Temple Association - Hang Son Pagoda

Temple Association - Hang Son Pagoda Hang Son temple and pagoda are also called Coc Tu because they are located entirely in Son cave, in the Chu Coc mountain range (Yen Tu ward). This place is known for the majestic beauty of the mountains and is an important historical and cultural relic, associated with the legend of the god Bat Hai Dai Vuong worshiped here, and the event of the brotherhood between Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and Bat Hai Dai Vuong. Hang Son's ancient name is Bao Phuc Nham, and is compared to the scenic Huong Tich Cave (Perfume Pagoda, Hanoi) and Tam Coc - Bich Dong (Ninh Binh). Chu Coc Mountain - Son Cave are also mentioned in ancient documents. The book "Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi" wrote: "Chu Coc Mountain (Hang Son) is 13 miles north of Thuy Duong district. There is a very sacred temple." According to history books, Hang Son Temple - Pagoda has a history of hundreds of years, and is one of the special spiritual places in Quang Ninh with a unique location and charming landscape, creating a mysterious and sacred worship space. Hang Son temple and pagoda festival lasts from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year to the end of the third lunar month. On the opening day of the festival, there will be a procession of Thuong Nguyen Communion from Thuong Pagoda to the temple, a dragon and lion dance to open the festival, musical performances praising the construction efforts of ancestors and expressing patriotism, and a ceremony to pray for national peace and prosperity, praying for a year of peace, happiness, good weather and wind. In folklore, there are still legends about the god worshiped in Hang Son temple. He was a handsome and very intelligent guy named Pham Chau. The young man studied under master Hoang Nhat Dien, famous for his knowledge of astronomy, the Five Classics, and literature. One year, experiencing a drought and crop failure, Pham Chau watched astronomy, used magic to pray for rain, and brought water from the river to the fields. Because he was so tired, he transformed into a carp and floated down the Ma River to Hang Son cave. To commemorate his merits, people built a temple at Hang Son and worshiped him as "Bat Hai Dai Vuong", the god who oversees the eight seaports. The Hang Son relic complex was recognized by the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province as a historical-cultural relic and provincial-level scenic spot in 1999.