Hon Chen Palace Hue is not only a sacred religious and cultural relic but also a unique tourist attraction of the ancient capital.
Road to Hue Hon Chen
To reach the famous shrine of the poetic Hue land, visitors have many different choices about the way.
First, if departing from the city center, visitors will be able to take a boat on the Huong Hue River or by road to Hon Chen Palace.
Monuments with the most anecdotes in Hue. Photo: dichobiet
If you choose to follow the road, please follow the following instructions: start from Bui Thi Xuan and run straight to the junction, then turn on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. After that, tourists continue to go to Than wharf and then take a boat along the Perfume River to reach Hon Chen Palace.
Why is it called ‘Hon Chen’?
Initially, in the documents of the Nguyen Dynasty, the temple 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, which means bringing blessings to King Nam.
Anecdotes are associated with King Minh Mang who dropped the jade cup. Photo: bazantravel
Although there are many different names, Hon Chen or Hoan Chen is still the name most commonly used by indigenous people and cross-country tourists to name Hue tourist destination as well as a famous religious work of ancient capital. Because the temple is associated with a thrilling legend about the story of Minh Mang King dropped a jade cup into the Perfume river. While it seemed that there was no way to get it back, an old turtle emerged to take the cup of jade and returned it to him.
Spiritual and cultural symbol of Hue.
Introduction to Hon Chen electricity
As well as many famous cultural and religious destinations of Hue such as Thien Mu Pagoda , Truong Tien Bridge, Hue Hon Chen Palace are also located on the banks of the Perfume River – a stretch of soft silk winding through the dreamy city of Hue. Located on Ngoc Tran mountain, just above the northern bank of the symbolic river of Hue and in Huong Tra district, initially, in particular since Gia Long period,
Hon Chen temple mainly worshiped Taoism. Originally, this was originally a temple to worship the goddess Po Nagar or Thien YA Na (meaning Mother Xu) of the Cham people. Legend has it that the goddess was the son of Ngoc Hoang and was sent to earth – someone who has made merit to create the earth, plants and rice for the mortal to settle down.
The temple becomes a unique spiritual symbol. Photo: @ mynguyen2610
Over time, this place became a famous polytheism architecture for worshiping Lieu Hanh Cong Chua (ie Van Huong Thanh Mau), Buddha, Quan Cong and other gods. The whole architecture consists of more than 10 different large and small works, in which Minh Kinh Dai is located in the middle 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 arcs, from high to low order is Minh Kinh first palace (Upper Palace) consists of two floors. This place worships Thien YA Na Thanh Mau, Thanh Mau Van Huong, King Dong Khanh and some other gods, downstairs is the residence of Thu Tu, Minh Kinh II high altar (Council palace) worship dozens of statues different deities. This is also a place to display worshiping objects to receive colors during major festivals of the year. Finally, the third Palace of Minh Kinh (quite called electricity bill) serves as a place for the ceremony as well as a place for local people and tourists to offer incense to worship and pray for peace.
A shooting angle of Minh Kinh Dai. Photo: dichobiet
There is also a Quan Cu house located on the right side with Trinh Cat Vien and Thanh pagoda. On the left is the area where Ngu Hanh Palace is located, the act of worshiping Mr. Ho or the altar of the mandarins, Ngoai Canh. In addition, right next to the riverbank, there is Thuy Phu am.
The architecture is in perfect harmony with the scenery of the mountains and forests. 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 Hue Hon Chen Palace entered the period of major remodeling and renamed Hue Nam Palace. At present, the ancient temple still retains a lot of precious and precious gas objects dating mainly from the Dong Khanh period, including 664 artifacts of 284 different types.
The temple is hidden behind a forest of immense green trees. Photo: bazantravel
Hon Chen Palace is not only a religious and cultural work with a special mark, associated with the spiritual life of the people of Hue for many generations but also a famous tourist destination of the land of Hue City. historic. In terms of architecture, this is the only palace in Hue with a harmonious combination between 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 by the Perfume River. dreamy.
Hon Chen Palace is a place to worship the goddess Ponagar. Photo: bazantravel
Hue Hon Chen Electric Festival
Hue ancient capital in particular and Thua Thien – Hue region in general is the place where there is the contiguous culture, history and religion of the North and South. That is why the Hon Chen Palace has also become a place of polytheism with many religious festivals during the year such as: Hon Chen Electric Festival takes place twice: The Spring Festival takes place in February, the Sacrifice in May. 7. In addition, there is the Hon Chen electric festival taking place in the area of Ngoc Tran mountain and the communal house of Hai Cat village in Huong Tra district. Besides, there is a festival to worship Thien YA Na Thanh Mau (also known as Mother Xu So – the goddess who created land, trees, precious woods, … and teaches people how to cultivate according to folk legend. Cham people.
Hundreds of dragon boats park in front of Hai Cat village’s communal wharf each festival season. Photo: dichobiet
Located in the midst of a romantic natural landscape, one side is the gentle Perfume River, the other is a deep forest area, Hue Hon Chen Palace on the days of the festival brings a sacred and solemn religious atmosphere. The annual festival will be divided into two main parts, the sacred ceremony and the ceremony.
Hon Chen Palace festival season. Photo: @ callme.bi
The ceremony of worshiping the gods (also known as the procession of the gods to the temple) is solemnly held on the Huong Hue River. It was a solemn part of the ceremony taking place on dragon boats paired to bring goddess Thien YA Na from Hon Chen temple to Hai Cat village communal house. The palanquin will be given by the virgins with the clothes, colorful flags and flowers in the sky of Hue. In addition, on the procession road, visitors will hear the humming voices of the dongsaengs, ward bowls, and poets.
Unique features in culture, religion, people of the ancient capital. Photo: @visithuevietnam
The liturgical ceremony took place after having welcomed the gods and the Holy Mother to the temple. This ceremony will be held with many activities such as worshiping the Holy Mau, worshiping Hai Cat village, releasing lanterns, releasing the lantern, … To get an impressive and unforgettable Hue travel experience, remember to refer Hue tourism experience which season is the most beautiful and convenient. To be able to check in the ancient capital and visit Hon Chen Palace right on the occasion of the festival, immerse in the solemn atmosphere, learn about the unique indigenous folk culture of this land.
Sit on the boat to go to Hon Chen Palace. Photo: @ tori.kiyoshi
It can be said that Hon Chen Palace Hue not only possesses a unique architecture but also serves as a sacred place where many unique religious and cultural beliefs converge. Coming here to visit, you will both take a walk, visit the temple, admire the scenery and listen to many ancient anecdotes associated with the name of the shrine, discovering unique features here. Wish you have an impressive and unforgettable visit to Hon Chen Palace.
Photo: Internet