Pilgrims to the northern province of Phu Tho this year can pay their respect to national legendary ancestor Lac Long Quan at a newly-built temple that opened to the public on March 29.
Attending the inauguration ceremony was Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan and leaders of ministries, central and local agencies and residents.
Construction of Lac Long Quan Temple began in 2007 at Hung Temple’s Sim Hill, about 1km from Nghia Linh Mountain
Sim Hill looks like a giant turtle, with a dragon and a tiger on the sides, facing Hoc Trai Lake and the Red River. That the temple is located on a turtle’s back represents divinity and mystery.
The VND 140 billion (USD 7.8 million) complex comprises three areas: the major temple covers an area of 9,000m², the area for receiving guests and managing boards is about 9,400m² and landscapes and supporting construction account for more than 100,000m²
The interior of the major temple is made of lim (ironwood) and houses a bronze statue of Lac Long Quan sitting on throne.
The statue which weights 1.8 tonnes and stands 1.98m high, resides on a stone pedestal, carved with designs of the Dong Son Culture.
The historical relic Hung Temple is located on Nghia Linh Mountain range, 100km northwest of Hanoi in Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province.