Lesson 1: The Temple and Tomb of King Mai

>>Lesson 3: Scale and Significance

(Baonghean) - The historical relics related to Mai Thúc Loan and the Hoan Châu Uprising in Nghe An province form a harmonious architectural complex within a spacious and airy grounds. The space of the Mai Thúc Loan Temple Festival is connected to historical and cultural relics: the Mai Hắc Đế temple, the Mai Hắc Đế mausoleum complex, the tomb of the Mai Thúc Loan mother, the Mai Thiếu Đế temple, the Nậm Sơn Thượng Tướng temple, and the Khả Lãm communal house. This complex of architectural works has outstanding architectural and artistic value. The structures are built at locations associated with the life and career of the national hero Mai Thúc Loan and the Hoan Châu Uprising. This sacred space not only has architectural and religious value but also reflects the respect and honor of the people and the nation for the Mai Thúc Loan's struggle against foreign invaders and for national salvation.

Currently, the Mai Hac De temple is located in the Mai Hac De area, Nam Dan town, while his tomb lies in the valley at the foot of Hung Son mountain (also known as Dun Son mountain), in Van Dien commune, Nam Dan district.

When it was first built, the temple and tomb of King Mai were just a small temple and shrine. It wasn't until the second year of Minh Mệnh's reign (1821) that the temple and tomb of King Mai were expanded. At that time, the temple garden was a large area of ​​more than one acre, surrounded by dense trees providing cool shade. In front of the temple stood a majestic and beautiful triple-arched gate. Beyond the spacious courtyard were three buildings: the lower hall, the middle hall, and the upper hall, built in the shape of the Chinese character "Tam" (three).

In 1968, during a fierce bombing raid by the American imperialists, the temple of King Mai was completely destroyed. Only the rear hall remained in the tomb area. Currently, the temple and tomb of King Mai have been restored. Although not as grand and majestic as before, the location of the temple and tomb remains unchanged, and it still preserves some basic architectural features, some original ritual objects, and royal decrees from various dynasties.

Local authorities at all levels in Nam Dan and the province are very concerned about protecting and promoting the value of this historical site. By 2002, the State and the people had invested funds to build an asphalt road from the temple of King Mai to the tomb of King Mai, making it convenient for tourists to visit.

The tomb complex of King Mai is located in a valley, south of the foot of Hung Son Mountain. This is a tall, majestic mountain, "long known as a famous mountain," situated on the left bank of the Lam River. At the foot of this mountain lies Ve Son – King Mai's headquarters during the Hoan Chau uprising. King Mai's tomb is situated in a beautiful, elevated, secluded, and strategically important location, surrounded on three sides by mountains and facing the poetic and tranquil Lam River.

The Mai Hac De temple complex was initially built with stone, but in the second year of Minh Menh's reign (1821), the tomb was constructed in the "temple in front, tomb behind" style (temple above, tomb below). The temple complex includes the following main and auxiliary architectural structures: the entrance gate to the garden, the worship hall, the open-air courtyard, the left and right wings, and the rear sanctuary. The temple complex is a spiritual place where people respectfully worship Mai Hac De.

Faculty of History - Vinh University