Among the religious architectural monuments in Binh Dinh, Ba - Nuoc Man Pagoda is considered a unique and famously sacred temple. This place preserves special spiritual values ​​with local people and is a place associated with the famous Nuoc Man port town for a while.

Ba Pagoda is located in An Hoa village, Phuoc Quang commune, Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province, about 25km from Quy Nhon city center. Ba Temple worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, a mythical character who often rescues ships in distress at sea. The scale and vestiges associated with this place of worship are a vivid proof of the development of the port town of Nuoc Man (Tuy Phuoc) during nearly 4 centuries, from the 16th century to the end of the 19th century. Around the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, many Chinese migrated to Nuoc Man. They not only established busy trading streets but also carried their beliefs, typically worshiping Quan Thanh and Thien Hau. Ba Pagoda was built in this period.

Ba Pagoda has architecture in the style of Nhat. The pagoda faces south, next to Cau Ngoi River, a branch of Cay Da River. In front of the temple there is a small lake, behind the lake is a screen in front of the main door to the temple. The front of the screen is decorated with the image of Long Ma, the bagua, according to the "Long Ma ha map" in Buddhism; The inside is decorated with the image of a phoenix, one of the "Four Spirits" or worshiped in temples and shrines.

The architecture of the pagoda is built in the Nam Hoa style, the roof is curved in the shape of a boat, the top is decorated with two dragons of the tide and the moon, the two ends are decorated with the shape of a phoenix, the roof rim is decorated with patterns in the style of porcelain enamel pieces. In front of the temple, there are 3 arched Tam Quan gates, the front is attached with Tiger and Ky Lan pictures, the roof rim is decorated with Bat Tien image, the middle is decorated with Turtle image, a symbol of "Four spirits". The house is designed with 3 compartments, the old supporting frame is wood, now it has been replaced with some new materials.

The main pavilion of Ba Pagoda worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, a wooden statue painted with vermilion and gilded, carved in a sitting position, wearing a court dress, feet with a curved nose, an oval face, kind-hearted, and contemplative. Two hands for two postures. Left hand to put the hand on the knee, the right hand is raised, the hand is up in the palm of the hand holding the card. On either side there are two standing statues of two Thien Nhi (Hearing from a thousand miles away) and Thien Nhan (Seeing from a thousand miles away) ; Under the altar are two statues of the tiger god lying in different positions. Above the main pavilion is a four-word horizontal painting titled "Ho Quoc Ty Dan" (protecting the country, protecting the good people) given by the Nguyen Dynasty. Near the main door is the altar of the assembly of gods.

The altar on the left worships God Hoang Lang. The god has a red face, wears a red long dress, wears a square hat with a loose stripe, and sits with his hands clasped in front of his stomach, with his feet wearing curved toe shoes. In front of the God is an altar displaying the Three Things, on both sides there are statues of two guardian deities (Gods guarding the door). Folk here call 2 gods: Ta Du and Huu Du. Above, hang a horizontal painting with snail inlaid words "Blessed warm coincident light" (good luck lasts forever). On the right is the altar of Ba Thai Sanh Thanh Mau, a wooden statue carved in a sitting position, with a bent nose and a golden painted statue. The god wears a yellow court-style dress, his hands are bent, his hands are natural, he holds a scroll of cloth in one hand, and a fountain pen in the other. On both sides she displayed 2 statues of Horses painted red. In front is an altar with a statue of 12 Ba Mu in the position of holding a child. At the foot of the altar, there is an altar for sentient beings to come and worship at this altar. Above hangs a three-word horizontal painting titled "Tu Sanh Duc".

Outside the courtyard on the right is Thanh Minh Temple, followed by a square water well (Cham well) that is reused. Finally, the self-built Nghia church, inside worshiping those who contributed to the construction of the pagoda.

Experiencing the ups and downs of history and after many restorations, Ba - Nuoc Man Pagoda was recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic on July 20, 2010. Ba Chua relic is the leading ancient architectural work in the province, associated with the Salt Water Festival (held annually on the last day of the first lunar month, lasting for 3 days), so it holds the position important not only in spirituality but also in spiritual cultural life. Besides the destinations, cultural and historical relics located in Tuy Phuoc district such as: Con Chim Ecological Area, Song Village Minor Seminary, Long Phuoc Tu Martial Arts School, etc., Ba Pagoda is also one of the destinations. attract domestic and foreign tourists to visit.

Author: Lê Chi - TTTTXTDLBD