Scientific Workshop: Belief in Goddess Mariamman in Ho Chi Minh City: Tradition and Transformation
- Reporter : Phuong Nhi
- Editor : ACTV Team
- January 25, 2025
Description
This event marked the first significant gathering in the field, featuring full participation from the leadership team of the People’s Committee of District 1, representatives from the Religious Affairs Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mariamman Temple board at 45 Truong Dinh, the leadership of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the Party Committee, and the Propaganda Department. It was co-organized by the Faculty of Cultural Studies, the Department of Indian Studies, and the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), in collaboration with the Mariamman Temple board
The scientific workshop titled “Belief in Goddess Mariamman in Ho Chi Minh City: Tradition and Transformation” took place on the morning of January 6, 2025, at the Hall of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City. The event was co-organized by the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Department of Indian Studies, and Faculty of Oriental Studies at USSH (University of Social Sciences and Humanities), under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), in collaboration with the Mariamman Temple management board
This workshop served as a significant platform for researchers, scholars, and the community to reflect upon and discuss the belief in the Goddess Mariamman—a unique cultural and spiritual symbol deeply ingrained in Saigonese life for generations.
This seminar provides an opportunity for researchers, scholars, and interested communities to come together to discuss and reflect on the Mariamman Deity worship – a unique spiritual and cultural symbol deeply rooted in the lives of the people of Saigon over many generations.
The seminar will be honored to welcome many important representatives, including: the Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Vipra Pandey; representatives from the People’s Committee of District 1; representatives from the People’s Committee of Ben Thanh Ward; representatives from the Vietnam-India Friendship Association; and representatives from the administration of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City. The seminar will also feature speakers, leaders, professors, doctors, researchers, and senior lecturers from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City. They will actively participate in discussions and provide valuable insights, contributing to a clearer understanding of Mariamman Deity worship and the distinctive aspects of Indian culture in Vietnam.
The Mariamman Deity worship was brought to Saigon by South Indian immigrants during the French colonial period. They built the Mariamman Temple at 45 Truong Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, both to practice their faith and as a place for business gatherings. Over time, this belief gradually became part of the folk culture and integrated into the spiritual life of the Saigon people. As the Mariamman Temple evolved and developed, it became crucial to study its beliefs, rituals, and conservation. Based on this, the Department of Cultural Studies, the Department of Indian Studies, and the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, together with the “Mariamman Temple Management Board, organized this scientific seminar“.
At the opening of the seminar, Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice-Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, expressed sincere gratitude to the delegates and wished the seminar great success.
According to Mr. Vipra Pandey, the Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, in his welcome speech, he shared: “Researching the worship of Mariamman in Ho Chi Minh City is not only an important academic activity but also a journey deep into the heart of human experiences, discovering the profound impact of faith, tradition, and cultural exchange.” He believes that this seminar will provide a valuable foundation for scholars, researchers, and the community to explore the rich history and the evolving practices of this unique religious tradition.
Dr. Huynh Thanh Lap, Chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that the establishment of the Mariamman Temple in the center of Ho Chi Minh City is a testament to the deep cultural exchange between the people of Vietnam and India. The activities at the Mariamman Temple combine Indian rituals with Vietnamese cultural beliefs.
After the opening speeches, the seminar proceeded with an introductory report presented by Dr. Ngo Anh Dao, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM. According to the report, since the seminar’s topic was announced, the organizing committee has received over 27 research papers on Mariamman worship in India, Southeast Asia, and Vietnam. The authors of these papers are experts in cultural studies, religious studies, archaeology, history, etc. Therefore, the results of the seminar will provide a scientific basis to confirm the significance of Mariamman worship for the people of Ho Chi Minh City and demonstrate the cultural development of this worship tradition between India and Vietnam.
The seminar continued with presentations of research papers from scholars, professors, and senior researchers specializing in cultural studies, anthropology, and related fields.
The seminar included 8 research papers:
- The management of the Mariamman Temple today and future directions – Mr. Nguyen Dang Khoa, Head of the Mariamman Temple Management Board.
- Decoding the Yang nature – a distinctive feature of Mariamman worship and female deities in Southern India – Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Them, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
- From the nature and characteristics of Mariamman worship to the direction of promoting the Mariamman Temple heritage in Ho Chi Minh City – Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thu Hien, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
- The foundation for establishing Mariamman worship as a folk belief in Ho Chi Minh City – Dr. Phan Anh Tu, Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
- The practice of Mariamman worship in India and Ho Chi Minh City: comparisons and suggestions for restoring and preserving rituals – Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, and Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Phuc, Vice Dean of the Department of Anthropology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
- The impact of Tamil Indians and historical cultural heritage in Saigon – Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep, University of Van Lang, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Mariamman from indigenous roots to integration into the Vietnamese mother goddess worship system – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Quoc Thang, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
- Beliefs and festivals at Mariamman temples in South India (Tamil Nadu): Case studies of Arulmigu Sri Mariamman Temple, Shri Muthu Mariamman, and Regnuga Paraweswasi – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Van Mon (Sakaya), Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Anthropology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM.
Anchay TV is honored to accompany and participate in the event, listening to the presentations from speakers and researchers at the seminar. We highly appreciate these meaningful scientific works. The seminar not only brings valuable knowledge to Anchay TV but also helps students and attendees gain a deeper understanding of Mariamman worship, Indian cultural beliefs, and traditional rituals. The discussions at the seminar opened up new perspectives and contributed to enriching the understanding of the diverse culture and spiritual values that the Indian community has brought to Vietnam. This is truly a precious opportunity to connect and promote the value of the Vietnam-India cultural exchange.
More images from the event, the link below to view
on Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1AY4g-7zhuyf0Xo7vEYxYsmWAllFRlZdP
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