Hon Chen Temple in Hue is not only a sacred religious and cultural relic but also a unique tourist attraction of the ancient capital.
The way to Hon Chen Temple in Hue
To reach the famous shrine of the romantic land of Hue, visitors have many different choices on the way.
First, if you depart from the city center, you will be able to take a boat on the Huong River in Hue or take the road to Hon Chen Palace.
If you choose to go by road, follow these instructions: start from Bui Thi Xuan street and then go straight to the fork, then turn to Huyen Tran Cong Chua street. After that, visitors continue to go to Than Wharf and then take a boat along the Perfume River to Hon Chen Palace.
Why is it called 'Hon Chen'?
Originally in the ordination documents of the Nguyen Dynasty, the palace was called Ngoc Tran Son Tu. This name means the shrine at Ngoc Tran mountain. During the reign of King Dong Khanh, it was changed to Hue Nam Dien, meaning to bring favor to the King of Nam.
An anecdote associated with King Minh Mang dropping the jade cup. Photo: bazantravel
Although there are many different names, but Hon Chen or Hoan Chen is still the name most commonly used by indigenous people and tourists from all over the world to name a tourist destination in Hue and also a famous religious work of Vietnam ancient capital. Because the temple is associated with the thrilling legend of the story of King Minh Mang who dropped the jade cup into the bed of the Perfume River. While it seemed that there was no way to retrieve it, an old turtle emerged with a jade cup and returned it to him.
Spiritual and cultural symbol of Hue.
Introduction to Hon Chen Temple
Like many famous cultural and religious destinations of Hue such as Thien Mu Pagoda , Truong Tien Bridge, and Hon Chen Palace , Hue is also located on the banks of the Perfume River - the soft silk range winding through the dreamy Hue city. Sitting on Ngoc Tran mountain, just above the north bank of Hue's iconic river and belonging to Huong Tra district, originally, specifically from the Gia Long period, Hon Chen temple mainly worshiped Taoism. Originally, this was the temple to worship the goddess PoNagar or Thien YA Na (meaning mother of the land) of the Cham people. Legend has it that the goddess was the daughter of the Jade Emperor and was sent to earth - the one who had the merit of creating the earth, plants and rice for mortals to settle down and live happily.
The temple became a unique spiritual symbol. Photo: @mynguyen2610
Over time, this place became a famous polytheistic architecture because it worships Lieu Hanh Princess (ie Van Huong Thanh Mau), Buddha, Quan Cong and other gods. The whole architecture consists of more than 10 different large and small works, which is located in the middle of which is the main and largest temple with the size of 15m x 17m.
Hon Chen Palace includes many large and small architectural works. Photo: banzantravel
Minh Kinh Dai area is divided into 3 palaces, in order from high to low is Minh Kinh Cao Dai first palace (Upper Palace) consisting of two floors. This place worships Thien YA Na Thanh Mau, Holy Mother Van Huong, King Dong Khanh and some other gods, downstairs is the residence of Thu Tu, Minh Kinh Cao Dai second palace (Council palace) worshiping dozens of statues different gods. This is also the place to display worshiping items to process colors during major festivals of the year. Finally, Minh Kinh Cao Dai 3rd Palace (the name is quite electric money) acts as a place of worship as well as a place for locals and tourists from all over the world to offer incense and pray for peace.
A shot of Minh Kinh Dai. Photo: dichobiet
There is also Quan Cu house located on the right side along with Trinh Cat Vien and Thanh Pagoda. On the left is the area with the Ngu Hanh palace, the cave worshiping Mr. Tiger or the altar of the mandarins, Mr. Ngoai Canh. In addition, right next to the river, there is Thuy Phu am.
The architecture is in perfect harmony with the scenery of the mountains. Photo: bazantravel
In 1832, the temple was officially restored and repaired, but it was not until the reign of King Dong Khanh (from 1886 - 1888), that Hon Chen Temple of Hue entered the period of major renovation and renamed Hue Nam Palace. At present, the ancient temple still preserves a lot of precious sacrifices belonging to the main era from the Dong Khanh period, including 664 artifacts of 284 different categories.
The temple is hidden behind the vast green forest. Photo: bazantravel
Hon Chen Temple is not only a religious and cultural work with a special imprint, associated with the spiritual life of Hue people for generations, but also a famous tourist destination of the land with Hue Citadel historic. In terms of architecture, this is the only temple in Hue that has a harmonious combination of solemn royal rites and unique folk beliefs. If you have the opportunity to travel to Hue and visit Hon Chen Palace, do not miss the opportunity to admire an ancient architectural work, hiding the depth of religion, history, culture and people of Hue along the Perfume River be dreamy.
Hon Chen Temple is the place to worship the goddess Ponagar. Photo: bazantravelHon Chen Temple Hue Festival
The ancient capital of Hue in particular and the region of Thua Thien - Hue in general is the place where the culture, history and religion of the two regions meet. Therefore, Hon Chen Temple also becomes a place of worshiping polytheism with many religious festivals during the year such as: Hon Chen Temple Festival takes place twice: Spring Festival in February, Autumn Festival in May. 7. In addition, there is Hon Chen electric festival taking place on the area of Ngoc Tran mountain and the communal house of Hai Cat village in Huong Tra district. Besides, there is a festival to honor Thien YA Na Thanh Mau (also known as Mother Land - the goddess who created land, trees, precious woods, ... and teaches people how to cultivate according to folk legends Cham tribe.
Hundreds of dragon boats moored in front of the communal house of Hai Cat village every festival season. Photo: dichobiet
Located in the middle of a poetic natural setting, with the gentle Perfume River on one side and a deep forest on the other, Hon Chen Temple in Hue on festival days brings a sacred and dignified religious atmosphere. The annual festival will be divided into two main parts: the ritual ceremony and the main sacrifice.
Hon Chen Palace in the festive season. Photo: @callme.bi
The ceremony (also known as the procession of the gods to the temple) is solemnly held on the Perfume River in Hue. It is a solemn ceremony that takes place on paired dragon boats to carry the goddess Thien YA Na from Hon Chen temple to the communal house of Hai Cat village. The palanquin will be carried by virgins who are cared for with clothes, colorful flags and flowers in the whole sky of Hue. In addition, on the way to the procession, visitors will hear the humming singing of the dongs, wards, and folk singers.
Unique features in culture, religion and people of the ancient capital. Photo: @visithuevietnam
The main ceremony takes place after welcoming the gods and the Holy Mother to the temple. This ceremony will be held with many activities such as: Holy Mother ceremony, sacrifice to Hai Cat village, release of lanterns, release of life,... For an impressive and unforgettable Hue travel experience, you should remember to refer to it. Hue travel experience is the most beautiful and convenient season. To be able to check in the ancient capital and visit Hon Chen Palace on the occasion of the festival, immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere, learn about the unique indigenous folklore of this land.
Take a boat to Hon Chen temple. Photo: @tori.kiyoshi
It can be said that Hon Chen Palace Hue not only possesses unique architecture but also plays the role of a sacred place, where many religious beliefs and unique cultures converge. Coming here to visit, you will just walk, visit the temple, admire the scenery and listen to many ancient anecdotes associated with the name of the temple, discover the unique features here. Wish you have an impressive and unforgettable visit to Hon Chen Palace.