Attractive spiritual destination at the gateway to Thanh land

The procession from the Dragon Temple to the Water Temple.

According to the elders in Nghia Dung village, the reason why it is called Dragon Temple is because the temple is located right at the foot of Dragon Mountain; Water Temple is because the temple is located right in front of a cave - the source of the Nan stream with clear water all year round. Previously, Dragon Temple and Water Temple were built in a mountain cave, and people used the flat cave floor to set up a place of worship. To meet the religious needs of the people, the local government of Ha Long commune called on the people and benefactors to contribute to rebuild the temple right at the foot of the mountain.

Dragon Temple is a place to worship the Mother Goddess of the Upper Realm, also known as the Holy Mother of the Forest, or the Second Mother Goddess who governs the mountains and forests, associated with people, grass, trees, birds and animals. She is a legendary figure, playing an important role in the Mother Goddess worship, worshiped by many people and considered the sacred soul of the mountains and rivers. Not only has historical and cultural value, but Dragon Temple is also blessed by nature with a beautiful landscape. With the terrain of "Hậu leaning on the mountain, tiền dap thuy", in front is a bridge crossing the Khe Nan stream and behind is the majestic Dragon Mountain, creating a poetic space. Blending in that beautiful space, with the stone architecture, the Dragon Temple has an ancient but extremely sacred look. Through many renovations, up to now, Dragon Temple includes the following works: ceremonial gate, yard, mother house, Duc Ong temple, Buddhist church, warehouse...

After visiting the Dragon Temple, following a small path on the mountainside for about 500m, visitors will arrive at the Water Temple, located next to a mountainside close to a stream that is cool all year round. In a peaceful space, the Water Temple helps people become gentle, relax, and eliminate the fatigue and pressure of everyday life. Mr. Bui Van Kinh, Deputy Head of the Subcommittee for the Management of the Dragon Temple and Water Temple, said: “The Water Temple is a place to worship the Mother Goddess, also known as the Third Mother, who governs the river area. In addition to its spiritual and cultural values, the Water Temple is also an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists. On the cliff behind the Water Temple, there is a clear underground water source that never runs out of water, and schools of divine fish have been living here for some time.”

While enjoying watching and taking pictures with the fish, Ms. Le Thi Vinh, in Hac Thanh ward, said: “Not only learning about the historical and cultural relics of the temple, my family also really likes the space here, being able to see thousands of fish with strange shapes, pink fins, and sparkling golden bodies swimming freely in the clear blue water. Not only my family but surely everyone who comes here wants to come back many times and introduce to friends this attractive spiritual tourist destination right at the gateway to Thanh land”.

In recent times, to meet the religious needs of the people, the local government of Ha Long commune has always paid attention to preserving and promoting the Dragon Temple and the Water Temple through many practical activities. In particular, every year, on the 24th day of the second lunar month, the commune organizes the Dragon Temple and the Water Temple festival with a procession from the Dragon Temple to the Water Temple, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate. Coming to the festival, everyone prays for favorable weather, good harvests, health and prosperity.

Dragon Temple and Water Temple are among the five historical, cultural and scenic sites in Ha Long Commune that were ranked as provincial historical and cultural sites in 1993. The preservation and promotion of the value of Dragon Temple and Water Temple not only contributes to promoting and introducing the land and people of Ha Long, developing culture and tourism, but also contributes to promoting the local socio -economic development.

Article and photos: Trung Hieu

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/diem-den-tam-linh-hap-dan-noi-cua-ngo-xu-thanh-258393.htm