People ask for "sacred water" in a temple with underground water in Ho Chi Minh City

At noon on February 11 (January 14), many people in Ho Chi Minh City went to Mach Nuoc Temple (also known as Mach Nuoc Pagoda) on Bui Thi Lung Street (Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City) to ask for "sacred water" to pray for luck and peace in the first days of the new year.

The Water Vein Temple is famous for its sacred underground water source that has been flowing continuously from underground for nearly a century since the temple was built.

At noon on January 14, many people lined up neatly, without jostling or pushing, waiting for their turn to get underground water at Mieu Mach Nuoc.

Plastic cups are prepared for people to conveniently collect groundwater flowing from underground.

Most people who come to pay their respects at the Water Vessel Temple ask for "sacred water" from the underground stream to drink and wash their faces, believing it will bring them luck, health, and peace.

Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Phuong (47 years old, Hoc Mon district) uses underground water for drinking and washing her face.

"This is the first year I have visited this temple. People say the underground water here is very sacred. I was curious so I asked for water to drink and wash my face in the hope of good luck and peace in the new year," said Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Phuong.

Many people also bring cans and plastic bottles to ask for water to bring home for their relatives to use.

"My younger brother is sick and cannot go directly to the temple. I have to ask for underground water for him to use in the hope that his health will improve and his life will be more peaceful," said Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thu (32 years old, Thu Duc City).

In addition to the underground water source, the area worshiping the Horse Statue at the Water Source Temple is also crowded with people lining up to worship.

According to ancient beliefs, ringing the bell under the neck of the Horse Statue on the first days of the year will bring luck throughout the year.

After ringing the bell at the statue's neck, each person will crawl through the statue to pray for luck and peace, 7 times for men and 9 times for women.

"Every big full moon festival, my family goes to this temple to pay respects, pray for health and good business," Ngoc Trang (25 years old, District 11) shared.

Inside the main hall of the Water Mach Temple, there is a statue of the Mother of Water Dragon (also known as Lady Thuy). In folk beliefs, Lady Thuy is the goddess of wells, rivers, islands, and seas, the goddess who governs the water region.

Crowds of people knelt and prayed inside the main hall of the Water Vessel Temple on the afternoon of February 11.

In the grounds of the Water Vein Temple, many other gods are also worshiped.

In the afternoon, the number of people flocking to the Water Vessel Temple increased. The underground water vein areas and the Horse Statue were packed with people.