Thoai Phuc Xa Mother Goddess Temple – A Sacred Place Along the Red River

Thoai Phuc Xa Mother Goddess Temple is a historic spiritual structure, built long ago to meet the need for worship of the Mother Goddess, one of the important traditional beliefs of the Bac Bien region's inhabitants. For the people here, worshipping the Mother Goddess is not only an act of reverence towards the protector of rivers and waters but also a part of their spiritual life, deeply connected to customs and beliefs about protection, luck, and peace. Through generations, the temple has remained and developed, becoming a significant spiritual symbol in the area.

Every year, the temple hosts many traditional ceremonies, attracting a large number of locals and visitors who come to worship and pray for good fortune. The main ceremonies are held on special days according to the lunar calendar, focused around the four seasons of the year. Notable festivals occur on the 10th day of the first, fourth, seventh, and twelfth lunar months, times considered sacred, symbolizing the connection between humans and deities. On these days, the temple is not only a place for incense offerings but also an occasion for the community to participate in traditional rituals, preserving and promoting the nation's cultural and spiritual values.

How to Get to Thoai Phuc Xa Mother Goddess Temple?

The Thoai Mother Goddess Temple in Long Bien is located at residential group No. 9, Ngoc Thuy Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi. Visitors from other provinces can easily reach the temple by taking a coach to inner-city bus stations such as Gia Lam, My Dinh, or Giap Bat. From there, various transportation options are available to continue the journey to the temple.

Ride-hailing services are widely available, making transportation easy. Visitors can book motorbikes or cars through technology apps upon arriving at the bus station. For a more comfortable ride, taxis are an optimal choice. Xanh SM Taxis, Vietnam’s first electric taxi line, offer a quiet and eco-friendly experience at reasonable prices, making them a popular option.

For those looking to save on transportation costs, buses are also a reasonable choice. Here are some suggested bus routes:

• From Gia Lam Bus Station: Take route 11 to the temple.
• From My Dinh Bus Station: Take route 35A, then transfer to routes 34 and 98 to reach the temple.
• From Giap Bat Bus Station: Take route 42 or choose routes 08A, 08ACT, 08B, or 08BCT, then transfer to route 98 to get to the temple. Alternatively, take route 03A, transfer to routes 42 and 98 to reach the destination.

Highlights of Thoai Mother Goddess Temple's Architecture

Outside the Temple

The temple occupies a special location near the Red River. In front of the temple is a large creek, with a sandbank outside and the mighty river flowing further beyond. When the river’s water recedes, the creek transforms into a large lake, creating an impressive landscape where the lake and river merge.

In front of the temple is the vast water space, while behind it lies an ancient residential area, dating back to at least the Ly Dynasty when Thang Long became the capital. Today, Thoai Bac Bien Mother Goddess Temple not only stands out with its ancient architecture but also serves as an appealing stop for many visitors.

Inside the Temple

The temple has undergone many changes throughout its history, resulting in architectural alterations from the original structure. The current appearance is the result of major renovations after 1975. The main temple today consists of a hall with two wings, featuring a double-tiered roof with eight curved eaves, covered in traditional tiles. The frame of the temple is made of wood, while the rear wing is constructed from concrete with a vaulted, tiled roof.

The Front Hall is where the Jade Emperor and the Southern Dipper and Northern Dipper deities are worshipped. In front, there is an altar dedicated to the Five Honored Lords and the mandarins. On the left side, the Mountain Deity is honored, and on the right side is the altar of Saint Tran. In the Rear Hall, the temple houses the Three Palaces of the Holy Mothers and the Four Queens, respectfully placed in wooden shrines. The statue of the Thoai Mother Goddess presides over the temple.

In front of the temple is a small courtyard with an ancient banyan tree that frequently bears fruit. On both sides of the courtyard are shrines dedicated to Lady Co and Lord Cau. On the left is a newly constructed hall for the Thoai Mother Goddess, built with a concrete roof in 2001. The temple also preserves many artifacts from the 20th century, such as bronze bells, ceremonial plaques, parallel sentences, royal thrones, and other sacred objects, creating a solemn and ancient atmosphere.

Notes for Preparing Offerings and Prayers at Thoai Mother Goddess Temple

During the early spring or major festivals, Thoai Mother Goddess Temple attracts many visitors from all over who come to pray for peace, luck, and blessings for a prosperous life. If visitors intend to offer incense and worship during these times, here are some guidelines for preparing offerings and prayers:

• Basic Offerings Preparation: Simple offerings for the Thoai Mother Goddess Temple typically include a plate of betel leaves and areca nuts, fruit offerings, sticky rice, tea, a small bottle of wine, incense, and a petition. If offering savory food, it should only be placed at the communal altar. The most important aspect of offering is sincerity and gratitude towards the Mother Goddess. The offerings do not need to be elaborate, but one’s mind must be pure, free from greed, anger, and envy during the visit.
• Prayers: The prayer text for the Thoai Mother Goddess Temple has specific content, which visitors should memorize beforehand. When praying, focus, clasp your hands in reverence, and softly recite the prayer, avoiding errors to demonstrate respect and sincerity. Pray for legitimate and moral requests, avoiding selfish or unlawful wishes.

This article introduced the Thoai Mother Goddess Temple, a sacred ancient temple along the Red River. Over time, the temple has become a spiritual destination, attracting many locals and tourists who come to worship, explore its history, and admire its ancient architecture. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this temple!

Other Attractive Tourist Sites in Hanoi:

• Voi Phuc Temple
• O Quan Chuong Gate
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre