably, folk beliefs continued to develop the legend:
It is said that she did not die, but was taken by Linh Phi, the Dragon King's wife, to the underwater palace and granted immortality. Every year, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, she is believed to return, appearing when lanterns illuminate the Red River-to listen to the villagers’ prayers and witness grievances yet to be resolved.
From Cultural Site to Living Spiritual Monument
Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site in 1993, Ba Vu Temple continues to welcome pilgrims and visitors daily. The temple houses many precious relics such as bells, gongs, royal decrees, bronze statues, and calligraphy by poets through the ages.
Many visitors come not only to worship, but also to quietly reflect on the fate of Vietnamese women throughout history-resilient, enduring, faithful-and how they have been honored, even deified, in the spiritual consciousness of the people.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngan, a visitor from Hanoi, shared emotionally:
“I had read about Vu Nuong in ‘Truyen Ky Man Luc’ during my school years, but today, standing in front of the bronze statue, bathed in the soft golden light of the temple, I truly felt the pain, the loyalty, and the timeless power of this legend.”
This temple is more than a cultural landmark, it is a living symbol of kindness and the virtue of Vietnamese women. And so, through centuries, Lady Thiet remains - in the heart of Chan Ly - like a quiet, radiant star, illuminating the hearts of all who come in reverence.
For those seeking to explore Ha Nam’s cultural and spiritual sites, Tien Loc Palace Hotel - located in the center of Phu Ly City is an ideal choice. With international-standard guest rooms, peaceful and well-equipped facilities, on-site restaurant, café, and conference rooms. Tien Loc Palace offers a “peaceful-as-home” atmosphere, providing a tranquil and convenient stopover for pilgrims and travelers alike.
