Hagiography of the Third Venerable Mandarin of Water Palace

Within the official pantheon of the Four Palaces denomination in Đạo Mẫu (the Mother Goddess religion), the esteemed role of the Third Venerable Mandarin of Water Palace takes prominence. Governing the Water Palace, this Venerable Mandarin holds reverence in regions adjoining rivers and the sea.

A significant date on the spiritual calendar is the 24th day of the 6th lunisolar month, devoted to commemorating His Venerable. On this occasion, devotees embark on pilgrimages to the revered Lảnh Giang shrine in Hà Nam province and the esteemed Xích Đằng shrine in Hưng Yên province. These sacred journeys are marked by heartfelt prayers for both their families and the nation.

The hagiography of the Third Venerable Mandarin is a tapestry of variations. Folklore weaves a tale of his valor as the Commander-in-chief of armies and marines during King Hùng’s reign. A fierce battle led to His valiant fall, His head finding its resting place on the riverbank of Xích Đằng village, Hưng Yên province, where a shrine was erected in his memory. His body’s final resting place lies along the riverside in Yên Lạc village, Mộc Nam commune, Duy Tiên district, Hà Nam province, marked by yet another shrine.

In a position of overseeing all priests, He earns the title “Supervisor of All Priests.” A significant role in rituals is during the Hầu Bóng (Serving the Reflection) ceremony, where most priests venerate the Third Venerable Mandarin. Adorned in a white robe embellished with dragon and tiger motifs, the priest raises incense to the altar, ignites light using a burning incense torch, evaluates and approves petitions, and engages in a dance wielding a pair of swords. In grand ceremonies, like the opening-the-palace rite of passage, the priest seeks His Venerable’s approval for the white votive papercraft set offered at the Water Palace’s altar.