(Baonghean.vn) - Van - Cua Rao Temple in Xa Luong Commune, Tuong Duong, Nghe An), is not only known for its sacredness, located in a unique position "front water, back mountain", but this place also has ancient trees recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees, including a thousand-year-old tamarind tree.
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| Van - Cua Rao Temple was built in the 14th century, located right at the river junction in Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong). The temple was built in a special location, with the position of "front water, back mountain". On the right of the temple is the Nam Mo River, on the left is the Nam Non River, which converges to form the Ca River, the upper stream of Lam Giang. Therefore, this is considered the temple with the most unique location in Nghe An. The temple worships the famous general of the Tran Dynasty, Doan Nhu Hai (1280 - 1335), and has long been a very sacred spiritual place for the people of Tuong Duong. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| In February 2017, two ancient trees in the temple grounds were officially recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees. Of these, this banyan tree was determined by experts to be 700 years old, existing not long before the temple was built by the people. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| This banyan tree is over 3 meters in diameter and over 40 meters high. Previously, this banyan tree was planted with mistletoe on an ancient banyan tree. Later, the banyan tree dried up and died. Therefore, the trunk of the banyan tree is actually made up of dozens of intertwined roots, with many gaps still inside the trunk. The actual base of the tree is more than 30 meters above the ground. Over hundreds of years, moss and many vines have grown thickly on the trunk. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| Also recognized as a Heritage Tree, there is also a 1,000-year-old tamarind tree. However, due to its age, the base of this ancient tree has been severely damaged. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| Meanwhile, many branches of this tamarind tree (left corner) were also broken by the storm. The tamarind tree is also known as the tamarind tree or the western acacia tree. According to traditional medicine in Vietnam, the bark and roots of the tamarind tree both have the effect of reducing fever. People can harvest the leaves and roots all year round to make medicine. The roots are chopped and dried, the leaves are often used fresh. Tamarind leaves are used to treat diabetes. The roots are used to treat malaria. It is often used in the form of a decoction. In Guyana, the bark is used as a medicine to treat fever. In India, the bark decoction is used as an enema to treat constipation.... Photo: Tien Hung |
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| In addition, in the grounds of Van - Cua Rao Temple, there are a series of other ancient trees that have not been recognized as heritage trees. Meanwhile, the People's Committee of Tuong Duong district is urgently restoring the temple. According to Mr. Pham Trong Hoang, after completion, this temple is expected to be a spiritual destination that attracts many tourists. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| Another ancient banyan tree in the grounds of Van Temple - Cua Rao. Over hundreds of years, many branches and roots of the banyan tree embrace the screen built in front of the temple. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| The banyan tree roots cling tightly to the screen. Photo: Tien Hung |
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| The Bodhi tree behind the temple is nearly 2 meters in diameter. The current Van - Cua Rao Temple, in addition to worshiping the famous general Doan Nhu Hai, also worships the Three Holy Mothers and Saint Tran Hung Dao. In 2009, the temple was recognized as a provincial historical and cultural relic. Photo: Tien Hung |
Tien Hung
