Vietnam Pagodas
Prayer18 versesEN🎧 Listen · 1:59

Prayer at a Shrine to Local Spirits

Văn khấn tại miếu / Thổ thần

Miếu, am thờ thần linh bản xứ

About this text

This is a traditional prayer recited at shrines or altars dedicated to local earth spirits (Thổ thần), seeking peace, blessings, and protection for the family and work. It is commonly used on festival days, the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, or when asking for the spirits’ support.

Preparation & offerings

Before praying, prepare offerings such as incense, flowers, betel and areca, wine, water, sweets, fruits, and candles. Dress respectfully and maintain a sincere, reverent attitude during the ritual.

Bracketed parts are for you to fill in (name, address, lunar date, wish). The mobile app fills them in automatically.

Text

  1. 1

    Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)

  2. 2

    I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, all Buddhas everywhere.

  3. 3

    I respectfully bow to the Heavenly Emperor, the Earth Mother, and all honored spirits.

  4. 4

    I respectfully bow to the Local Land Spirit, Earth Deity, Soil Guardian, and the Dragon Vein Spirits who govern this area.

  5. 5

    I bow to the former and later guardians, and all sacred spirits at this shrine.

  6. 6

    I, the devotee, am [your full name], residing at [your address].

  7. 7

    Today is [lunar date].

  8. 8

    With a sincere heart, I prepare incense, flowers, offerings, betel and areca, wine, water, sweets, fruits, and light incense before the altar.

  9. 9

    I respectfully invite the Local Land Spirit, Earth Deity, Soil Guardian, Dragon Vein Spirits, and all sacred spirits to accept these offerings.

  10. 10

    I humbly ask the spirits to descend before the altar and witness my sincerity.

  11. 11

    Please bless and protect my family with peace, health, and smooth affairs.

  12. 12

    May our work prosper, wealth increase, and all wishes be fulfilled.

  13. 13

    May everyone in the household be safe and healthy, and the children progress in their studies.

  14. 14

    If there is anything amiss, I ask for your forgiveness and guidance towards righteousness.

  15. 15

    I sincerely ask the spirits to unite in blessing and supporting [your wish].

  16. 16

    Though my offerings are humble, my heart is sincere; I earnestly seek your protection and blessings.

  17. 17

    Respectfully submitted!

  18. 18

    Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)

Prayer at a Shrine to Local Spirits0:00 / 1:59
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Source & license

Văn khấn cổ truyền Việt Nam (truyền thống dân gian), biên tập lại theo cấu trúc chuẩn bởi Vietnam Pagodas

License: Văn bản truyền thống công hữu · Bản biên tập: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Vietnam Pagodas)

Large print, saved reading position and auto-filled prayers in the Vietnam Pagodas app.

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