The temple’s architecture has influences of the Huế Imperial Citadel. VNA/VNS Photo
HCM CITY — Located near a crowded market in HCM City is a temple that enshrines a revered hero with a bloody family tragedy.
Ông Bà Chiểu Temple sits on a piece of land that is shaped like a turtle’s back and is slightly higher than its surroundings. The temple’s location is considered supreme in feng shui terms.
It is next to Bà Chiểu Market in Bình Thạnh District and is where the hero and high-ranking mandarin of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Lê Văn Duyệt (1764-1832), is buried along with his wife Đỗ Thị Phận. She died after he passed away, but the exact date is not clear.
The temple has four gates named after the cardinal directions with the Southern Gate being the main one now.
According to the monument management board, 100 to 200 locals and foreigners visit every day. During Tết (Lunar New Year), 100,000 people come to pay their respects. VNS
OVietnam