Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain: The Holy Mother’s Realm
The Ba Chua Xu Temple (officially Miếu Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam) stands majestically at the base of Sam Mountain (Núi Sam) in Châu Đốc City, An Giang Province. This site represents the most significant spiritual and pilgrimage destination in the entire Mekong Delta, drawing millions of visitors annually. Devotees venerate the statue of Ba Chua Xu (Lady of the Realm), a Mother Goddess believed to possess immense power to grant good fortune, health, and protection to the people.
History and the Statue's Mysterious Origin
The temple was initially founded in the 1820s by local people. Its history is deeply linked to the early settlement and defense of the region, particularly by General Nguyễn Văn Thoại, who governed Châu Đốc in the 19th century.
The Sacred Statue: The focus of worship is the ancient sandstone statue of Ba Chua Xu. Historians suggest the statue, which resembles the Hindu god Vishnu, dates back to the 6th century and belongs to the pre-Vietnamese Óc Eo culture.
A Pious Legend: The most famous legend recounts how locals found the statue atop Sam Mountain. Many strong men struggled to carry it down, but it remained immovably heavy. Only when a medium instructed that nine virgin girls should carry it did the statue become light enough to move. It suddenly stopped at the current location, signifying the Holy Mother’s chosen permanent home.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The current structure, rebuilt most recently in 1976, displays a magnificent architectural style.
Unique Design: The temple features a three-tiered roof covered with blue ceramic tiles, with the corners soaring like the bow of a boat riding the waves. The building plan follows the Vietnamese character “Quốc” (nation).
Artistry: Artisans elaborately carved and decorated the frames and doors. Inside the main hall, you find a spacious, gold-accented worship space. Visitors can ascend to the highest floor for a panoramic view of the temple complex, Châu Đốc City, and the vast rice fields beyond.
The Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Festival
The temple becomes a bustling spiritual center during its famous annual celebration.
The Main Event: The Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Festival (Festival of the Holy Mother of the Realm) is held from the 23rd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month (usually late April or May in the solar calendar). This celebration draws millions of pilgrims from across Vietnam and Cambodia.
Cultural Heritage: This significant festival received UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The core rituals include the Túc Yết Ceremony (Purification), the Ceremony of Inviting Ba’s Statue for Bathing, and a grand procession that reenacts the carrying of the statue from the mountain top to the temple by nine virgin girls.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: 925 Phạm Văn Bạch Khóm, Vĩnh Tây 1, Châu Đốc, An Giang, Vietnam. The temple is located right at the foot of Núi Sam.
Entrance Fee: Access to the temple is free. However, visitors may incur parking fees or charges for the xe ôm (motorbike taxi) or bus to and from the mountain area.
Best Time to Visit: For spiritual experience, visit during the first four lunar months of the year. To witness the grandeur of the festival, plan your trip around the 23rd to 27th of the fourth lunar month. Visit during the early morning hours for a quieter experience.
Etiquette: Visitors should wear modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) and maintain respectful behavior inside the main worship hall.
