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Bach Ma Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hanoi, intertwined with many legends and the history of the capital. Join BDATrip to explore the uniqueness of Bach Ma Temple, from its architecture and history to the profound spiritual values it offers.
Bach Ma Temple carries over a thousand years of history and is one of the four important "Tứ Trấn" (Four Sacred Temples) tasked with protecting the ancient citadel of Thang Long. According to historical records, the temple was built during the Ly Dynasty, around the 9th century. It is a place of worship dedicated to the god Long Do, considered a sacred deity protecting the eastern part of Thang Long.
Legend has it that during the reign of King Ly Thai To, when he decided to move the capital to Thang Long and began constructing the citadel, the process faced many difficulties. Each time the city walls were erected, they mysteriously collapsed. In this situation, the king prayed for divine intervention to resolve the issue. In response, the god Long Do transformed into a white horse, known as Bach Ma, which appeared and ran around the area where the temple now stands. The hoofprints of the white horse became a valuable guide, helping King Ly Thai To plan a new position and construction layout for the Thang Long citadel. Thanks to this, the building process went smoothly and successfully.
To express his gratitude to the sacred deity, the king built Bach Ma Temple at the very spot where the white horse appeared, becoming a place to worship the god Long Do, who brought peace and protection to the capital. Since then, the temple has not only been a place of worship but also a symbol of reverence for the gods and a significant part of the spiritual system of the people of Thang Long.
With its convenient location in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple is easily one of the must-visit stops for tourists exploring the capital. The temple attracts visitors not only with its ancient beauty but also with its rich historical stories and special spiritual values.
Bach Ma Temple is located at 76 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, right in the bustling Old Quarter. It is conveniently situated near famous tourist destinations like Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Hanoi Opera House. Visitors can easily walk or take a taxi or motorbike from any part of the city to this location.
Bach Ma Temple follows traditional architecture, consisting of three main halls: the Front Hall, the Middle Hall, and the Rear Hall. Each hall is deeply imbued with spiritual and artistic significance, with intricate and refined decorations.
The Front Hall is the first area upon entering the temple, adorned with large horizontal boards and many meticulously carved couplets, bearing feng shui and spiritual meanings. The altars here are neatly arranged, displaying offerings, candles, incense, and other ceremonial items, creating a solemn and tranquil atmosphere. The Front Hall is often where main ceremonies are held, and where locals and visitors come to offer incense and prayers.
Next is the Middle Hall, where secondary altars and statues of guardian deities are placed. This area is also beautifully decorated with intricate carvings on the columns and beams, showcasing the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. The Middle Hall not only serves as a bridge between the Front Hall and the Rear Hall but also as a place for religious rituals during major temple festivals.
The Rear Hall is the most sacred space of the temple, where the god Long Do – the guardian of the eastern side of the Thang Long citadel – is worshipped. Besides Long Do, the Rear Hall also honors other guardian deities, contributing to the solemn and mystical atmosphere of the worship space. The statues in the Rear Hall are meticulously carved, with imposing and lifelike expressions, reflecting the deep spiritual culture. Every decorative detail in the Rear Hall, from the horizontal boards to the couplets, carries profound feng shui significance, expressing reverence to the gods.
The entire architecture of Bach Ma Temple follows traditional styles, with striking red tiled roofs, columns made from precious wood, and soft, curving carvings. The intricate details on the columns, beams, and roof reflect the talent of ancient craftsmen while enhancing the temple’s ancient and majestic beauty. The harmonious and symmetrical structure, combined with an open space and natural light, further enhances the temple’s sacred and peaceful atmosphere.
Bach Ma Temple was built according to ancient feng shui principles, aiming to bring balance and harmony between nature, the earth, and humanity. Every element of the temple's design was carefully considered to create a sacred space where yin and yang, heaven and earth, converge. This not only makes the temple a sacred place of worship but also creates a harmonious, peaceful environment for visitors.
One notable feature is that the temple’s main entrance faces east. In feng shui, the east represents new beginnings, light, and life. It is also the direction that welcomes the sunrise each day, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and abundance. The temple’s eastward orientation not only carries deep feng shui meanings but also closely connects with the position of the god Long Do in legend. According to folklore, Long Do was the guardian of the east, protecting the Thang Long citadel. Thus, the eastward orientation of the temple further enhances its sacredness and symbolizes the reverence for this god.
Every year, Bach Ma Temple hosts many important festivals, the most notable of which is held on the 12th day of the second lunar month. This festival commemorates the historical event when the god Long Do, in the form of a white horse, helped King Ly Thai To determine the position and successfully build the Thang Long citadel. This festival not only carries rich spiritual and cultural values but also serves as an occasion for people to remember and express gratitude to the gods, while also marking an important event in Thang Long’s history.
During the festival, many traditional rituals are solemnly performed, with the most notable being the procession of the god’s palanquin. The palanquin is lavishly decorated, carrying statues, offerings, and sacred symbols. The procession usually involves a large number of local people and tourists, creating a lively and bustling yet solemn atmosphere. In addition to the rituals, the festival also attracts enthusiastic participation with traditional cultural activities such as dragon dances, human chess games, folk singing, and traditional games. This festival is not only an opportunity for people and visitors to experience culture but also to connect with the history and traditions of the nation.
For the people of Hanoi, Bach Ma Temple is not only an iconic architectural site but also a sacred place where they believe they can pray for peace, health, and prosperity. The temple has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the locals. They often visit the temple to offer incense and pray during important occasions of the year, not only during major holidays like Tet but also during the Mid-Autumn Festival or Vu Lan Festival to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for their families. Many come to the temple not just for divine protection but also to find peace and tranquility in their souls amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Bach Ma Temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of protection, faith, and hope, deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Hanoi across generations.
If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t forget to stop by Bach Ma Temple – one of the most sacred temples, offering rich cultural and historical values to the capital.
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