Nine-Room Temple

22/12/2024 47 0
Narration

The Nine-Room Temple, formerly known as "Tế Xớ Quái" (Buffalo Offering Temple), is located on the small Pú Pỏm Hill next to the Tốn Stream (now part of Thanh Quân Commune, Như Xuân District, Thanh Hóa Province). This is one of the most unique cultural and spiritual landmarks, deeply imbued with the history and religious beliefs of the local people.

Image: Exterior view of the Nine-Room Temple relic.

According to the elders in the region, the original temple was a stilt house with nine rooms. Each room in the temple was dedicated to one of the Mường communities, reflecting the local Thai cultural beliefs. Every year, these Mường communities bring offerings to the temple, praying for prosperity, good health, peace, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.

At the Nine-Room Temple, in addition to worshiping the deities and the nine Mường communities, the temple also honors local heroes and martyrs. This is done to express gratitude to the sons and daughters of Như Xuân who sacrificed their lives for the nation's liberation and reunification. The temple stands as a tribute to preserving and honoring the historical and spiritual values of the Thai people.

In April 2016, restoration work began on the temple, which was completed in September 2017. The temple was reconstructed in the traditional stilt-house style of the Thai people, using concrete materials, and it sits on the original foundation of the old structure. With its ancient architecture and intricate carvings, the Nine-Room Temple radiates an atmosphere of dignity and tranquility. Surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, the temple creates a sacred space that attracts visitors from far and wide to pray and reflect.

Every year, the Nine-Room Temple hosts traditional festivals, especially at the beginning of the lunar year when people gather to pray for good fortune, health, and peace. These cultural activities not only help preserve the local cultural identity but also strengthen the sense of community among the people.

The Buffalo Offering to Heaven Festival at the Nine-Room Temple is a major event in the lives of the Thai people, symbolizing the union of historical heritage and spiritual practices. As one of Thanh Hóa's most distinctive festivals, the centerpiece of the offering ceremony is a healthy, young buffalo, one that has never been used for plowing and is free of physical deformities. Each Mường community also prepares additional offerings: nine piglets, ninety chickens, ninety pairs of dried fish, and a jar of rice wine.

The festival lasts for three days, from February 27th to March 1st, corresponding to the 23rd to the 25th of the first lunar month. During this time, both locals and tourists participate in various joyful activities, including folk performances such as the bamboo dance, drum dances, gong performances, con throwing, love duet singing, and traditional sports. Visitors can also enjoy regional dishes like rice wine, bamboo rice, sticky rice, hỏ mọc (a local dish), and leaf-wrapped spring rolls.

The Nine-Room Temple is not only a historical and cultural site in Như Xuân District but also a symbol of the historical and spiritual heritage of the Thai people. In 2015, it was officially recognized as a provincial historical and cultural relic. The temple is a perfect blend of historical and spiritual significance, having witnessed numerous important events in the lives of the Thai people. It is a must-visit destination for spiritual tourism, community tourism, and for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the culture and history of the Thai people and their contributions to Vietnamese culture.

Some images from the Nine-Room Temple relic:

Image: Nine stone buffalo statues and nine water vats at the Nine-Room Temple

Image: Locals participating in the buffalo offering ceremony at the Nine-Room Temple.

Source: Collected

 

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