Dinh Đụn, also known locally as Dinh Hòn Đụn, is a small communal shrine located on Bé Island (An Bình Commune), part of the Lý Sơn Special Zone, Quảng Ngãi Province. The shrine stands near the Hòn Đụn scenic area, a volcanic sediment formation millions of years old, whose distinctive shape extends toward the sea and creates a striking natural landmark on the island.
In local usage, the word “đụn” commonly refers to elevated mounds of earth or large rock formations rising prominently within the surrounding landscape. The name Dinh Đụn therefore reflects both its geographic identity and the unique terrain of the Hòn Đụn area on Bé Island.
Dinh Đụn bears the hallmark features of Central Vietnamese folk religious architecture. The shrine is covered with traditional yin–yang roof tiles, while its pillars are adorned with raised reliefs of winding dragons. The colors are vibrant yet restrained, creating an atmosphere that feels both dignified and approachable.
The façade of the shrine is highlighted by relief carvings of pine trees, symbolic creatures, and large Hán characters, expressing traditional beliefs in resilience, longevity, and protection. The Vietnamese national flag is usually displayed at the front, accompanied by guardian figures such as lân or nghê, reinforcing a space that is both sacred and deeply rooted in the maritime identity of the island.
Like many other shrines and temples across the Lý Sơn archipelago, Dinh Đụn plays an important role in the spiritual life of the Bé Island community. Local residents gather here to perform rituals with the hope of:
- Praying for favorable weather, calm seas, and safe voyages for fishermen
- Honoring sea deities, early settlers, and those who helped establish and protect the land and surrounding waters
- Preserving a spiritual anchor that unites the community and passes down cultural values through generations
Set against the open seascape of Bé Island, Dinh Đụn is not only a place of worship but also a repository of memory, faith, and the enduring spiritual life of Lý Sơn’s coastal people.
