Nestled at the base of Sam Mountain in An Giang province, Ba Chua Xu Temple is among the most revered spiritual landmarks in southern Vietnam. Located in Vinh Te ward, formerly part of Chau Doc City, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims each year with its sacred ambiance and mysterious origin story.

The temple is best known for its statue of Ba Chua Xu (Lady of the Realm), enshrined at the heart of the main hall. According to legend passed down through generations, the statue was originally discovered over 200 years ago atop the mountain - some 280 meters above sea level - and believed to possess divine powers.

Many strong men attempted to carry the statue down, but all failed. It wasn’t until nine young, unmarried women were chosen - following the guidance of a spirit medium - that the statue was successfully moved. Yet when it reached the current temple site, it became immovable. Locals believed that Ba Chua Xu had chosen the spot as her rightful place of worship.

What began as a humble shrine made of bamboo and thatch, overlooking the vast rice fields and backed by the mountain’s cliff, has over time transformed into a grand temple complex. Major reconstructions were carried out in 1870 and again in 1972, with the current architecture reflecting an ornate East Asian style.

The statue itself stands over a meter tall and is carved from rose-hued sandstone. French archaeologist Malleret once speculated that it may represent a Hindu deity - possibly Vishnu - and could date as far back as the late 6th century CE. Regardless of its true origin, the statue is now deeply embedded in Vietnamese spiritual life, venerated as Ba Chua Xu.

Each year, from the 22nd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month, the temple hosts the Vía Ba Chua Xu Festival - one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the Mekong Delta. The celebration is a rich convergence of cultures, blending Kinh, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham traditions, and offers a moment of communal reverence, gratitude, and prayer.

In December 2024, the festival was officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - the first traditional festival in the Mekong Delta to receive this prestigious honor.

Whether shrouded in incense or glowing under temple lights at night, Ba Chua Xu Temple continues to be a place where belief, beauty, and legend meet - a spiritual anchor for millions of Vietnamese and visitors alike.

Tran Tuyen