Thien Hau Temple

A significant cultural heritage site within Bình Dương province, the Thiên Hậu Temple – officially known as 'Thiên Hậu Cung' – is affectionately referred to by locals as 'Chùa Bà'. Showcasing beautiful ancient architecture, it stands as a solemn place of worship and a deeply cherished pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors from Bình Dương, Ho Chi Minh City, and numerous surrounding provinces.
As a cultural heritage site of Bình Dương province, the Thiên Hậu Temple, known locally as "Thiên Hậu Cung" or simply Bà Pagoda, boasts ancient architecture. It's a solemn place of worship and a very familiar pilgrimage destination for people from Bình Dương, Hô Chí Minh City, and several surrounding provinces.
The current Bà Pagoda is located at 4 Nguyễn Du Street, Thủ Dầu Một City, Bình Dương. A newer Bà Pagoda was also inaugurated in January 2013 in the center of Bình Dương New City. However, when people refer to Bà Pagoda in Bình Dương, they most often mean the one in Thủ Dầu Một City.

Gate of Bà Pagoda
THIEN HAU HOLY MOTHER
According to the legend inscribed on a stone stele at the pagoda, Bà was born in the Song Kiên Long era (960 AD). She was the sixth child of the Lâm family from Bồ Điền district, Fujian province, China. Upon her birth, she radiated a halo and a beautiful fragrance. As she grew older, she often rode a flying mat, soaring over the sea and traveling to many places. In the Song Ung Hy fourth year (987 AD), at the age of 27, she departed the mortal realm and became a divine spirit. During the Yuán dynasty, she was bestowed the title of Thiên Phi, and later, Emperor Kāngxī of the Qing dynasty elevated her to Thiên Hậu. This title, Thiên Hậu, has endured to this day.
From folk legend, this belief transformed into a widespread faith, and subsequent generations have honored and worshipped Bà in many places. While there are some slight variations between the legend on the stone stele and other tales of Bà found in different pagodas, they generally all praise and revere her as a virtuous and filial woman who sacrificed herself to save others. After her passing, she manifested as a divine being and was granted titles by various Chinese feudal dynasties. By honoring Thiên Hậu, admiring and worshipping her as a living saint, the Chinese community aimed to use her example to educate its members to emulate her filial piety and benevolence, living lives of righteousness. Moreover, during their arduous journeys across the turbulent seas southward to seek new lands and establish livelihoods, they constantly prayed for her help and protection. After settling down, building stable lives, thriving, and prospering in Vietnam—their second homeland—they collectively built temples to express their profound gratitude to Bà.
HISTORY OF THE PAGODA'S FORMATION
The pagoda was built around the mid-19th century. Initially, it was located near the Hương Chủ Hiếu canal (where a shrine has now been rebuilt on its original site). People in ancient times were influenced by the folk belief that the location for building Bà's temple often followed the principle of "mother deity" architecture, meaning it always carried a feminine essence in its construction. One such feminine element was choosing a temple site near rivers, streams, ponds, or lakes—in other words, near water, because water embodies the yin, or feminine, element.
In 1923, four Chinese Bang (Cantonese, Teochew, Fujian, and Hakka communities) collaborated to rebuild and relocate the pagoda to its current site.
ARCHITECTURE, WORSHIP, DECORATION, AND INTERIOR
The entire pagoda is built in the "Tam" (three) character style, comprising three rows of buildings.
Upon entering the pagoda courtyard, a large incense burner is placed in front of the main hall for devotees to light incense.
The roof in front of the main hall is covered with yin-yang tiles featuring embossed patterns, adorned with two dragons fighting for a pearl and a carp transforming into a dragon. On both sides of the roof's edge are statues of the "Moon Goddess," civil officials, military officials, and more—these are the most prominent expressions of yin-yang philosophy and a characteristic feature of Chinese architecture.
In the center, above the main hall entrance, are three characters "Thiên Hậu Cung." On either side of the entrance are two couplets praising Bà's virtues:
The first couplet:
Thánh đức phối thiên hải đức từ hành phổ tế
Mẫu nghi xưng hậu tang du trở đậu trùng quang.
Roughly translated: Her saintly virtues rival the heavens; her immense compassion, like the sea, guides the thuyền từ (boat of mercy) to rescue all beings.
The second couplet:
Thiên thượng từ hành nhân gian thánh mẫu
Hậu nghị cộng ngưỡng khôn đức trường tồn.
Roughly translated: In the celestial realm, she is known as a benevolent guide; among humans, she is revered as the Holy Mother. Her majestic dignity commands universal respect, and her profound virtues endure for eternity.
Inside the main hall, numerous couplets are hung, their content praising Bà's virtues and divine power in saving people. As she is also a goddess who protects seafarers, most couplets feature imagery related to the vast ocean and express wishes for calm waves and tranquil seas.
At the main altar, the central deity worshipped is Thiên Hậu Holy Mother. Her statue wears solemn robes, which are typically replaced annually or every two to three years. To the left of Bà's altar is the shrine for the Ngũ hành nương nương (Five Elements Goddesses). To the right is the altar for Bổn, referred to as Bổn Đầu Công C&ô;ng.

Thiên Hậu Holy Mother
On both side walls, plaques bearing the words "Túc Tĩnh - Hồi Tị" (Be Solemn - Step Aside) are displayed, calling for reverence or for people to clear the way whenever Bà's palanquin is carried in a procession. The second pair of plaques reads "Thiên Hậu Nguyên Quân" (Deity of Wealth). These plaques are arranged in the order used during worship and the procession ceremonies.
The hall also displays a stand for the "Bát bửu" (Eight Treasures), which are the eight magical items belonging to the Eight Immortals in Chinese legend.
The two rows of buildings flanking the main hall have "Thất Phủ (Seven Palaces), Công Sở (Public Office)" inscribed on their doors. These spaces are used for work, meetings, and storage. Thus, on the inside, the right side features inscriptions such as "Hữu thông" (Pass through to the side) and "Sự chi, Công lý" (All matters follow justice). On the left side are "Dĩ lễ, Thủ chánh" (Follow rites, Uphold righteousness) and "Quảng nội" (Spacious inside). These concise phrases serve as reminders for everyone.
Overall, besides their distinct architecture and worship practices, Chinese pagodas and temples also feature many hanging spiral incense coils and lanterns adorned with Chinese characters, which are truly unique characteristics.
The Bà Pagoda Festival is considered the largest cultural festival in Bình Dương province. It is held annually over three days, from the 13th to the 15th of the 1st lunar month, featuring many special events such as offerings to Bà, lantern auctions, and the grand procession of Bà.
Ho Chi Minh City 5976 view
Update day : 20/08/2023
Source : binhduong.org.vn Affiliate links
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