Thien Hau Temple

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda was built in 1760 and was recognized as a national architectural monument in 1993. Over hundreds of years of existence, Ba Thien Hau temple still retains its unique character despite many passing years. restoration times. During the past hundred years, since the first Chinese crossed the sea to migrate from their homeland to Vietnam to establish a career and create a new life, they have brought their cultural features to Saigon. This contributes to enriching the culture of South Vietnam. In which, there are sophisticated but extremely unique spiritual worship beliefs.

Thien Hau Pagoda is the place to worship Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Thien Hau Mau). Legend has it that Thien Hau's name is Lam Mac Nuong, born on March 23, 1044 on Mi Chau island, Fujian, China. Her mother was 14 months pregnant before she was born. This is considered a very strange thing on the island. What is more unusual is that at a young age, Lam Mac Nuong showed a special ability in the field of astronomy when regularly watching the stars predict the weather, helping fishermen on the island. Once, while she was selling salt with her father and two brothers in Jiangxi province (China), her family's boat had an accident in the middle of the night. Lam Mac Nuong's father and two brothers were swept away by the waves. Sensing danger, she immediately took action to save her father and brothers. Unfortunately, she only saved her two brothers, and her father was swept away. From there, the story of Mac Nuong's miraculous ability spread. She accidentally became a goddess worshiped by many fishermen. They often prayed to her when the boat was in danger. Lam Mac Nuong has become Thien Hau Mother (meaning a kind mother from heaven), supporting people going to sea, especially merchants and fishermen.

From the end of the seventeenth century, when they left China to live in Cho Lon area, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Chinese have turned this area into a Chinese community to this day. Therefore, the typical architecture of the Chinese has contributed to the cultural identity of Gia Dinh (another old name for Ho Chi Minh City). Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is also a famous Chinese temple in the Cho Lon area.

Thien Hau Pagoda has typical Chinese architecture, combining Asian styles. It has a beautiful, stylized three-way gate with a central entrance and two side corridors. You can easily recognize the peaceful look of the temple when you arrive at the gate. Ba Thien Hau pagoda consists of three buildings: front hall (Tou temple), Trung Dien (middle temple) and Hau palace (last temple).

The Fairy Palace (First Temple) has altars to Phuc Duc Chanh Than and Mon Quan Vuong Ta. In addition, there are steles containing the story of Thien Hau Thanh, and large paintings depicting her miracles at sea.

Trung Dien (middle temple) is home to a precious censer cast in 1886. The two sides are an antique palanquin and an ancient boat painted with gilded paint.

Finally, the Hau Palace (the last temple) consists of 3 parts: the central area worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, Kim Hoa Nuong Nuong and Long Mau Nuong. The two areas on both sides have statues of Quan Thanh, God of Hell, and God of Luck.
In the main hall, the skylight is designed with light and smoke. In particular, there are many large incense rings hanging from the ceiling with eye-catching red and pink paper plates. This impressive feature creates a sacred feeling for the spiritual beliefs of Saigon locals.