Prayer to the Mother Goddesses (Tứ Phủ)
Văn khấn ban Mẫu / Tứ phủ
Đền, phủ thờ Mẫu
About this text
The Prayer to the Mother Goddesses (Tứ Phủ) is a traditional supplication recited at shrines and temples dedicated to the Four Palaces Mother Goddesses in Vietnamese folk religion. It is commonly offered on festival days, the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, or when seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and health. This prayer expresses deep respect and gratitude, asking the Goddesses for protection and favor.
Preparation & offerings
Offerings typically include incense, flowers, fruits, betel and areca, wine, water, sweets, sticky rice, tea, and vegetarian or savory dishes as appropriate. When presenting offerings, dress respectfully, maintain a sincere heart, join your palms, and face the Mother Goddesses’ altar.
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 Mother Buddha Chuẩn Đề and Mother Buddha Diêu Trì.
- 4
I respectfully bow to the Three Palaces Mother Goddesses, the spirits of the Four Palaces, and all Lords, Ladies, Maidens, and Princes.
- 5
I respectfully bow to Mother of the Upper Heaven, who governs the sky and grants blessings to all beings.
- 6
I respectfully bow to Mother of the Highlands, who rules the forests and mountains, protecting all creatures.
- 7
I respectfully bow to Mother of the Waters, who governs rivers and seas, blessing us with harmony in nature.
- 8
I respectfully bow to Mother of the Earth, who rules the land and grants abundant harvests.
- 9
I respectfully bow to the Great Lords, Holy Ladies, Maidens, Princes, and all sacred spirits.
- 10
I, the devotee [your full name], residing at [your address],
- 11
On this day, [lunar date], I sincerely prepare offerings of incense, flowers, tea, and fruits to respectfully present at the Mother Goddesses’ altar.
- 12
I humbly ask the Holy Mother Goddesses and all spirits of the Four Palaces to witness my sincerity.
- 13
I pray that you, in your great compassion, protect and bless my family.
- 14
Please grant us peace, good health, and smooth affairs in our household.
- 15
May we receive prosperity, success in work, progress in study, and all wishes fulfilled.
- 16
May the nation be peaceful, the weather harmonious, and every family enjoy happiness and abundance.
- 17
May my family and I be safe, free from calamities and illness.
- 18
I humbly ask the Mother Goddesses and sacred spirits to witness and grant me [your wish].
- 19
I offer this prayer with all my heart; if there is any shortcoming, I beg your forgiveness.
- 20
May the merit of this offering be dedicated to all beings, so that all may enjoy peace and happiness.
- 21
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.