1. Overview of Ba Den Mountain
Located in the center of Tay Ninh, about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain is 986 m high and is nicknamed the “roof of the South”. The majestic mountain stands tall in the middle of the plain, sometimes appearing in the early morning mist, sometimes brilliant under the afternoon sun, creating a rare and magnificent natural landscape of the Southeastern region.
Ba Den Mountain is 986 m high, about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: Collected)
Not only a famous scenic spot, Ba Den Mountain is also a leading tourist, spiritual, and ecological destination in the South, currently part of the Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex. This place is associated with the legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau, a sacred story that has become a lasting cultural and spiritual symbol for the people of Southern Vietnam.
2. Origin and legend of Ba Den Mountain
2.1. The story of Linh Son Thanh Mau
According to the legend of Ba Den Mountain, a maiden named Ly Thi Thien Huong, a native of Trang Bang with gentle beauty and perfect virtue, fell in love with a brave general, Le Si Triet. When he went to war, she was forced into an arranged marriage and had to flee to the mountain to preserve her chastity. Unfortunately, she was harmed by villains and died unjustly in the deep forest.
The story of Linh Son Thanh Mau tells of the virtuous Lady Ly Thi Thien Huong. (Source: Collected)
Her soul manifested, transforming into Linh Son Thanh Mau, a goddess who protects the good people, blessing the land of Tay Ninh with peace, favorable rain, and gentle winds. The people were admired, built a temple to worship her on the mountainside, with incense smoke year-round. Over time, the legend of Ba Den Mountain became a sacred legend, deeply imprinted in the consciousness of the Southern Vietnamese people.
2.2. The name “Ba Den” from legend to folklore
The name “Ba Den” in the legend of Ba Den Mountain originates from the tanned skin of the girl in the legend, symbolizing simplicity, closeness, and authenticity. That name gradually became familiar in folklore, expressing the respect and belief of the Southern Vietnamese people for the sacred mountain goddess. In inscriptions and beliefs, she is revered as Linh Son Thanh Mau, symbolizing virtue, chastity, and the spirit of goodness.
Over many centuries, the name “Ba Den” has transcended the realm of legend to become a living spiritual heritage. People believe that pilgrimages and offerings at Ba Den Mountain are not just expressions of reverence but also a way to convey wishes for peace, health, and prosperity to Linh Son Thanh Mau, the goddess embodying the enduring faith of the Tay Ninh region.
2.3. The legend through the lens of culture and spirituality
The legend of Ba Den Mountain is not just a tragic love story, but also a cultural symbol reflecting the philosophy of karma and virtue in the Vietnamese soul. The image of Linh Son Thanh Mau embodies the spirit of valuing righteousness, loyalty, and readiness to sacrifice for love and justice.
Today, that legend is not only passed down through folk tales but also illuminated in spiritual life and annual festivals. The journey to learn about the legend of Ba Den Mountain is therefore not simply an exploration of a myth, but also an opportunity for visitors to experience the depth of culture, beliefs, and pride in the land of Tay Ninh.
3. Ba Den Mountain in the history and culture of Tay Ninh
3.1. Imprints through time
Over hundreds of years, Ba Den Mountain is not only famous for the legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau but also associated with many historical imprints of the Tay Ninh region. From the 18th century, this place has been recognized as an important center of worship, attracting a large number of pilgrims during festival occasions.
Ba Den Mountain bears the historical imprint of the Tay Ninh land. (Source: Collected)
During the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans, Ba Den Mountain was a strategic base for the revolutionary forces, containing a system of caves and rugged terrain. After 1975, the mountain was planned as a key tourist, cultural, and spiritual area of Tay Ninh, now belonging to the Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex.
3.2. Typical spiritual structures and relics
Not only outstanding with its majestic landscape, Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh is also a convergence of many unique spiritual structures with long-standing cultural and architectural values. The most prominent is Ba Pagoda, which worships Linh Son Thanh Mau, the largest religious center in the South. Next to it is Hang Pagoda, associated with the legend of Nang Thien Huong's ascetic practice, along with Trung Pagoda, Ha Pagoda, and Ba Dien... ancient, sacred pagodas nestled amidst the mountains.
Notably, at the summit is the 72m-tall Phat Ba Tay Bo Da Son statue, the largest bronze spiritual structure in Asia, along with the benevolent Di Lac statue facing the plains. All create a complex that is both sacred and majestic, a place where faith, history, and the natural beauty of Tay Ninh converge.
