Kim Mã Thượng Communal House Relic

Kim Mã Thượng Communal House is located in Alley 294, Đội Cấn Street, Ngọc Hà Ward, Hanoi City. According to Han-Nom documents, royal edicts, and genealogies still kept at the relic, the communal house worships three Thành hoàng, including Bố Cái Đại Vương, Linh Lang Đại Vương, and the Eunuch Official Hoàng Phúc Trung. The deities have been worshipped and served by the people for many generations, associated with folk legends and historical events that took place in the western area of the Thăng Long capital.

Bố Cái Đại Vương is an honorific title bestowed by the people Phùng Hưng, who was credited with leading the people to rise up against the rule of the Tang dynasty at the end of the 8th century and win autonomy for the country. After his death, people in many localities built temples and communal houses to worship him and honored him as a Thành hoàng, expressing gratitude to a person who rendered merits to the people and the country.

Linh Lang Đại Vương is a deity widely worshipped in the western area of the Thăng Long capital, associated with legends about a person who helped the king resist foreign invaders and protect the country. In folk belief, Linh Lang Đại Vương is honored by the people as a Thành hoàng who has the merit of protecting and sheltering the community, praying for national peace and prosperity, a peaceful life, and favorable crops.

Eunuch Official Hoàng Phúc Trung is worshipped by local people, recognizing his contributions to the community and homeland. The joint worship of three Thành hoàng at the communal house reflects the tradition of “when drinking water, remember the source,” honoring individuals recognized by the community for their merits, and also reflects the rich religious life of the residents of the Kim Mã Thượng area.