Chua Market, a land of memories

(Baonghean) - Going upstream of the Giang River, or following Highway 533 through Thanh Lien, crossing the suspension bridge, you will reach Chua Market, located in Lien Chung hamlet, Phong Thinh commune (Thanh Chuong). This is a prime land, convenient for water and land routes, with mountains, rivers, fields, and beaches embracing each other, creating advantages for livelihoods, for residents to gather. For more than half a century, although there are no longer pagodas, temples, or palaces here, constructions such as markets, bridges, post offices, hospitals, schools, department stores, etc. all share the name Chua Market. It is like nostalgia and regret for the past.

Chung Linh Pagoda.

According to legend, 500 years ago, on Chua Mountain, "Chung Linh ancient temple" appeared, a large temple, affirming the ancient land with the long-standing presence of Buddhism here. "Chung Linh" means the sacred bell sound. In the years before the revolution, the temple was still present with many gilded Buddha statues, densely packed with banyan trees, wind trees, and old river trees, as big as several people's embraces. After many historical changes, today, the temple only has traces of the yard, ancient stele and headless stone turtle. Currently, Chung Linh temple has been restored to its old location in the expectation of the people. Located on Chua Mountain with an area of ​​11,000m², in front is Giang River, on the right is Chuong lake, on the left is Chieng lake, 2 lakes stretching to hug the foot of the mountain, the charming feng shui position has added a rare beauty to Chung Linh temple. Abbot Thich Quang Bao said: “With the attention of the authorities at all levels, the support and contributions of Buddhists, local people, and philanthropists, Chung Linh Pagoda is being restored and embellished, becoming the most beautiful and majestic pagoda in Thanh Chuong, worthy of being a place for spiritual and religious activities of the whole region”. The temple bells resound as before. People from everywhere make pilgrimages to the pagoda to take refuge in Buddha. The revival of the old pagoda on its old land not only brings charm and peace to a rural area, but also revives many long-standing cultural values ​​of our ancestors, guiding people towards truth - goodness - beauty...

This place has the quiet silence of pagodas, the hustle and bustle of the river area "above the market below the boat". Next to the Giang River is an ancient market that has existed since ancient times. Because it is near the pagoda, it is called Chua Market. Previously, the market was held in September, but now it is held every day. Goods are products of the entire Cat Ngan region, brought in by river and road. This place is famous for fish, potatoes, bamboo shoots... of the midlands, which have been passed down in poetry: "Thanh Chuong has delicious fish from the Giang River / Delicious potatoes from La Mac, delicious bamboo shoots from Chua Market". During the historic August Revolution, La Mac people gathered at Chua Market, arrested the village chief, Chanh Trung, and Lenh My, coordinated with the people of the communes, and rose up to seize power. Despite many changes, Chua Market is still on the old land, not only the trading center of the region but also a red address associated with the history of the homeland.

Along the banks of the Giang River, from the market, going downstream is the Ca Temple, going upstream is the Duc Thanh Temple. The Ca Temple worships the people who opened up and protected the village - the Thanh Hoang of Ban Canh and the Song Dong Ngoc Nu. According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Ton - an 80-year-old veteran, the Ca Temple used to have 3 buildings: the lower, middle, and upper halls, very majestic. In front of the temple is a three-entrance gate, with statues of generals, horses, facing the river, very beautiful. The temple is sacred, people passing by must take off their hats and bow their heads. Local residents often come to burn incense and pray. During the war years, the temple was destroyed, leaving only the yard, which later became the post office...

In front of the Ca Temple is the ferry dock of Chua Market. In the past, the dock, temple and market were connected by a riverside road. Things have changed, the old dock now has only shaky rocks and dense trees. As a person who used to live and row boats on the Giang River in his youth, for Mr. Ton, the hometown river dock holds many memories. He shared: “In the past, I was also a fisherman. My father participated in the fight against the French, was arrested by the enemy and imprisoned in Vinh prison, when he was released from prison, he still returned to this river dock, rowed boats to make a living and picked up and dropped off revolutionary cadres during meetings”. The suspension bridge of Chua Market connects the two banks of the Giang River and the old ferry dock, becoming an unforgettable memory in the hearts of people who once lived and traveled up and down the hometown river like Mr. Ton.

The Cho Chua land is crowded and bustling, still following the old village customs, on land and by boat, inside and outside are in harmony. The people, Catholics, Buddhists, are united, work hard, and preserve good customs. Walking through the "future town", the center of the Thanh Chuong mountainous region, listening to the slow bell of Chung Linh pagoda every afternoon, seems to evoke in people's hearts a whole range of memories...

Huy Thu