The Ha Temple in Ha Long
History of Formation and Development of the Ha Temple
According to historical documents and ancient traces, the Ha Temple was built in the 17th century, on Bai Tho Mountain, in the Doan area, Hong Gai ward, Ha Long city. The temple was constructed to worship King Ba, or Tran Quoc Nguyen, a famous general of the Tran dynasty. He was the son of Tran Quoc Tuan, also known as Grand Marshal Tran Hung Dao, and played a significant role in the resistance against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century.
Tran Quoc Nguyen was posthumously honored as King Ba after his death in 1291. The title Ba means the king of the sea and islands. According to legend, when he passed away, his body was taken to the sea for burial. However, upon arrival, his body disappeared, leaving only his armor on the boat. Locals believed that he had become a guardian deity for fishermen and tourists, entering the sea.
To commemorate King Ba's contributions, people built a temple named Phuc Linh Tu (Phuc Linh Temple) on Bai Tho Mountain. The temple faces Ha Long Bay and follows the architectural style of the "nail" character, consisting of three front halls, two worship halls, and a rear hall. The temple has fish-scale tiles, a moon-shaped roof, and intricately designed corners.
Over hundreds of years, the Ha Temple has undergone several renovations and upgrades. Currently, it is recognized as a national historical site.
Explore the Architecture and Space of the Ha Temple
The Ha Temple features unique and impressive architecture, combining Vietnamese and Chinese styles. The temple gate has a dark-tiled roof, symmetrically designed. Two dragons coiling around a pearl on the roof symbolize luck and power. The gate has three arches inscribed with three phrases: "Phuc Linh Tu" (Phuc Linh Temple), "Phap Quang Chieu" (Dharma Illuminates), and "Tinh Xa Chi Hoa" (Peaceful Residence).
Inside the temple gate is a spacious courtyard with two rows of lush trees. In front of the courtyard stands the main hall, where King Ba is worshiped. Inside the main hall is a bronze statue of King Ba, 1.2m tall and weighing 300kg. The statue depicts a brave general wearing armor, holding a sword, and looking out to the sea. Next to the statue are two embroidered paintings depicting King Ba commanding the army against the Mongol invaders.
Next to the main hall are auxiliary buildings such as lecture halls, libraries, dining halls, guesthouses, and landscaped areas with bonsai trees, lotus ponds, and fountains, creating a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to explore and contemplate.
Value and Significance of the Ha Temple
The Ha Temple is a precious historical and cultural monument in Ha Long, Quang Ninh. The temple is not only a place of cultural worship but also a venue for preserving and promoting the traditional values of the nation. The temple also organizes charitable, educational, and cultural activities for the local community and tourists.
Every year, the Ha Temple hosts two major festivals: the spring festival and the autumn festival. The spring festival takes place from the 15th to the 17th day of the lunar January, commemorating the death anniversary of King Ba. The autumn festival occurs from the 15th to the 17th day of the lunar August, praying for a bountiful harvest and peace for the people. During these festivals, visitors can witness and participate in various traditional cultural activities such as ceremonies, processions, folk games, artistic performances, and martial arts competitions, reflecting not only the reverence for King Ba but also fostering unity among regions.
The Ha Temple in Ha Long is a must-visit destination for those wanting to explore the cultural and spiritual beauty of this region. Visiting the Ha Temple provides an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and beliefs of the local people, as well as admire the beauty of Ha Long Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It promises to be a memorable experience for nature lovers and those eager to discover the beauty of Ha Long.