Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
Pho Cat Temple
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Price: Updating

Phone: 0976605828

Time to visit a place: No limit

Open Time: 7:00 AM - Close Time: 6:00 PM

Email: duong1966@gmail.com

Address: khu pho cat, thi tran van du, thach thanh, thanh hoa

Phố Cát Temple is located in the Phố Cát scenic relic area, formerly part of Thành Vân Commune, now Vân Du Town (Thạch Thành), with a complex of relics including: the temple, cave systems, streams, waterfalls, mountains, and scenic forests. According to local legends, in ancient times, wars broke out in the lower world, leading to plundering and the killing of innocent people. Out of compassion for the suffering of the people, Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh – the second daughter of the Jade Emperor – descended to the mortal world at Phố Cát, Thành Vân, Thạch Thành to quell the rebellion, save the people, and help the innocent. To honor her benevolence, the people of Thạch Thành District built Phố Cát Temple to worship and revere her as the Holy Mother.
 

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The Belief in Worshiping Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh at Phố Cát Temple, Thạch Thành

Phố Cát Temple is located in the Phố Cát scenic relic area, formerly part of Thành Vân Commune, now Vân Du Town (Thạch Thành), with a complex of relics including: the temple, cave systems, streams, waterfalls, mountains, and scenic forests. According to local legends, in ancient times, wars broke out in the lower world, leading to plundering and the killing of innocent people. Out of compassion for the suffering of the people, Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh – the second daughter of the Jade Emperor – descended to the mortal world at Phố Cát, Thành Vân, Thạch Thành to quell the rebellion, save the people, and help the innocent. To honor her benevolence, the people of Thạch Thành District built Phố Cát Temple to worship and revere her as the Holy Mother.

 
Phố Cát Temple, Thành Vân Commune, Thạch Thành District

Phố Cát Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Cảnh Hưng (1740 - 1786) and underwent a major renovation in 1896. During this renovation, the front hall was repaired, a ceremonial hall was built, and the statues inside the temple were repainted. The temple is located on the mountainside in a beautiful setting, giving it a spacious and peaceful atmosphere. Near the temple, a small stream winds around and flows into a small pond in front of the temple, creating a picturesque and serene scene. The stream is home to many fish, and during the temple’s festival season, people often see schools of fish swimming playfully. “These fish are believed to be sacred, and no one dares to catch them.” This is also one of the prominent cultural and spiritual centers of the people of Thanh Hóa and the whole country.

The temple is constructed in the “hand throne” style with independent structures rising from low to high. It consists of the dragon courtyard with an eight-roofed gate, the Third, Second, and First Palaces, each with three interconnecting rooms. Inside each palace are valuable statues and worship items. Nearby are the guest house, the three-arch gate, the Vọng Ngư tower, flower walls, ornamental trees, and a curved stone bridge connecting to the Guardian General Temple and Bùi Temple. The entire architecture reflects the style of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

The three-arch gate of Phố Cát Temple follows the architectural style of the Nguyễn Dynasty, with high artistic quality, blending the imperial palace architecture with traditional elements. Designed with two stories and eight roofs, the gate is majestic, with curved stone steps on both sides, creating a harmonious layout. The second floor resembles a wind-catching tower, offering a vast view of the surroundings. The grand and solemn structure of the gate not only honors the power of the Holy Mother but also reflects the profound spiritual beliefs of the people.

 

The worship area inside Phố Cát Temple

Currently, the Phố Cát relic site and scenic area only preserve a few valuable artifacts, such as statues, palanquins, and four stone steles from the Nguyễn Dynasty. One of the steles records the restoration of Phố Cát Temple, while the other three inscribe the names of individuals who contributed to the temple's preservation. The study and collection of materials related to the Phố Cát relic site is very necessary and meaningful, as it contains significant historical, cultural, and social values. Just researching the formation and existence of Phố Cát Temple reveals interesting insights into the beliefs and culture of the ethnic community.

At Phố Cát, Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh is revered by the people because she symbolizes their aspirations. However, throughout history, the feudal court attempted to suppress this belief. Thanks to the persistent struggle and petitions of the local people, the court was forced to recognize and honor Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh as a deity, and allowed for the rebuilding of the temple in a more magnificent form.

The Phố Cát relic, where Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh is worshipped, has a broad influence within the worship of Mother deities (Tín ngưỡng thờ Mẫu). The traditional festival is held on a large scale from January 15 to March 3 of the lunar calendar, with the main ceremony taking place on February 18. Key activities during the festival include: prayer ceremonies, offerings, spirit medium rituals (thượng đồng), and folk games such as swinging, tightrope walking, tổ tôm (a traditional card game), chess, and the most unique feature of the Phố Cát Festival – the procession of the Saint Mother's effigy.

The Phố Cát relic and scenic area was classified as a provincial heritage site in 1999. Over time, many structures have shown signs of deterioration. Therefore, allocating funds for restoration, preservation, and the expansion of the heritage site is crucial, to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the people, as well as to enhance the connectivity between tourist spots and promote the development of tourism in the region.


 

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Phố Cát Temple is located in the Phố Cát scenic relic area, formerly part of Thành Vân Commune, now Vân Du Town (Thạch Thành), with a complex of relics including: the temple, cave systems, streams, waterfalls, mountains, and scenic forests. According to local legends, in ancient times, wars broke out in the lower world, leading to plundering and the killing of innocent people. Out of compassion for the suffering of the people, Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh – the second daughter of the Jade Emperor – descended to the mortal world at Phố Cát, Thành Vân, Thạch Thành to quell the rebellion, save the people, and help the innocent. To honor her benevolence, the people of Thạch Thành District built Phố Cát Temple to worship and revere her as the Holy Mother.
 

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