The sacred temple in Thanh Chuong with "strange stories" during the war

According to Mr. Chat, no one in the village knows the origin of the temple. Based on the patterns and writings left on the wooden blocks, the villagers determined that the temple worships the celestial fairy Duc Thanh Phu Linh, the temple was built during the reign of King Thanh Thai. His title is Duc Thanh Phu Linh Son Duong Tien Tien Kim Trieu Sac Phong Tien Trieu Sac Donated. The temple currently worships 5 celestial fairies including: Ban Canh Phu Linh, the ruler of Ban Huyen, the Deputy General Quan Cong, Ban Canh Cao Son, Ban Canh Cao Cac, and Ban Canh Hau Vi Quan Am.

Phu Linh Temple is located on a high, majestic mountain in the middle of the village. Photo: Diep Phuong

The reason why villagers spread the word about the most sacred temple in the locality and surrounding areas is because they witnessed many “strange things” happening at the temple. In the years 1960 - 1965, the US imperialists dropped bombs and fired rockets fiercely on the village, once falling right in the middle of the temple but strangely the bomb split into two halves without exploding, no one in the village was injured so everyone is always grateful for the protection of Saint Phu Linh. Since then, the temple has become a place of spiritual incense for the local residents.

Intricately carved wooden crates inside Phu Linh Temple. Photo: Diep Phuong

After hundreds of years of existence, the royal decrees are still preserved at the temple. In general, the temple remains intact, with only a few wooden pieces being eroded by time.

In 2011, the villagers and some of the children of the village who had gone to work far away and had a successful life contributed their efforts and money to renovate and build a lower house in front of the temple, decorate and build brick walls. In early 2018, the villagers continued to build more temple grounds, forming a large and beautiful spiritual complex in the middle of the village.

The wooden crates and carvings are still intact. Photo: Diep Phuong

In the early days of Spring, the number of tourists and Buddhists from all over the country coming to Phu Linh Temple is always crowded. People who go to the temple do not prepare many offerings like in other temples, but simply bring some gold, flowers, betel and areca nuts in a small tray, a small offering with sincerity to the gods, praying for national peace and prosperity, family health, and luck and success in work.

The temple is beautifully decorated by villagers. Photo: Diep Phuong