Bach Ma Temple is a renowned historical site located in Vietnam. This article dives into the rich history, fascinating legends, stunning architecture, and practical details of visiting Bach Ma Temple.
Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, Bach Ma Temple stands as a testament to the country’s cultural heritage. With its intriguing past, captivating legends, and impressive architectural design, this temple attracts locals and tourists alike. From exploring its historical significance to understanding the legends that surround it, Bach Ma Temple offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Let’s explore the Temple with 2 Vietnam
History
Bach Ma Temple boasts a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. According to historical records, the temple was first established during the Ly Dynasty in the 10th century. It was built to honor the White Horse, a mythical creature believed to have guided King Ly Thai To to victory in battle. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several reconstructions and expansions, reflecting the influence of different dynasties and architectural styles.
Bach Ma Temple is also one of Hanoi’s Four Sacred Temples
The Legend of Bach Ma Temple
The Temple, located in Hanoi, is a significant cultural and historical relic that holds great value in terms of history, culture, architecture, art, and spiritual life. It is over 1,000 years old and is considered important evidence of Hanoi’s past.
The temple worships Long Do, also known as Quoc Do Thanh Hoang Thang Long, referred to as the “Eastern Town Chinh Tu” or the town in the east of the city. According to legend, Cao Bien built Bach Ma Temple in 866 to worship the god Long Do Vuong. In 1010, when King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (present-day Hanoi), he repaired the temple. The temple and the deity Bach Ma were associated with the legend of King Ly Thai To’s citadel.
Historical records state that in 1010, Ly Cong Uan (King Ly Thai To) relocated the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long and began constructing the citadel. However, the construction faced difficulties and failures. The king sought advice from the people and learned that there had been an auspicious event on the land before. Subsequently, the king sent a representative to request the deity’s assistance.
Dream of King Ly Thai To
That night, King Ly Thai To dreamt of meeting Than Long Do, who came to congratulate him and revealed that if the king followed the horse’s hooves, he would succeed. In the dream, the king witnessed a White Horse emerging from the temple, circling from east to west, and returning to the temple before disappearing. The next day, the king discovered horse footprints on the ground. He ordered people to follow the footprints and build ramparts, which led to the successful construction of the citadel.
To express gratitude for the divine help, the king commissioned a statue of a white horse for worship and designated the god Long Do as the “National Capital of Dinh Bang Thanh Hoang Dai Vuong.” The temple itself was named “Bach Ma Linh Tu” or the “Temple of the Sacred White Horse.”
According to legends, The Temple is renowned and sacred. It is said that when a fire broke out in the trading market near the East Gate, the temple remained untouched while the surrounding area burned. The king considered this a blessing, and subsequently, all spring ceremonies were held at the temple. During the Tran dynasty, Cua Dong Street was burned three times, and the fire spread to Hang Buom Street, but the temple remained unharmed.
The annual Temple Festival traditionally takes place on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month. However, in the year commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, the festival spans two days, specifically March 27 and 28, which correspond to the 12th and 13th days of the second lunar month. This extension aims to create a festive atmosphere filled with unity, joy, and excitement.
Architecture
Over the centuries, the temple underwent several restoration projects and retained unique architectural features from the Ly, Tran, and Nguyen dynasties. Bach Ma Temple showcases beautiful architecture with an ancient artistic style. It boasts diverse and captivating features, such as finely carved motifs on wooden pillars, columns, trusses, crossbars, precious stones, and hexagonal and circular millstones, among others.
The temple preserves 15 ancient stelae that document its repairs, age, contribution rules, dietary and drinking habits, exemptions granted by Lord Trinh, and tax funds allocated for temple maintenance, and care. Additionally, the temple houses numerous rare and precious artifacts, worship items, and royal titles from the Le, Tay Son, and Nguyen dynasties. In 1986, the temple was recognized as a national historical relic by the Vietnamese government.
What to Do?
- Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi Old Quarter
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM every day
- Bach Ma Temple entry fee: Free
- Dress code: modest clothes that cover the shoulders and legs
When visiting the Temple, there are several activities and rituals you can partake in to fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience. Start by lighting incense sticks and offering prayers at the altars. This practice is believed to bring good luck and blessings into your life.
You can also witness or participate in traditional ceremonies held at the Temple during special occasions, such as Lunar New Year or important festivals. These ceremonies involve colorful processions, traditional music performances, and ceremonies dedicated to ancestral spirits.
Exploring the temple’s surroundings is another highlight. Take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil gardens, where you can find stone sculptures, bonsai trees, and serene ponds. The peaceful atmosphere offers an opportunity for contemplation and reflection.
Regulations:
To ensure a respectful and peaceful experience for everyone, abide by the regulations set by the temple authorities. These may include guidelines on photography, noise level, and appropriate behavior within the temple premises.
How to Get to Bach Ma Temple
To get to Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi, you can follow these general directions:
Public Transportation
- Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the Old Quarter of Hanoi, which is where Bach Ma Temple is located.
- If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus to Hoan Kiem Lake or the nearby area. From there, Bach Ma Temple is within walking distance.
- Several bus routes pass by Bach Ma Temple, including 01, 14CT, 18, 22A, 34, 18, and 43
Walking
- If you are already in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake, you can easily walk to Bach Ma Temple.
- Navigate through the narrow streets and make your way towards Hang Buom Street. The temple is located on this street.
Motorbike or Bicycle
- If you have access to a motorbike or bicycle, it is a convenient and common way to explore Hanoi.
- Navigate to the Old Quarter and find your way to Hang Buom Street, where Bach Ma Temple is situated. There are parking spaces available nearby.
It’s always a good idea to have a map or use a navigation app on your smartphone to help you find the temple, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Additionally, consider the traffic conditions in Hanoi, as the city can be busy and congested, especially during peak hours.
Conclusion Bach Ma
Bach Ma Temple’s history, legends, architecture, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Vietnam’s heritage. From its ancient origins to the captivating legends that surround it, the temple offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese traditions and beliefs.
As you wander through the intricately designed halls, adorned with vibrant colors and delicate carvings, you’ll find yourself immersed in a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The rituals, ceremonies, and activities at Bach Ma Temple provide an opportunity to connect with the spiritual essence of Vietnam.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Bach Ma Temple promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s past and its enduring traditions.
