The relics dedicated to General Đoàn Nhữ Hài

(Baonghean) - Doan Nhu Hai (1280 - 1335) was a famous figure during the Tran Dynasty, from Hoi Xuyen village, Truong Tan district, Hong Chau province (now Gia Loc district - Hai Duong). According to historical records, at the age of less than 20, while still a student, he was appointed by King Tran Anh Tong as Imperial Censor, tasked with advising the king. Later, thanks to his great contributions during his diplomatic mission to Champa, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of State Affairs, and then as Minister of the Privy Council.

Procession at the Cua Rao Temple Festival.

In 1335, the Nam Nhung hamlet (in western Nghe An province) was harassed and invaded by the Laotian invaders. Emperor Emeritus Tran Minh Tong personally led the army to suppress the rebellion. Doan Nhu Hai, who held the position of Governor-General of Nghe An and commanded the Than Vu and Than Sach armies, was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief. In this capacity, he directly led the troops in battle against the Laotian invaders. During a fierce battle on the banks of the Tiet La River (near the headwaters of the present-day Lam River), due to an inaccurate assessment of the enemy's strength and obscured by fog, Doan Nhu Hai and the Tran Dynasty's generals and soldiers were ambushed. He and many soldiers fell into the river and drowned. Later, after the Tran Dynasty drove the Laotian invaders out of the western borders of Dai Viet, moved by the loyalty and integrity of Commander-in-Chief Doan Nhu Hai, the people of Nam Nhung hamlet erected a temple in a riverside village to commemorate his deeds and pray for his protection. During the Later Le Dynasty (in the second year of the Canh Hung era - 1739), Doan Viet Yen, a descendant of Doan Nhu Hai, was appointed District Chief of Quynh Luu. Seeing that Doan Nhu Hai's temple was located in a remote and difficult area for offerings, Doan Viet Yen requested permission from the king to move it to Nguyet Tien village, Dien An commune (Dien Chau district) for easier access by descendants. Today, the Doan Nhu Hai temple in Dien An still retains its ancient and majestic appearance, and is continuously visited by incense burners throughout the year.

The main temple dedicated to the Trần Dynasty's General Đoàn Nhữ Hài has been moved to the lowlands, but the people of the former Nam Nhung hamlet always admire and express their reverence for the merits of the man who sacrificed himself for the peace and security of the country. A vivid example is the battle fought by the Trần Dynasty's soldiers on the Tiết La River nearly 700 years ago; today, temples dedicated to Đoàn Nhữ Hài exist in both Tương Dương and Kỳ Sơn districts: Cửa Rào Temple and Pu Nhạ Thầu Temple.

Cua Rao Temple (Xa Luong commune - Tuong Duong district) is located at the confluence of three rivers, where the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers merge to form the picturesque Lam River. Legend says this place is not far from where Doan Nhu Hai died in battle. According to folk beliefs, areas at river confluences are often sacred and hold many legends. Therefore, situated in this location, Cua Rao Temple becomes even more sacred, not only to the local people but also to visitors from all over. Nestled beneath the canopy of centuries-old trees casting their shadows on the river, surrounded by majestic forests, the temple possesses an ancient and solemn beauty. Through countless years of ups and downs, sun, rain, wind, dust, bombs, and bullets, Cua Rao Temple has remained steadfast, thanks to the people's protection, restoration, and preservation. In 2009, Cua Rao Temple was recognized as a Provincial-level Historical and Cultural Relic. The temple is constantly filled with incense smoke throughout the year. On the 15th and 1st of each lunar month, local people often bring offerings to pray for good fortune and peace. Especially at the beginning of spring, Tuong Duong district often organizes a large-scale festival, including a magnificent procession that recreates the spirit and selfless fighting will of the Tran Dynasty generals and soldiers under the command of General Doan Nhu Hai. Following this is a sacrificial ceremony, where everyone respectfully prays for the General's spirit to bless the nation with peace and prosperity, the villages with joy, favorable weather, and bountiful harvests.

The historical and cultural site of Pu Nha Thau Temple (Huu Kiem commune, Ky Son district) is also where the local people worship General Doan Nhu Hai. Legend says this was the location Doan Nhu Hai chose as his headquarters, where he trained soldiers, stockpiled supplies, and observed the movements of enemy troops. Local people wholeheartedly helped and encouraged their children to join the Tran Dynasty army to help repel foreign invaders and protect their villages. Among them was an elderly woman who, despite her advanced age, enthusiastically volunteered to help with logistics for the soldiers. She cooked a large pot of rice for each meal. After General Doan Nhu Hai died in battle, the local people chose the exact location where he was stationed to build a temple in his honor. Some time later, the old woman who cared for the soldiers also passed away, and the villagers brought her ancestral tablet to be worshipped at the General's temple. For that reason, the mountain was later called Pu Nha Thau (Old Woman Mountain), and the temple was called Pu Nha Thau Temple, or Tran Dynasty Temple. From generation to generation, the temple has been regularly protected and renovated by the local people, who offer incense and prayers throughout the year.

As the crow flies, the Cửa Rào Temple and the Pu Nhạ Thầu Temple are approximately 40 km apart, both dedicated to General Đoàn Nhữ Hài. This demonstrates the fairness and loyalty of our people towards those patriotic individuals who loved their country and were willing to sacrifice themselves for the safety and well-being of the people!

Tuong Anh