Chung Son Temple Honors Ho Chi Minh's Roots, Becomes Cultural Education Hub

Chung Son Temple, located within the Kim Lien Special National Historical Site in Nghe An province, Vietnam, was inaugurated in May 2020, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth. It is the first temple in the country to honor both of President Ho Chi Minh's parents and his siblings. The temple was built to honor the roots that gave birth to and nurtured the nation's beloved leader, and to spread the Vietnamese moral principles of "drinking water, remember the source" and "eating fruit, remember the planter." The complex is harmoniously planned within the historical, cultural, and ecological landscape of Chung Mountain, featuring traditional architectural elements that are both solemn and in close harmony with the scenery of Sen Village, Ho Chi Minh's hometown. Inside the main hall, altars are solemnly arranged for Scholar Nguyen Sinh Sac, Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, and Ho Chi Minh's siblings. Visitors not only commemorate the great leader but also pay sincere respect to the ancestors and parents who nurtured such an outstanding son of the nation, who dedicated his life to the nation's revival. This profound meaning makes the temple an indispensable destination for many on their journey to reconnect with their roots. The site frequently welcomes delegations of officials, students, veterans, and tourists from all over to offer incense, learn about history, and connect with other historical sites such as Ho Chi Minh's paternal and maternal homes, and Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan's grave in Kim Lien. For many years, every July, veteran Le Thi Khang from Hanoi has organized pilgrimage trips for her comrades and relatives to offer incense at Chung Son Temple, and then continue to visit martyrs' cemeteries in the central region. According to her, this journey is not only to remember the deceased but also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about gratitude. Writer Le Duc Nghinh, who has returned to Kim Lien many times, believes that Chung Son Temple holds a very unique cultural value. "Vietnamese people have always valued filial piety. Chung Son Temple not only tells the story of President Ho Chi Minh's family but also reminds us of the value of our origins. A nation that knows how to be grateful to its predecessors and wise individuals will always maintain its moral foundation. I think this is not simply a spiritual tourist spot but a deeply educational space for culture and character." Perhaps because of this significance, Chung Son Temple does not overwhelm visitors with its scale or architectural complexity. What remains in the hearts of visitors after each visit is a sense of peace and steadfastness rooted in their origins.