Restoring the temple of Truong Han
(Baonghean) - The Truong Han Temple has been restored in Hamlet 3, Tho Son Commune, 35 km west of Anh Son District center. Legend says that Truong Cong Han was a Thai chieftain in Khe Trang village (Muong Phuc, Tho Son Commune) who helped Le Loi and the Lam Son army maintain supplies and consolidate forces to attack Tra Lan citadel (the border area between Con Cuong and Anh Son districts, Nghe An province), contributing to the "Tra Lan victory" in the history of resistance against the Ming army. After this victory, Le Loi bestowed upon Truong Han the title of "Kha Lam Quoc Cong" (National Duke), entrusting him with the management of a vast area called "Tam Bach Dinh Son" (Three Hundred Peaks Mountain). After his death, recognizing his great contributions, King Le Thai To (Le Loi) issued a royal decree and ordered the construction of a temple in his honor. Every year, his descendants and local people offer sacrifices at the temple on the 16th day of the 5th lunar month. In 1967, due to war damage, the temple showed signs of deterioration. Mr. Truong Cong Duong (a descendant of Truong Han) moved the temple's religious artifacts to his home for safekeeping. In 1994, the temple deteriorated severely and had to be demolished. Only the remains of four pillars stand on a foundation area of nearly 20 square meters, located on the top of a hill. Some of the temple's religious artifacts and ritual objects, including a dragon throne, two family genealogies (written in Chinese characters), two royal decrees, a map written in Chinese characters, two drums, a ceremonial sword, a bronze bell, and other ritual objects, are kept at the home of Mr. Truong Cong Xuan (grandson of Mr. Truong Cong Duong) in Hamlet 1, Tho Son Commune.
The Truong Han temple is currently under construction.
Over the years, although the Truong Han temple no longer exists, it has remained in the hearts and minds of generations of people in Tho Son commune. People still regularly visit the former site of the temple to light incense and commemorate the merits of Chief Truong Han, considering it a spiritual place to pray for peace and prosperity. In accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people, in 2009, the Party Committee and the government of Tho Son commune unanimously approved a plan to restore the Truong Han temple using local budget funds and contributions from the people, and submitted the necessary procedures to relevant levels and sectors for permission to restore it.
In 2012, the Party Committee and the government of Tho Son commune actively coordinated with relevant departments and agencies, and sought the support of the people, businesses, and expatriates to build the temple. Construction began on December 16th. To date, the temple has been erected and is in the process of completing its various components. During the Lunar New Year and the early days of the Year of the Snake (2013), a large number of people from Tho Son commune and surrounding areas come to offer incense. The construction of the Truong Han temple is expected to be inaugurated in March 2013, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Anh Son district's construction and development. The restored Truong Han temple will serve as a spiritual center for the people of Tho Son commune to express their good wishes, connect with their roots, and commemorate the merits of the local chieftain who fought against foreign invaders, contributing to the education of traditional values for future generations.
Text and photos: Diep Anh (Anh Son District Party Committee)
