Situated in Thuong Tin district, Dam temple belongs a vestige of three adjacent temples including Lo temple, So temple, and Dam temple. They are located outside the Red River dyke and all worship the goddesses and mother goddesses. Dam temple worships Mẫu Thoải (Mother Water), one of three goddesses of Vietnamese indigenous religion, next to Mẫu Thượng Thiên (goddess of the upper sky) and Mẫu Thượng Ngàn (goddess of the forest). The temple is quite large with ancient architecture.
Under King Tran Thai Tong dynasty in 1225, a third fairy has appeared in heaven to serve the Emperor Jade's court, unfortunately she has broken a cup. She was expelled and reincarnated as the dragon's daughter, named Thuy Tinh Ngoc Dung. She was married to Kinh Xuyen as concubines. Wife of Kinh Xuyen, Thao Mai, felt jealous with her beauty and talents, and forged a letter accused that she betrayed her husband. Kinh Xuyen banished her to the earth, she lived 10 years in Ngoc Ho Kim Quy and made friend with animals and birds. However, then, she was exculpated by Lieu Giai. Lieu Giai became son in law of Dragon King and stayed in aquarium with princess. After Princess returned to aquariums, people in areas were under an epidemic disease. The princess appeared to help them, thus, villagers built a shrine to worship her. When the Mongol army invaded Vietnam, while fighting against the enemy, Tran Hung Dao stopped at Xam Mien river (the area of Dam temple). Princess Ngoc Dung appeared in the dream of Tran Hung Dao and helped him expel the invaders. When returning from victory, he said to the king about Princess Ngoc Dung. The king sent messengers to Xam Mien to give thanks and ordain. The next monarchs ordained to the temple. People also did not forget to build a temple to worship Tran Hung Dao. Therefore, next to the temple, it also has the shrine of Tran Hung Dao.
The temple is also attractive by the architecture. It is quite large with ancient architecture of ancient wooden pillars with tiles roof. Temple campus is airy with centenarian trees. And, sanctum is a long house, thick roof as well as brown wooden columns. Inside the temple, the incense, the altar are carved meticulously and are gilded.
Discover the temple among you day trips in Hanoi, tourists can explore the magical legend of the temple’s origin. In addition, guests are completely admired by the typical architecture of an ancient temple in Vietnam lasting from the old times until now. Last but not least, if you visit at the right time, you can encounter the festival of Dam temple that paints brilliant colors in your Hanoi tours. Apart from Dam temple, there are other temples along the Red River. Take your day and discover another world of religion and traditional belief in Vietnam.
