Inauguration of the restoration and embellishment project of Ly Nam De Temple

On November 2, the People's Committee of Pho Yen City held an inauguration ceremony for the restoration and embellishment of the Ly Nam De Temple Relic (Muc Temple), located in the Ly Nam De Historical Relic Complex including Muc Temple, Huong Ap Pagoda and Man Tang Pagoda in Tien Phong Ward.

Muc Temple was built to commemorate Ly Nam De – the first emperor of the nation, who founded Van Xuan country in February 544 when he ascended the throne with the title of Nam Viet De. Every year, people hold the main festival on the 12th day of the first lunar month to commemorate the merits of Ly Nam De.

In 2014, Muc Temple and Huong Ap Pagoda were ranked as National Historical Relics by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Man Tang Pagoda was recognized as a Provincial Historical Relic in 2016.

Due to the influence of time, many structures in this relic complex have been damaged. Therefore, in 2016, the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen province approved the Investment Project to restore and embellish the Ly Nam De Temple Relic. The project has a planned area of 7,500m², with a total investment of 76 billion VND.

Inauguration of the restoration and embellishment project of Ly Nam De Temple - photo 2 — Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, emphasized the importance of the project in educating patriotism and national pride for generations, while expressing the pride of the people of Pho Yen and Thai Nguyen.

He also requested that all levels and sectors continue to manage and promote the value of the relic, and at the same time connect historical and cultural relics in the province. In particular, Pho Yen City will preside over the construction of a covenant with Hoai Duc District (Hanoi) and Tam Nong District (Phu Tho) to maintain worship activities and organize annual festivals, creating a connection between the birthplace, the place of coronation and the place of death of Ly Nam De.

According to scientific documents on relics in Thai Nguyen province, Ly Nam De, the emperor who founded the Van Xuan state, was born in the year of Quy Mui (503) in Co Phap village, Gia Nang district, now Tien Phong ward, Pho Yen city. Muc temple - the place to worship Ly Nam De - was built by the people to commemorate his contributions to the Ly Bi uprising, an important historical milestone in the journey of building and defending the country since the 6th century.

Ly Nam De was the first king to claim the title of emperor and with his strategic vision, he chose the To Lich area (present-day Hanoi) as the center. Pho Yen, his hometown, played the role of a “solid rear,” providing food and forces for the insurgents fighting against the Liang invaders. The Ly Nam De Historical Relic Complex includes Muc Temple, Huong Ap Pagoda, and Man Tang Pagoda, along with many places associated with his war such as Co Phap, Trang Field, Quan Ngua Beach, Cao Vuong Hill, Trung Nang, Gia Nang, and Gia Thu.

The restoration project not only helps protect the relic but also enhances the cultural and spiritual values of the area, creating a highlight in the tourist complex of Pho Yen City and Thai Nguyen Province. Located 6 km from Pho Yen City, 20 km from Thai Nguyen City and about 50 km from Hanoi Capital, with a convenient transportation system, the relic site will meet the religious needs of local people and tourists. In addition, the area is also an ideal transit point on the sightseeing journey from Pho Yen City to Dai Lai Lake, Tam Dao Tourist Area (Vinh Phuc) and Nui Coc Lake Tourist Area (Thai Nguyen City), opening up great potential for tourism development and contributing to promoting the socio-economic development in the region.

Some pictures at the ceremony: