The Temple of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan – The Sacred Origin of the Vietnamese People

In the sacred land of Phu Tho – considered the “Land of the Ancestors” of the Vietnamese people – the Temple of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan stands majestically as a spiritual landmark that connects the past with the present. Not only is it an architectural work of historical and cultural value, but the temple also symbolizes the deep-rooted Vietnamese principle of “drinking water, remembering the source,” awakening pride in the common origins of the Vietnamese community.

The structure consists of several main components, including: the temple gate, symbolic gate, inner and outer ceremonial gates, the ritual yard, the pavilion, the left and right wings, and a house shaped like the letter “Dinh,” which includes the main temple, the front hall, the great hall, and the inner sanctum.

According to legend, Lac Long Quan – the son of King Duong and a descendant of the dragon – is the legendary ancestor who, together with Au Co, gave birth to a pouch of a hundred eggs, which hatched into one hundred children. This marked the beginning of the Lac Viet lineage. Fifty of the children followed their father to the sea, while the other fifty followed their mother to the mountains, symbolizing the spread of the Vietnamese people across the land. This imagery not only carries mythical significance but also embodies a profound philosophy of unity, diversity, and the strong bond that binds the Vietnamese people.

The temple gate, or ceremonial gate, is built in traditional style with four columns.

The Temple of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan was constructed in 2007 on Sim Mountain, located in Hy Cuong Commune.

The symbolic gate stands tall and imposing.

Inside the temple’s inner sanctum, large lacquered wooden plaques, gilded in gold, stand out, notably the plaque reading “Xich Quang Man Dia” – "The Red Light Spreads Across the Land." The statue of Lac Long Quan, made of solid bronze, stands 1.98 meters tall and weighs 1.5 tons, seated on a throne atop a stone base intricately carved with Đông Sơn cultural motifs. The statue is crafted in the traditional style, with a gentle yet determined expression, exuding the dignified spirit of a national founder. The attire of the National Ancestor is purely Vietnamese: a feathered headdress, a royal gown, and grass sandals. On either side of the statue are figures of Lac Hau and Lac Tuong.

Visitors, according to local belief, often touch the feet of the statue with both hands and then rub their heads and foreheads to receive the spiritual blessings and good fortune of the National Ancestor.

Pilgrims from all over come to the temple to pay homage.

Every year, especially on the anniversary of the National Ancestor’s death (the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month), the Temple of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan becomes an important destination in a series of activities honoring the nation’s ancestors. Ceremonial and traditional rituals are held, attracting a large number of people and tourists. This occasion is not only a time to remember the nation’s founding but also a space for community cultural activities, where Vietnamese identity is passed down and spread.

On either side of the temple yard are the left and right wings, built with five rooms, using ironwood frames and covered with “mui hai” tiles.

In an interview with a reporter, Mr. Nguyen Tien Cuong, the chief priest of the temple, shared: "Each year, the temple welcomes tens of thousands of visitors who come to offer incense, especially during major holidays. Preserving the incense and the sacredness of the temple is not just a duty but also the spirit of those who serve the temple. We always remind each other to maintain the reverence and purity of this place so that everyone who comes feels the sacredness and warmth of their origins." The Temple of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan is not only a place for spiritual practices but also plays an important role in educating the younger generation about the nation’s historical and cultural traditions. Many student groups visit the temple to learn, helping to foster national pride.

Dinh Thang