Temple dedicated to the scholar Ho Hung Dat

(Baonghean) - On December 12, 2014, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 4106/QD-BVHTT&DL classifying the Temple of the Ancestor of the Ho Family of Vietnam, Ho Hung Dat - the tutelary deity; and the temple dedicated to the Ho Kings and other ancestors of the Ho family of Vietnam as a National Historical Monument. This is a recognition by the state and society of those who contributed to the people and the nation; and of a work of great value in terms of cultural, spiritual, historical and architectural art.

Ancestor worship ceremony of the Ho clan (Quynh Luu). Photo: Sy Minh

In the year 1403 (Year of the Goat), King Ho Han Thuong, following the orders of the Retired Emperor Ho Quy Ly, built a temple in Bao Dot village (formerly), now Ngoc Son commune, Quynh Luu district, to worship the ancestor of the Ho family in Vietnam – the First-ranked Scholar Ho Hung Dat. He was a Bach Viet man from Zhejiang during the Five Dynasties period, also known as the Five Dynasties of Later Han Dynasty, a Confucian scholar who returned to Vietnam during the Later Ngo Dynasty and served as the governor of Dien Chau (now Dien Chau, Quynh Luu, Yen Thanh, and Nghia Dan districts). During the chaos of the Twelve Warlords, he retired to become the leader of Huong Bao Dot. His life is a shining example of high moral character and prestige, both in his official career and as a commoner. He always clearly expressed his belief and left a legacy for his descendants: "For generations to come, for the people." Therefore, after his death, the people of the region revered him as the tutelary deity and invited the Ho kings to participate in the rituals at the temple, hence it is commonly known as the Ho King's Temple.

The temple is situated on the land of the Y Sảo mountain range, in a stable, dragon-throne-like position, with Hòn Rồng (Dragon Rock) to the right, Hòn Rết (Centipede Rock) and Ngọc (Jade) Mountain to the left. Over time and through the vicissitudes of history, the Hồ King Temple gradually fell into ruin. With a heartfelt desire and a sense of reverence for their ancestors, the descendants of the Hồ family in Vietnam united their efforts and determination to restore the sacred temple of their lineage. After nearly four years of construction, the Hồ King Temple, the ancestral hall of the Hồ family in Vietnam, has been basically restored according to the plan.

Within the planned area of ​​over 150 hectares approved by the People's Committee of Nghe An province in Decision No. 2697/QDUB dated June 10, 2009, the main components of the temple have been restored. Auxiliary structures such as roads, lighting systems, water supply and drainage, gardens, and landscaping are quite complete, creating a grand and majestic appearance, preserving the ancient charm of the temple. The temple is a large-scale, massive structure made of ironwood, elaborately decorated with many exquisite and beautiful carvings and sculptures, harmoniously combining functional and aesthetic values, reflecting the traditional architectural style of the nation. The documents and artifacts stored and worshipped at the temple help us understand more about the rich history, culture, beliefs, customs, traditions, and the people's respect for those who have contributed to the nation and its people.

The ancestral worship ceremonies on the 10th and 11th of the first lunar month, and the Ho King Temple Festival during the Thanh Minh festival (from the 12th to the 15th of the third lunar month) at the temple are being restored as a beautiful folk tradition, reflecting the feelings, gratitude, and admiration of descendants and the people towards their ancestors and meritorious figures; reflecting beautiful customs in the spiritual and cultural life and cultural identity of the nation. Through these activities, the spirit of community solidarity is strengthened, traditions and moral principles of "drinking water, remembering the source" are educated, and pride and love for the family, homeland, and country are awakened; and awareness of protecting and promoting the eternal value of historical and cultural relics is fostered.

Ho Tat Thang

(Head of the Ho Family Liaison Committee of Nghe An)