Prayer to the Village Tutelary Deity (Đình)
Văn khấn Thành Hoàng tại đình
Đình làng
About this text
This traditional prayer is recited at the village communal house (đình) to honor the Village Tutelary Deity (Thành Hoàng), seeking blessings and protection for the family and community. It is commonly used during festivals, at the start of the year, or on important occasions.
Preparation & offerings
Offerings include incense, flowers, candles, water, betel and areca, wine, sticky rice, sweet soup, cakes, and vegetarian or savory dishes as appropriate. Dress respectfully and maintain a sincere, quiet demeanor when entering the communal house.
Bracketed parts are for you to fill in (name, address, lunar date, wish). The mobile app fills them in automatically.
Text
- 1
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)
- 2
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, all Buddhas everywhere.
- 3
I respectfully bow to the Lord of Heaven and Earth and all revered deities.
- 4
I respectfully bow to the Village Tutelary Deity, the sacred guardian of this communal house.
- 5
I respectfully bow to the Forebears, the Founders and Protectors of our village.
- 6
I, the devotee [your full name], residing at [your address],
- 7
On this day, [lunar date],
- 8
With a sincere heart, I prepare incense, flowers, offerings, and respectful gifts to present before the altar.
- 9
I humbly ask the Village Deity to witness my sincerity and accept these offerings.
- 10
I pray for the Deity’s protection and blessings, so villagers may live in peace and prosperity.
- 11
Grant peace to the nation and people, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.
- 12
Bless my family with safety, health, and smooth affairs.
- 13
May all villagers live in harmony, unity, and mutual support.
- 14
May children be diligent and excel in their studies, and elders enjoy health and happiness.
- 15
May every household be prosperous, work go smoothly, and misfortunes be dispelled.
- 16
I humbly ask the Village Deity and all revered spirits to kindly bless and witness my devotion.
- 17
If there is anything lacking or imperfect, I sincerely ask for forgiveness.
- 18
I respectfully bow my head and offer this prayer with utmost sincerity.
- 19
May the merit from this offering be dedicated to my family, the village, and all beings for peace and happiness.
- 20
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)
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.