Bao Ha Temple - the sacred temple worshiping "National Guardian God" in Lao Cai

When coming to Bao Ha temple, people often pray for luck and good fortune. But in recent years, many people have spread the word that his lottery and lottery predictions are very sacred. Some people believe, but others are skeptical. However, it can be seen that many people have come to thank him.

Introduction to Bao Ha Temple

Bao Ha Temple is a sacred temple worshiping the “God of National Defense” located in Bao Ha Commune, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province. It is located in the Hoang Bay National Defense Monument Complex, about 60km south of Lao Cai City. The temple is located at the foot of Cam Hill, on the left bank of the Red River, and is a famous spiritual tourist destination, where visitors can not only enjoy the ancient beauty of the temple but also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural scenery.

History and origin of Bao Ha temple

According to folklore, Bao Ha Temple is the place of worship of hero Nguyen Hoang Bay. He was sent by the Le Dynasty to guard the Quy Hoa region at the end of the Le Dynasty in 1740 - 1786, when this region was often attacked by Yunnan invaders. Mr. Hoang Bay mobilized militia and local people to build, strengthen defenses and liberate the Khau Ban - Bao Ha region today. In an unequal battle, he heroically sacrificed his life and his body floated to Bao Ha in a clear sky and clouds, and was mourned and buried by the people on the slope of Cam Hill.

The name and birth of Bao Ha temple

After his death, Mr. Lu Van Cu, a Tay ethnic, built a temple to commemorate his merits. During the Nguyen Dynasty, he was given the title of Tran An Hien Liet and was conferred the title of Than Ve Quoc. His descendants later built a temple called Ong Temple to commemorate him, and over time, when the temple became famous, the name Bao Ha Temple was born. Today, the famous general Mr. Hoang Bay is not only a symbol of spirituality but also entered the hearts of Vietnamese people as a Than Ve Quoc in the ethnic community.

Guide to visit Bao Ha temple

Visitors can visit the temple by road, water or rail. The temple is only about 800 meters from Bao Ha train station, so traveling by train is a popular choice when visitors depart from Hanoi with trains LC1 and LC3. The distance from Hanoi to the temple is more than 220 km, visitors can take the Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway and then continue along the national highway and get directions to the temple. In addition, buses or sleeper buses are also other means of transportation you can consider.

Festivals and customs at Bao Ha temple

The main festival at Bao Ha Temple is held on the 17th day of the 7th lunar month, commemorating the death anniversary of General Hoang Bay. The festival includes a ceremonial part with palanquin processions, incense offering, and worshiping the gods, and a festival part with traditional sports and cultural activities. In addition to the main ceremony, the temple also organizes other spiritual activities such as the Thuong Nguyen Festival (full moon of the first lunar month), the Quan Tuan Tranh party (25th day of the 5th lunar month), and the Late Tet (New Year's Eve).

Offerings and rituals at Bao Ha Temple

Offerings usually prepared when coming to Bao Ha Temple include both savory offerings (sticky rice, chicken) and other vegetarian products such as beer, wine, soft drinks, betel and areca nuts, cakes, sticky rice and sweet soup, and various types of votive paper. Many visitors come here to pray for wealth and children and often buy purple horses, clothes, and flowers to offer to the National Guardian God. Local people believe that asking for fortune and luck from Ong Hoang Bay is very sacred, however, the offerings do not need to be too elaborate, the most important thing is a bright and kind heart.

Future development plan of Bao Ha temple

Currently, Bao Ha Temple is being invested in expanding to become a spiritual tourism center with an area of 100 to 300 hectares. This includes the development of spiritual works, ancillary services and links with other scenic spots such as Pho Rang station, Phuc Khanh temple and Co Tan An temple. The work of preserving and promoting the cultural values of the temple is being focused on to inspire future generations.

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