Nestled on the picturesque slopes of Ngoc Tran Mountain, just 10km upstream from Hue Centre, you’ll find Hon Chen Temple. Known as the “Pearl Bowl,” this enchanting temple holds a fascinating history and is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Unveiling the Location
Legend has it that the name “Ngoc Tran” was inspired by the bowl-shaped mountain on which the temple stands. Another tale suggests that the temple was initially called “Hoan Chen” (Return the Bowl) after a turtle returned an Emperor’s pearl bowl that had fallen into the river. Later, it was renamed Hue Nam Temple to honor the Thien Y A Na Mother Goddess for her assistance in Emperor Dong Khanh’s coronation.
A Temple Shrouded in Legends
Hon Chen Temple has a deep-rooted history that dates back to the ancient Cham people. Originally built to honor Po Nagar, the Goddess of the Cham, the temple’s purpose evolved over the years when the Kinh ethnic group took over the tradition. According to Cham legends, the Goddess holds the power of creating land and nature while imparting knowledge of tree cultivation.
In 1832, Emperor Minh Mang ordered an extensive reconstruction of the temple, resulting in the striking Minh Kinh Dai ceremonial hall. Inside, hundreds of gods, goddesses, and Buddhas are revered, with Mother Celestial Thien Y A Na and Lieu Hanh Princess occupying the highest position. Notably, the temple’s architecture incorporates phoenix imagery, symbolizing femininity in Oriental culture.
A Spectacular Festival
Hon Chen Temple is renowned not only for its stunning location but also for the breathtaking folk festival that takes place annually in March and July, following the lunar calendar. The festival is a grand celebration of Mother Goddess Thien Y A Na, as depicted in the famous folk song: “July is for worshipping Father, March is for Mother.”
During the festival, the atmosphere is filled with sacredness as clouds of incense smoke and candlelight create a mystical ambiance. The main festivities occur on the boats, adorned with majestic decorations, flags, and banners. As night falls, the river comes alive with traditional music called “chau van” and a mesmerizing procession of dragon palanquins cruising upstream and downstream.
To truly immerse yourself in the magic of the festival, it is highly recommended to explore Hon Chen Temple by boat. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and witness a unique blend of spiritual devotion and timeless traditions.
Useful Information
- Location: Dien Hon Chen, Hue
- Best for: All visitors
- Entrance: N/A
- Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Distance to city center: 5.5km (3.4 mi)
For more information, check out the official Travel Guide to plan your visit to Hon Chen Temple. Uncover the hidden wonders of this captivating destination and experience the traditions that have thrived for centuries.