(VOVWORLD) - The temple of General Hoang Luc was built in the 19th century in Cao Bang province. General Hoang Luc was a Tay man who had profound merits in the fight against foreign invaders in 1076. The temple is a cultural, historical, and religious structure in the border area.
 Hoang Luc Temple is surrounded by pine trees on the summit of Doong Linh hill, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. (Photo: VOV) |
Hoang Luc was a talented General under King Ly Nhan Tong in the 11th century. History books say he was born on August 10, 1038, in Trung Khanh district. Hoang Luc was ordained General An Bien by the court and assigned to guard a large border area which now ranges from Cao Bang to Lang Son province.
Hoang Luc Temple is surrounded by pine trees on the summit of Đoỏng Lình hill, which is about 4 km from Vietnam’s border with China. The temple has two chambers covering an area of 100 square meters with a south-facing gate. The temple is roofed with yin and yang tiles. The front hall is separated by a thick wall. The temple is constructed of clay and molasses.
Vi Thi Thao of Dinh Phong commune’s Cultural Office says: “The temple has preserved its original earthen walls. Old people say that people made wooden molds and poured a mixture of clay and molasses into them to build the walls. They firmly stamped and pounded the mixture to make durable walls.”
 Hoang Luc Temple has two chambers. (Photo: VOV) |
The Hoang Luc Temple’s festival is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. A ritual is followed by folk games, singing, and a dragon dance.
Ha Dinh Toan, a villager from Dinh Phong commune, says: “The festival is held on the 28th of the 2nd lunar month. My house is close to Hoang Luc Temple and I go there to offer incense regularly on the 1st and 15th day of the month. We are proud of General Hoang Luc.”
Hoang Luc Temple was honored as a provincial cultural and historical heritage in 2004. The Cao Bang Provincial Museum preserves 4 orders the Nguyen Dynasty gave to the temple’s guardians. People consider General Hoang Luc one of the 10 Hoang Generals in the Mother Goddess worship system. The temple attracts visitors from all over Vietnam to pray for luck, good fortune, and peace.
Hoang Quang Trung, a tourist from Thai Nguyen province, said: “It’s a sacred temple. It’s about 30 km from the temple to Ban Gioc waterfall. Every year I offer incense at the temple and then visit the Ban Gioc waterfall. It’s an interesting tourism itinerary.”
Locals honor General Hoang Luc’s merits and patriotism in defending national territory.
Hoang Van Thong, Chairman of Dinh Phong commune’s People’s Committee, said: “People in Dinh Phong are proud and grateful to have had the General to defend our land. To promote the patriotic tradition, we always unite to safeguard social security and order. Together we develop our economy, build our homeland, and staunchly protect the border.”
Hoang Luc Temple has been refurbished beautifully as a sacred historical and cultural venue beside the Quay Son river.