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Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Vietnam, Mother Goddess Au Co Temple is a richly historical and mythologically significant sight of the country. According to legend, Au Co is the mother of the Vietnamese people and is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and unity. In this article, the reader will get a glimpse of some interesting history regarding the temple, five of the best things to see and do at the location, discussion on the best time to visit, and some practical information on how to get there.
Many people come and visit the temple (Source: baotainguyenmoitruong)
The story of Au Co intermingles into the tapestry of the folklore of Vietnam. Indeed, according to the legend, Au Co was a fairy who came down from heaven and married Lac Long Quan, a dragon lord, then she bore one hundred eggs that hatched into the first ancestors of the Vietnamese people. This can be viewed as a union of the celestial with the terrestrial, a conciliation of contrasting elements of nature, and thus of the origin of the nation of Vietnam.
In the Au Co Mother Goddess Temple of the Phu Tho Province, lies a mythical character built to the reverence and importance that Vietnamese culture and identity is attached to. The temple then became one that people pilgrimage in, just so they would chance upon catching some encephalic dispensation for blessing in fertility, health, and prosperity.
History of Au Co Mother Goddess Temple (Source: dangcongsan)
By architecture, it reflects the traditional style in Vietnam, replete with intricate carvings and altars in Au Co's reverence among gods and goddesses.
The central shrine is the central part of the temple complex, with a nicely carved statue of Au Co. The visitors bring offerings of incense, flowers, and fruits as a way of paying homage. The shrine is serene, enhanced by the subtle aroma of incense, creating a spiritual ambiance that leaves a lasting impression.
The main shrine of the temple (Source: myphutho)
It was enclosed within a large courtyard with ancient stone carvings and ceremonial altars. Up until recent times, the courtyard, the site of traditional festivals and ceremonies, is a riot of colour and activity during festivals. The intricate detailing on the stonework speaks much about the artistic craftsmanship of the past.
Festivals at the temple (Source: thanhlamhotspring)
Besides the temple is a serene lotus pond symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. If the season is right, the pond is fully decorated with colorful lotus flowers, forming such a picture that every visiting heart desires to preserve in cameras. This pond is a frequent place of quiet reflection and meditation.
The Lotus Pond (Source: 63Stravel)
One of the great structures in the temple complex is an upward reaching bell structure that melodiously chimes during ceremonies. According to belief, the sound of the bell carries prayers up to the heavens, and ringing it is a sacred act. The tower offers a glimpse into ancient Vietnamese architectural styles and should be a must-see for history enthusiasts.
The bell tower (Source: tamkhoangnong)
The temple is nestled inside a dense forest, lending it an aura of mystery. Visitors can go for leisurely walks along the forest trails, drinking in the natural beauty and serenity. The forest houses a variety of flora and fauna and hence forms a very good site for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
The temple surrounding by the forest (Source: tamlinhvietnam)
If you are looking forward to visiting Au Co Mother Goddess Temple, this may be the best in spring-February to April, or in autumn-September to November. During these times, the weather will be mild with minimal rainfall, quite ideal for outdoors.
If you want to see the cultural vibrancy of the temple, it is better to visit during the annual Au Co Festival that usually falls in late February or early March. It consists of traditional music and dance performances, elaboration of ceremonies offered to the goddess-unique possibilities to get submerged in Vietnamese traditions and see the devotion of a local community.
Best time to visit (Source: danchuphapluat)
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Au Co Mother Goddess Temple is located in Hien Luong Commune, Ha Hoa District of Phu Tho Province, about 120 kilometers away from Hanoi. There are many ways for travelers to get to this holy place. Driving from Hanoi would take about 2.5 to 3 hours via the Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway, which means it will be very easy to go there for those who have private cars or rented motorbikes.
Tourists can also take a bus to Au Co temple (Source: hdtransport)
The Mother Goddess of Au Co is a treasury that has its spirit and heritage attached to it within Vietnam. It is one such enchanting temple where an historian, spiritual seeker, or a nature lover will go back with unique, enriching experiences. Book now with Asia King Travel and tour serenity, understand the history of legends, and connect to eternity-the legacy of the Vietnamese people.
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