Tomb of Lê Văn Duyệt - Discover the most ancient temple of Saigon
Introduction
Nestled amidst the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City lies "Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu" (Tomb of the general Le Van Duyet), one of Saigon's oldest and most revered historical sites. Having stood the test of time for over 200 years, this sacred place has witnessed the city's evolution through countless transformations. Despite the surrounding urban sprawl, “Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu” remains a serene sanctuary, offering a glimpse into Saigon's rich past. Dedicated to the memory of General Le Van Duyet who was the Governor of Gia Dinh Citadel in the 19th century, a prominent figure in Vietnamese history, the tomb is officially known as "Thượng Công Miếu" (Temple of the Superior Official). This significant cultural and spiritual landmark, often referred to as "Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu", serves as a place of worship and remembrance for the people of Ho Chi Minh City. The name "Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu" became commonly used for the following reasons:
- Traditional avoidance of full names: Out of respect for Vietnamese customs, people often avoided using someone's full name directly. Therefore, the tomb was simply referred to as "Lăng Ông" (The Man’s Tomb).
- Proximity to the market: Situated adjacent to Bà Chiểu Market, the tomb gradually became known as "Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu" as a way to distinguish it from other tombs and to reflect its location."
Location
Lăng Ông is located in an area of 18,500m2 at the Ba Chieu Cross-road (in Binh Thanh District) which was Hoa Binh Village, Gia Dinh Province. It is surrounded by a green and spacious area and is an ideal space for public activities of the local people.
Address: 1 Vũ Tùng Street, Ward 3, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM, daily.
History
Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu is a complex of temples and the tomb of General Lê Văn Duyệt and his wife, Đỗ Thị Phận. General Duyệt was a talented military commander and strategist who made significant contributions to the Nguyễn Dynasty. He served under two emperors: Gia Long and Minh Mạng. However, in 1835 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, the Phiên An rebellion occurred. As a result, Lê Văn Duyệt was falsely accused of "sheltering bandits and causing the rebellion." After his death, Emperor Minh Mạng ordered his tomb to be leveled and a stone stele erected with the inscription "Lê Văn Duyệt, the traitor, has been punished according to the law." It wasn't until the reign of Emperor Thiệu Trị (1841) that he was exonerated, the stone stele was removed, and his tomb was rebuilt on a larger scale. The history of the tomb officially began in 1848 when the complex was largely completed. In 1914, the Thượng Công Quý Tế Society was established. The annual worship of the Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu temple and its restoration have been carried out since then. On December 6, 1989, the Ministry of Culture recognized Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu as a national historical and cultural relic.
Architecture
The entire Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu complex is situated on a large, elevated plot of land spanning 18,500 square meters. The tomb is surrounded by a 500-meter-long wall that stands 1.2 meters tall, with four gates facing the following streets: Lê Văn Duyệt, Phan Đăng Lưu, Trịnh Hoài Đức, and Vũ Tùng. Given its ancient architecture and impressive length, visitors should not miss the opportunity to take photos with the tomb's walls.
Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu welcomes visitors with a Tam quan gate located to the south, facing Vũ Tùng Street. Above the gate is a Chinese inscription that translates to "Thượng Công Miếu," meaning "Temple of the Superior Official." Passing through the Tam quan gate and a landscaped garden, visitors will enter the main tomb area, which consists of three parts: a stele house, the tombs of the General and his wife, and a worship hall.
Festival
Every year, on the 29th, 30th of the 7th lunar month and the 1st, 2nd of the 8th lunar month, a grand ceremony is held at Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu to commemorate General Lê Văn Duyệt. This event attracts not only local people but also a large number of visitors from other provinces. People come here to pray for peace, health for their families, and love for couples.
The festival also provides an opportunity for young people to take beautiful photos, especially in áo dài at Lăng Ông Bà Chiểu. The ancient architecture of the tomb serves as a stunning backdrop for the traditional áo dài.
Please note: Lăng Ông is a place of deep spiritual significance. To respect this sacred space, visitors are kindly requested to:
- Maintain order and quietness.
- Keep the premises clean and free of litter.
- Dress modestly and respectfully