4. Spiritual meaning and cultural value of Ba Den Mountain
4.1. Symbol of faith and karma
For generations, the legend of Ba Den Mountain has become a symbol of loyalty, virtue, and the good-oriented spirit of the people of the South. The image of Linh Son Thanh Mau is revered by the people as a protective deity, safeguarding peace, bringing favorable weather, and prosperous life.
The legend of Ba Den Mountain has become a symbol of loyalty and the good-hearted spirit of the Southern people. (Source: Collected)
Each year, millions of tourists and Buddhists pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh to pray for health, prosperity, to wash away bad luck, and accumulate merit. This journey is not only a spiritual trip but also a journey to nurture faith and spread profound humanistic values about cause and effect, good and evil in life.
4.2. Cultural and Religious Values of the Southern Region
Beyond the framework of a legend, Ba Den Mountain has become a characteristic spiritual cultural space of the Southern region, a place where Buddhism and folk beliefs intersect. Every lunar January, the Ba Den Festival is solemnly held, attracting tens of thousands of people and visitors from all directions to offer incense, pay homage, and participate in traditional cultural activities.
Amidst the bustling festival atmosphere, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich spiritual life of the Southern people, while clearly feeling the humanistic, historical, and religious values that the legend of Ba Den Mountain has conveyed through centuries.
5. Experience sightseeing and pilgrimage at Sun World Ba Den Mountain
5.1. Journey to explore the sacred mountain
Coming to Sun World Ba Den Mountain, visitors can choose various ways to explore the "sacred mountain" of the South. For those who enjoy a gentle experience, the pagoda path is an ideal choice, taking you through ancient pagodas and lush green forest spaces. Conversely, the power pole path is a trekking route loved by young people for its challenge and majestic natural scenery.
Besides, the Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car journey is a special highlight, holding a world record for the greatest altitude difference, allowing visitors to admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh after just a few minutes of smooth, safe, and modern travel.
5.2. Check-in at the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue
On the mountaintop, visitors can admire the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue, 72m high, weighing 170 tons, cast entirely from pure copper. This is the tallest copper Buddha statue in Asia situated on a mountain, a sacred symbol and pride of the people of Tay Ninh.
The Tay Bo Da Son Goddess of Mercy Statue is a prominent check-in spot, chosen by many tourists. (Source: Collected)
Under the brilliant sunlight, the statue radiates a shimmering golden hue, amidst the hazy clouds and sky, creating a rare scene of grandeur and tranquility. Coming here, tourists not only get impressive photos but also deeply feel the pure energy, compassion, and wisdom that the statue brings.
5.3. Experiencing Cultural Space and Festivals
The journey to visit Ba Den Mountain is not just about worship, but also opens up a vibrant world of culture and spirituality at Sun World Ba Den Mountain. Tourists can participate in the Lamp Offering Ceremony held every Saturday evening, admiring thousands of shimmering lamps illuminating the sacred space. Besides that, the Buddhist exhibition area introduces many cultural, artistic values, and profound philosophies of life. In the morning, tourists can watch the sunrise, hunt for sea of clouds on the mountaintop; at noon, enjoy Tay Ninh specialties such as sun-dried rice paper, shrimp salt, grilled young buffalo... amidst the cool atmosphere of the mountains and forests.
6. Experience and Notes when Visiting Ba Den Mountain
To ensure a smooth visit to Ba Den Mountain, tourists should choose the period from December to April next year, when the weather in Tay Ninh is dry, with light sunshine and fresh mountain scenery. If visiting during the Ba Den Mountain festival season (Lunar January), you will immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere, participate in incense offering rituals, and contemplate more deeply about the legend of Ba Den Mountain, which is deeply humanistic and has been associated with the spiritual life of the Southern people for hundreds of years. When visiting the pagoda, tourists should dress modestly, maintain a solemn attitude, showing respect at the Buddha's door.
Choose the right time to visit the pagoda on Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
For those who love trekking, prepare hiking shoes, drinking water, a light raincoat, and a power bank for safe and convenient travel. Throughout the journey, remember to maintain cleanliness, do not litter or carve names on rocks, contributing to the preservation of the sacred beauty of the legendary mountain. After the pilgrimage, visitors can relax at Sun World Ba Den Mountain or nearby homestays to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the majestic beauty of the land associated with the legend of Ba Den Mountain.
The legend of Ba Den Mountain is not only a touching story about the love, loyalty, and virtue of Linh Son Thanh Mau, but also an eternal symbol of faith and the spiritual culture of the Southern Vietnamese people. Amidst the majestic natural scenery of Tay Ninh, the sacred mountain still welcomes pilgrims' footsteps daily, reminding people of compassion, faith in goodness, and inner peace.
