Ong Hoang Muoi Temple

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple is a famous spiritual place in Nghe An Province. Lasting for more than 400 years, this place serves as a solemn place to worship the general protecting Nghe An and other Gods of Fortune, and attracts hordes of tourists to raise their genuine wishes. Let’s explore this attraction with Asia King Travel!

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple (Source: Nguoi Dua Tin)

Location

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple is in Xuan Am Hamlet, Hung Thinh Commune, Hung Nguyen District, Nghe An Province. This temple complex is located near the poetic, winding Lam River, along with the majestic Hong Linh Mountain, which is a symbol of Nghe An. You can pass by between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm any day. 

How to get there

You can travel by car or motorbike from Hanoi. For cars, we recommend Expressway 01 for the easiest route. The route is about 300km and takes 4 and a half hours. Otherwise, if you intend to travel by motorbike, take National Highway 1A. It has the same distance but takes more than 6 hours. So consider carefully!

The temple is set up to welcome tourists on the New Year occasion (Source: Ong Hoang Muoi Temple)

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Who is Ong Hoang Muoi

There are different theories revolving around who Ong Hoang Muoi (Hoang Muoi or Quan Hoang Muoi) is. As the ancient folklore told, Hoang Muoi is a god descending to the mortal world to save people in need. However, according to Vietnamese folk culture researchers, Hoang Muoi is a deification of a real historical figure.

Possibly, he was Le Khoi, a talented general who lived during the war against the Ming invaders. Another version said that Ong Hoang Muoi was Nguyen Xi. After greatly contributing to defeating the Ming, he was assigned to guard the Nghe Tinh (Nghe An - Ha Tinh) region and take care of the local people there.

The statue of Quan Hoang Muoi (Source: Diditrip)

Architecture 

According to historical records, the temple was built back in the Hau Le Dynasty (17th century). Undergoing many ups and downs, the temple was severely destroyed. However, in 1995, it was rebuilt by the local authorities and became a famous religious destination. 

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple follows the Nguyen Dynasty's traditional architectural structures, including three-door gates, a stone scroll, and small towers that worship the attendants of Ong Hoang Muoi and other deities. The main temple area is around 1 hectare, consisting of three halls: the Upper Hall, the Middle Hall, and the Lower Hall. The building materials are made of wood, with meticulously carved sacred Eastern creatures.

The solemn main hall (Source: Thanh Hoa Tourism)

Praying

Devotees coming to Ong Hoang Muoi Temple often bring offerings as a gesture of respect and sincerity. These typically include fruits, incense, and sweets. On important occasions, the offerings become more elaborate, featuring large paper-made horses, red elephants, Eastern dragons, phoenixes, and other items.

Once the ceremony concludes and the incense has fully burned out, worshippers will consume the food to receive the blessing. The paper offerings are then ritually burned, with the belief that the deities will receive them in the spiritual realm.

Devotees prepare the offerings (Source: Dan tri)

Festival

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple Festival used to take place on March 15 (lunar calendar). However, since 1995, the event has been rescheduled for October 9 - 10 annually, which is the death anniversary of Quan Hoang Muoi, as well as the occasion of the New Rice Festival and the holiday of those who practice the Hau Dong Ritual. Local people also believe that this day is complete and brings about good things together. 

In 2019, Ong Hoang Muoi Temple Festival was included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival highlight is the performance of the Hau Dong ritual. It is associated with the Mother Goddess worship, an Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO, representing people’s desire to communicate and wish for good things to the gods. 

The opening ceremony of Ong Hoang Muoi Temple Festival (Source: Health & Life Magazine)

In addition to cultural and spiritual rituals, this festival organizes large-scale sports events.  For example, 2 volleyball sections for men and women from 18 communes and towns, or the boat racing on the Moc River with the participation of athletes from different regions. 

Conclusion

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple is an important historical-cultural relic that contributes to preserving the Mother Goddess custom of Vietnamese people. Contact Asia King Travel now to explore more interesting cultural features of Vietnam!

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