Located in Nam Dinh Province, Phu Day Relic Complex is one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites in Vietnam. It is considered the center of Mother Goddess worship, honoring Saint Lieu Hanh, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk belief. This complex is not only an architectural marvel but also the birthplace of the iconic Chau Van ritual—a traditional spiritual performance unique to Vietnamese culture.
The site comprises three main landmarks: Tien Huong Palace (the principal temple), Van Cat Temple, and the Tomb of Saint Lieu Hanh. Together, they form a harmonious and sacred landscape, rich in both tangible and intangible heritage.
Tien Huong Palace: A Grand Offering to the Divine
Spanning nearly 7,500 square meters, Tien Huong Palace features 19 buildings and 81 compartments, arranged in a balanced architectural layout known as “inner courtyard with tiered halls, outer enclosing layout”. Entering from the front, visitors first encounter a circular well symbolizing “gathering water, gathering blessings,” followed by ceremonial gates, a crescent-shaped pond, and the main sanctuary.
The central structure consists of four worship halls—First, Second, Third, and Fourth Palaces—built with solid ironwood frames and intricately carved interiors. The Fourth Palace is particularly noteworthy for its stunning artistry, with carvings of dragons, phoenixes, lotus blossoms, carp transforming into dragons, and lucky symbols—showcasing the aesthetics of the Nguyen Dynasty from the 19th–20th centuries.
Van Cat Temple: Artistic Heritage from the Later Le Dynasty
Just one kilometer east of Tien Huong lies Van Cat Temple, covering about 3,600 square meters. It mirrors the architectural style of Tien Huong but stands out with its crescent lake and wooden water pavilion, five-tiered ceremonial gate (Ngu Mon), and a central hall of four worship sections. The Fourth Palace here is a masterpiece of 17th–18th century craftsmanship, filled with vivid wooden carvings depicting dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, turtles, and lotus ponds in lively folklore scenes.
Tomb of Saint Lieu Hanh: A Symbol of Eternal Devotion
Built in 1938 on elevated ground, the Tomb of Saint Lieu Hanh spans 1,647 square meters and is made entirely of green stone. Its geometric design includes 60 lotus-shaped columns, encircling a central octagonal tomb, which stands as a peaceful monument to the revered goddess.
A Living Legacy of Vietnamese Spirituality
Phu Day is not only a spiritual destination but also a hub for vibrant cultural heritage. It is home to unique intangible practices such as Chau Van singing and the Phu Day Festival, both recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Most notably, the Practice of the Mother Goddess Religion of the Three Realms (Tam Phu) was inscribed by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Phu Day Festival, held annually from the 3rd to the 8th day of the third lunar month, is the highlight of the temple's calendar. It draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists with its colorful rituals, spiritual performances, and community celebrations—all rooted in the Vietnamese ethos of gratitude, peace, and harmony with nature.
Today, Phu Day stands as a unique spiritual tourism destination—where architecture, faith, folklore, and national identity come together, offering visitors a deeply immersive cultural experience that continues to inspire across generations.