Mau Temple (Đền Mẫu) is one of the most important and revered spiritual sites in Hung Yen City, Hung Yen Province, Vietnam. Located near the ancient Pho Hien town area, this sacred temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess—part of Vietnam's indigenous belief system known as "Đạo Mẫu" or the Mother Goddess Worship. The temple is not only a religious destination but also a cultural heritage site that draws visitors for its vibrant festivals, ancient architecture, and deep spiritual atmosphere.
Mau Temple is a remarkable example of Vietnamese folk beliefs blended with traditional architecture. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore spiritual practices, cultural traditions, and historical roots in the Red River Delta region.
How to Reach Mau Temple, Hung Yen
Mau Temple is located in the center of Hung Yen City, making it easily accessible from various nearby regions:
- From Hanoi: Approximately 60 km away. You can take a bus or drive along National Highway 5 or Highway 39. The trip usually takes around 1.5–2 hours.
- By Public Bus: Buses from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations head to Hung Yen regularly. From Hung Yen bus station, take a short taxi or motorbike ride to the temple.
- From Pho Hien Ancient Town: The temple is within walking distance from Pho Hien's historic center, making it ideal to combine both sites in one trip.
Local transportation options like taxis, ride-hailing apps, and motorbike taxis are available for last-mile travel within Hung Yen City.
Weather at Mau Temple, Hung Yen
Hung Yen has a tropical monsoon climate, typical of northern Vietnam, which makes outdoor temple visits pleasant for most of the year:
- Spring (March – May): Pleasant with blooming flowers and mild temperatures (22–28°C). Ideal for visiting during festivals.
- Summer (June – August): Hot and humid with temperatures often rising above 32°C. Rainfall is more frequent in the afternoons.
- Autumn (September – November): Cool and dry, with golden leaves and clear skies. A perfect time for sightseeing and photography.
- Winter (December – February): Cold and dry. Temperatures may drop to around 10–15°C, especially in January.
Spring is the most popular season for visiting Mau Temple due to the many traditional festivals held during the Lunar New Year and early lunar months.
Timing and Entry Details
Mau Temple is open to visitors year-round. It is a religious site with no official entry fee, but donations are appreciated.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: Free of charge (donations are voluntary)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for spiritual rituals or during festivals like the Lunar New Year and the Third Lunar Month festival (Tháng Ba lễ hội)
During major celebrations, the temple can be quite crowded with pilgrims and tourists.
Why Mau Temple is Famous
Mau Temple is famous for being one of the most sacred sites in northern Vietnam dedicated to the worship of the Mother Goddess (Thánh Mẫu). The temple is part of the larger tradition of Đạo Mẫu, which honors female deities who represent elements such as mountains, forests, rivers, and the sky. This form of worship is deeply embedded in Vietnamese spiritual life and has even been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The temple is especially known for:
- Its annual spiritual festivals that attract thousands of worshippers.
- The colorful and sacred rituals of lên đồng (spirit mediumship) performed by followers of Đạo Mẫu.
- Its beautiful traditional Vietnamese architecture with dragon motifs, altars, and ceremonial objects.
History and Architecture
Mau Temple is believed to have been built during the Later Le Dynasty, several centuries ago, although exact dates are uncertain. It was constructed as a place to honor the Mother Goddess and later became one of the key spiritual centers in the region.
Architecturally, the temple reflects typical northern Vietnamese temple styles:
- Three-Gate Entrance (Tam Quan): A symbolic gate marking the transition from the earthly world to the spiritual realm.
- Main Sanctuary (Chính điện): Contains altars, sacred statues of Mother Goddesses, and offering tables.
- Carvings and Decoration: Intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, lotus flowers, and calligraphy that express both Buddhist and folk motifs.
- Ceremonial Courtyard: An open space used for rituals and festivals, often filled with incense and colorful decorations.
Despite various restorations, the temple retains its original cultural essence and traditional charm.
Things to Do at Mau Temple, Hung Yen
Visitors to Mau Temple can engage in a number of spiritual and cultural activities:
- Offer Prayers: Light incense and make offerings to the Mother Goddess for health, happiness, and success.
- Witness Spirit Ceremonies: If you're lucky, you may see a lên đồng ritual—a colorful and expressive spiritual performance involving music and traditional costumes.
- Explore the Temple Grounds: Walk through the beautifully decorated halls, admire the intricate carvings, and enjoy the tranquil garden areas.
- Participate in Festivals: Attend the annual lễ hội (festival) held in the third lunar month with traditional music, dances, and rituals.
- Photograph the Architecture: Capture the cultural and spiritual beauty of the temple’s structure, details, and surroundings.
Interesting Facts about Mau Temple
- The worship of the Mother Goddess is unique to Vietnam and includes veneration of three realms: Heaven, Water, and Mountains.
- Mau Temple’s lên đồng rituals combine music, dance, and spirit possession, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
- It is one of the few temples where female deities take primary focus in religious worship.
- UNESCO recognized Vietnam's Mother Goddess Worship as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
- The temple serves as a gathering place for spirit mediums, fortune tellers, and traditional healers during festival days.
Tips for Visiting Mau Temple, Hung Yen
- Respect Rituals: If you witness a spirit possession ritual, observe quietly and avoid interrupting or photographing without permission.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear modest clothing—no shorts or sleeveless shirts—to show respect in a religious setting.
- Visit During Festivals: The third lunar month is the best time to experience the full cultural richness of the temple.
- Hire a Guide: A local guide can explain the symbolism of the rituals, statues, and layout for deeper understanding.
- Avoid Midday Heat: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable visit.
- Bring Offerings: Visitors may bring flowers, fruits, or incense to participate in traditional offerings.
