Cao Lỗ Temple: A "red address" for educating about patriotic traditions.
Right next to the Cao Lỗ Temple is the house of Mr. Cao Đăng Thắng. He was entrusted by the Cao family here with the task of caring for, maintaining, and protecting the temple. From his great-grandfather's time to his grandfather and father, all were given the responsibility of caring for and protecting the Cao Lỗ Temple in Diễn Thọ commune (Diễn Châu district, Nghệ An province).
(Baonghean)Right next to the Cao Lỗ Temple is the house of Mr. Cao Đăng Thắng. He was entrusted by the Cao family here with the task of caring for, maintaining, and protecting the temple. From his great-grandfather's time to his grandfather and father, all were given the responsibility of caring for and protecting the Cao Lỗ Temple in Diễn Thọ commune (Diễn Châu district, Nghệ An province).
According to legends, historical records, and royal decrees regarding the Cao Lỗ Vương shrine in Diễn Thọ commune, Cao Lỗ originally came from Cao Đức commune, Gia Bình district, Bắc Ninh province (formerly known as Kinh Bắc town).
Cao Lỗ invented the multi-arrow crossbow, also known as the divine crossbow (capable of firing multiple arrows at once). It was Cao Lỗ who advised King An Dương Vương of Thục to move the capital to the plains, find a suitable location for the capital, and was entrusted by An Dương Vương with the design and supervision of the construction of Cổ Loa Citadel. He also advised the King against marrying Mỵ Nương to Trọng Thủy. The King ignored his advice and banished him. Saddened, Cao Lỗ retreated to Nho Lâm to live in seclusion, discovering an ore mine and smelting iron, becoming the founder of the blacksmithing trade. When Triệu Đà's army attacked, the King of Thục fled, and Cao Lỗ and his brother Cao Tú went to his rescue. However, the enemy was too strong, and their mission failed. He returned to Nho Lâm to "forge iron weapons." One theory suggests he died in battle while trying to save the King of Thục.
Cao Lỗ is the progenitor of the Cao family in Diễn Thọ. From the progenitor Cao Lỗ (?-179 BC) to 2000, approximately 2200 years have passed, spanning 90 generations of descendants, including great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The Cao family has expanded into many branches, with tens of thousands of people settling in various locations. One of the most historically significant families is the Cao family in Diễn Thọ commune. Notable figures from the main branch of the Cao family here include Cao Xuân Dục, Cao Xuân Huy, Cao Cự Bội, Cao Huy Đỉnh, Cao Xuân Hạo, etc. The Cao family in this area has contributed to the rich tradition of Diễn Châu district – a renowned region in Nghệ An province that has produced many scholars and prominent figures for the country.
Previously, the Cao Lỗ temple was located in Rú Ta (Mã Yên Sơn). Later, descendants of the Cao family moved the temple to its current location.
Currently, at the Cao clan's ancestral temple in Nghe An, there are nearly 20 royal decrees bestowed by various dynasties upon prominent figures, ancient couplets, and ceremonial artifacts. The Cao clan's ancestral tomb complex, located at the foot of Ma Yen mountain, has been renovated, restored, and rebuilt in a grand style since 1995.
On September 4, 1995, Minister of Culture and Information Tran Hoan signed a decision granting the Cao family's ancestral temple the status of a National Historical and Cultural Monument. The monument includes the ancestral temple and a traditional and cultural house.
According to tradition, every year on the 10th day of the 2nd lunar month, descendants of the Cao clan in Dien Tho, residing throughout the country, return to participate in the grand ancestral commemoration. According to Mr. Cao Dang Thang, in 2010, during the Cao clan's grand ancestral commemoration in Dien Tho, nearly a dozen descendants from the United States returned to acknowledge their ancestors.
The Cao Lỗ Temple and the Cao clan festival in Diễn Thọ commune honor a military figure from the dawn of history. This is a large regional festival deeply rooted in national identity, attracting a large number of people to connect with their roots, express gratitude to those who contributed to the nation, and promote fine customs and traditions. The Cao Lỗ Temple in Diễn Thọ commune is a significant site for educating future generations, especially today's youth, about the traditional values of "nation-building and nation-defense."
Van Dinh
