Built during the Le Dynasty, Bach Ma Temple in Nghe An is one of the province's most sacred spiritual sites, preserving more than 100 imperial royal decrees alongside remarkable examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Built during the Le Dynasty, Bach Ma Temple is one of Nghe An Province's most sacred spiritual sites, preserving more than 100 imperial royal decrees alongside centuries of architectural and cultural heritage.
Located in Kim Bang Commune, the temple is regarded as one of the four most sacred temples in Nghe An. Its expansive complex features a traditional layout comprising a three-entrance gate, ceremonial gate, lower sanctuary, middle sanctuary, upper sanctuary, and the left and right auxiliary halls.
A masterpiece of traditional architecture
The ceremonial gate of Bach Ma Temple, one of Nghe An's most sacred spiritual sites.
The temple's tam quan is distinguished by two imposing ceremonial pillars decorated with reliefs of tigers, elephants, horses, mythical creatures and dragons.
The ceremonial gate rises more than seven meters high and consists of two stories and three entrances. The main gateway, about three meters wide, is adorned on both sides with relief sculptures depicting civil and military officials standing in solemn poses.
The lower sanctuary was built in the traditional double-eaved, eight-roof style, supported by four sturdy square columns with gracefully curved roof corners.
Both the middle and upper sanctuaries feature three compartments and four timber roof frames covered with traditional curved tiles. Their wooden structures are richly decorated with intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, clouds and waves that reflect the craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans.
Exceptional wood carvings
The middle sanctuary houses altars and ritual offerings dedicated to the temple's deities, while the upper sanctuary contains the main throne and tablet honoring Bach Ma.Intricate wood carvings decorate the beams and roof structures of the upper sanctuary.Traditional craftsmanship is reflected in the temple's finely carved wooden details.
Among the temple's most remarkable artistic features are the elaborate wooden carvings found on the beams of the middle and upper sanctuaries.
Traditional motifs - including the Eight Trigrams, dragons and phoenixes holding scrolls, carp transforming into dragons, turtles carrying lotus flowers and mythical long ma (dragon-horses) - showcase the sophisticated skills of generations of craftsmen.
Interestingly, the rear and side sections of the temple have retained their original unfinished timber surfaces, helping preserve the authenticity of the historic structure.
A treasure house of cultural heritage
An ancient incense burner preserved inside the lower sanctuary.Stone elephant statues stand on either side of the temple's main entrance.
Bach Ma Temple houses a valuable collection of historical and ceremonial artifacts, including royal thrones, dragon palanquins, ritual objects, bronze bells, statues, incense burners and ceremonial offerings.
During Vietnam's feudal era, the temple held the prestigious status of a state ceremonial site and received more than 100 imperial royal decrees from successive dynasties, underscoring its importance in the country's spiritual and political history.
In 1994, Bach Ma Temple was designated a National Historical, Cultural and Architectural Relic.
Its annual festival received further recognition in 2019, when it was inscribed on Vietnam's list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A living tradition
Participants compete in the traditional vat cu game during the annual Bach Ma Temple Festival.
Held annually on the 9th and 10th days of the second lunar month, the Bach Ma Temple Festival attracts thousands of visitors and local residents.
The celebration features a wide range of traditional folk games and cultural activities, including vat cu (a traditional wrestling-style ball game played on sand), tug-of-war, con throwing, clay pot breaking, football and volleyball.
The festival continues to play an important role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Nghe An for future generations.
Vietnamnet.vn
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