My Son Sanctuary is a remarkable archaeological site located in a lush valley in Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam Province, central Vietnam. It is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries by the kings of the Champa Kingdom.
Historical Significance:
My Son served as the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for a significant period. The temples were dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Shiva, known in Champa as Bhadreshvara, and other gods like Vishnu and Brahma. It was a site where religious ceremonies were conducted, and the ashes of Cham monarchs were often interred. The construction of these temples reflects the strong influence of Indian Hinduism on Cham culture and architecture. The sanctuary flourished for centuries, becoming a central hub for the Cham people's spiritual and cultural life.
Architectural Style and Construction:
The temples at My Son are primarily built of red brick, a characteristic material of Cham architecture. They exhibit a distinct style characterized by intricate stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and sculptures depicting Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu mythology. The construction techniques used by the Cham people remain a subject of fascination, particularly how they managed to construct such elaborate structures without the use of mortar, seemingly using a dry-stacking method with resin. The various temple groups within the sanctuary showcase different architectural influences and evolutionary stages over the centuries, reflecting the changing artistic trends and external influences (primarily from India and Southeast Asia).
Decline and Rediscovery:
The decline of My Son began with the southward expansion of the Đại Việt (Vietnamese) kingdom, which gradually absorbed Cham territories. By the 15th century, the Champa Kingdom had significantly diminished, and My Son was largely abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle. It remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in 1898 by a French scholar, Henri Parmentier, and a team from the École française d'Extrême-Orient (French School of the Far East).
Current Status and Preservation:
Despite extensive damage from centuries of neglect, natural elements, and notably, bombing during the Vietnam War, My Son Sanctuary remains an invaluable archaeological site. In 1999, UNESCO recognized My Son as a World Heritage Site, citing its outstanding universal value as an example of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia and its importance in the history of the Champa Kingdom. Today, ongoing conservation and restoration efforts are in place to preserve the remaining structures. The sanctuary is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wish to explore the ancient ruins, learn about the Cham civilization, and appreciate the serene beauty of its natural surroundings.