Located in Tây Hamlet, An Vĩnh Commune of the Ly Son Special Zone, Âm Linh Tự is a revered sanctuary dedicated to the Hoàng Sa soldiers—local men who braved the open sea to the Hoàng Sa (Paracel) and Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelagos to collect resources and affirm Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty. Recognized as a national historical and cultural site, it stands today as one of Ly Son’s most powerful spiritual symbols.
Architecture & Worship Space
Locals often refer to this monument as the “temple of wandering souls.” Its worship structure follows a distinctive arrangement:
- Central sanctuary dedicated to Chúa Chưởng Ôn Hoàng
- Right altar honoring A Sát Đế Mẫu
- Left altar dedicated to Diệm Khẩu Quỷ Vương
Together, these form the Three Celestial Deities (Tam Vị Thần Tiên).
In front stands the Long Đình (Dragon Pavilion), flanked by altars dedicated to the village tutelary deity and the community’s founding ancestors. Further out are the ceremonial screen wall and two stately pillar gates.
While the worship of wandering souls is common across Quảng Ngãi Province, Ly Son preserves this tradition with exceptional depth, hosting multiple temples and annual rituals that honor both the living community and the spirits of men lost at sea.
Historical Development & Restorations
According to local elders, Âm Linh Tự was first established in the mid-17th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone several major restorations:
- Gia Long era (early 1800s): initial repairs; wooden frame erected; thatched roof; a shrine for Thượng Thiên, guardian of lost souls, built beside it.
- 1883: large-scale reconstruction with yin-yang roof tiles and reinforced pillars.
- 1956: the front hall was completed, featuring arch-shaped doorways and ornate rooftop motifs.
- 1996: further restoration granted the monument its dignified appearance today.
Designed in the shape of the character “Công” (工), the complex includes a central main hall, a sanctuary to the left for Thượng Thiên, and a room to the right for preparing offerings. In the front courtyard stands a memorial tower inscribed with “Chiến sĩ trận vong” (“Fallen Warriors”), honoring the Hoàng Sa fleet members who perished at sea.
Unique Worship Features
Front Hall (Tiền Đường)
Contains altars for the Hồn Mai and Phách Quế spirits, along with parallel sentences and inscriptions praising the heroic souls of the Hoàng Sa soldiers.
Main Sanctuary (Chánh Điện)
Marked by three intricately decorated arched doorways featuring “two dragons chasing a pearl.” Inside, the altars are adorned with elegant curved roofs and fine carvings. The Dragon Pavilion resting on four sculpted dragon pillars is a highlight of the temple’s artistry.
Decorative Art
The monument showcases exquisite traditional craftsmanship:
- Relief carvings and lacquered surfaces
- Motifs of Four Sacred Creatures (tứ linh), Four Seasons (tứ quý), Eight Treasures (bát bửu), scrolls, and dragon imagery
- Iconic Ly Son-style motifs of mythical beasts and ocean-inspired patterns
Behind the main hall stands the Thượng Thiên Shrine, where the guardian spirit of wandering souls is worshiped.
Spiritual and Historical Significance
Âm Linh Tự plays a central role in Ly Son’s spiritual life. Beyond the annual Thanh Minh ceremony for wandering souls, the temple hosts:
- Spring and Autumn offering rituals
- Prayers for peace, harvest, and prosperity
- The Hoàng Sa Soldiers’ Commemoration Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the men who sailed into the vast seas “with no certainty of return.”
This ritual, deeply rooted in collective memory, reflects Ly Son’s long history of defending national sovereignty.
In recognition of its profound cultural and historical value, Âm Linh Tự was designated a National Historical Site under Decision No. 41/2007/QĐ-VHTT (August 3, 2007) by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
