Honoring the heritage value of Thang Long Tu Tran at Kim Lien Temple Traditional Festival

Mr. Doan Thu Ha, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phuong Lien - Trung Tu Ward, said: Kim Lien Temple was built in 1509 under the reign of King Le Tuong Duc to worship Cao Son Dai Vuong, who is said to be the son of the National Ancestor Lac Long Quan and the National Mother Au Co. The temple is one of the "Thang Long Tu Tran", representing the southern town protecting the ancient Thang Long citadel.

Mr. Doan Thu Ha, Chairman of Phuong Lien - Trung Tu Ward People's Committee.

Not only outstanding for its traditional architectural value, Kim Lien Temple still preserves many precious relics such as: A stone stele dated 1510 engraved with an inscription composed by historian Le Tung, 39 royal decrees from feudal dynasties to acknowledge the merits of Cao Son god. According to the content on the stele, during the journey to quell the rebellion of King Le Tuong Duc, when arriving at Phung Hoa area (now Van Phuong commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province), the king and his generals encountered an ancient temple with the four words "Cao Son Dai Vuong". Praying for the god's help, after 10 days, the rebellion was successfully quelled. To commemorate, the king ordered the construction of a temple in Phung Hoa and then rebuilt Kim Lien temple near Thang Long citadel.

Currently, in addition to worshiping Cao Son Dai Vuong, Kim Lien Temple and Communal House also worship Tam Phu, Mau and President Ho Chi Minh , reflecting the intersection between folk beliefs and revolutionary traditions. With special historical, cultural and architectural values, on January 18, 2022, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 93/QD-TTg to rank Kim Lien Temple as a special national monument in the Thang Long Tu Tran system.

Delegates offer incense at Kim Lien Temple.

The annual Kim Lien Temple Festival is held on the birthday of Saint Cao Son, attracting a large number of locals and tourists. During the ceremony, the village elders and male worshipers respectfully offer incense, read congratulatory messages, and present offerings to the Supreme God Cao Son Dai Vuong. The highlights of the ceremony are the Thang Long festival drum performances, the festival flag dance, the performance of the Cao Son Dai Vuong epic, the Tu Linh dance, the Chau Van price, etc., imbued with traditional cultural identity.

Delegates attending at Kim Lien Temple.

The epic story of the Cao Son Dai Vuong miracle.

After the ceremony, there is a solemn procession, the procession goes through the streets of the ward, creating a vibrant atmosphere, connecting the community. The festival is organized richly with many folk games such as blindfolded goat catching, stilt walking, tug of war, pot smashing... These games not only create a joyful atmosphere, but also contribute to preserving the values ​​of ancient community activities, which are enthusiastically received and preserved by the younger generation.

Many people come to offer sacrifices and attend the traditional festival of Kim Lien temple.

The traditional festival of Kim Lien Temple is not only an occasion to commemorate and show gratitude to the merits of Cao Son god, but also an opportunity for people to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the land south of ancient Thang Long. Thereby, contributing to fostering love for the homeland and country,educating the younger generation about traditions and affirming the role of heritage in contemporary life.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/doi-song-van-hoa/ton-vinh-gia-tri-di-san-thang-long-tu-tran-tai-le-hoi-truyen-thong-den-kim-lien-20250413222720741.htm