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“Wherever you go, you must remember Kings Hung’s death anniversary on the 10th of the lunar third month.” Kings Hung’s death anniversary has become the Vietnamese’s national anniversary.
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Hung temple’s gate. Photo N.H |
Den Hung (Hung Temple) is an ancient historical vestige lying on Nghia Linh mountain in Hy Cuong commune, Lam Thao district, the northern province of Phu Tho.
From the main entrance, visitors walk up stone steps in the shade of high trees and arrive at Den Ha (the Lower Temple). According to a legend, the Au Co mother delivered a bundle of 100 eggs, then hatched 100 sons.
Turning left from Den Ha and walking to the foot of the mountain in a southeasterly direction, visitors arrive at Den Gieng (the Well Temple) where there is the Ngoc well (the Well of Pearl). The water of which is limpid as its name indicates. The story goes that formerly two princesses named Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa used to comb their hair here.
Higher lies Den Thuong (the Higher Temple) where every year the Hung Kings came to celebrate the cult of heaven, earth and the god of rice.
The Hung Temple Festival is annually held from 6th to 10th of the third lunar month. Various activities with unique features are also held on this occasion.
According to the organizing board, this year’s anniversary is to take place on the 10th of the third lunar month with the solemn ceremony. The palanquin procession is expected to be the most impressive one, aiming to recall the legend of Lang Lieu.
After the main ceremony come traditional dances and the palanquin competition. Phu Tho’s specialities such as Doan Hung polemo and bamboo-tube rice will make visitors be attached to the festival.
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