My Son Sanctuary is a Champa cultural heritage
My Son Sanctuary, located in Quang Nam province, is one of Vietnam's most valuable cultural heritages, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. This is a complex of ancient temples and towers of Champa, built from the 4th to 14th centuries, was once an important religious and cultural center of the Champa kingdom. My Son not only attracts tourists with its unique architecture but is also a testament to the brilliant development of Champa civilization in history.
1. History and Origin of My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary was built during the reign of King Bhadravarman I around the 4th century, with the purpose of being a place to worship Hindu gods, especially Shiva, the patron god of the Champa kingdom. Over time, My Son became an important religious, cultural and political center of the Champa people. The Champa kings built many temples and towers here to worship their gods and ancestors, creating a monumental religious architectural complex.
For 10 centuries, My Son was the place where important ceremonies took place, as well as the burial place of Champa kings and monks. However, by the 15th century, the Champa kingdom declined, and My Son Sanctuary was gradually forgotten, sinking deep into the mountains and forests until it was rediscovered by archaeologists at the end of the 19th century.
2. Unique Architecture of My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary stands out with its unique architecture of temples and towers built entirely from baked bricks, with special construction techniques that are still a mystery that have not been completely decoded. The main towers of My Son have a pointed tower shape, symbolizing the peak of Mount Meru, the residence of the gods according to Hindu beliefs.
Each tower in the My Son complex has a main room used to worship gods, usually Shiva, and additional rooms for worship. The temples and towers are meticulously built with intricate patterns, statues and sculptural details, demonstrating the ingenuity of Cham Pa artisans. Statues such as Shiva, Apsara dancers and other religious symbols carved on brick walls are special highlights of these temples.
3. Groups of Towers at My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary consists of many different groups of towers, including 10 groups of large and small towers, numbered from A to G. Each group of towers represents a different historical period and architectural style, reflecting the development and change of the Champa kingdom through each period.
Tower A group
Tower group A is the oldest and largest group of towers in My Son Sanctuary. This is the place to worship Shiva and is the most important religious center of the Champa people. The towers in group A are built with sophisticated architecture, meticulously carved patterns and bold Hindu imprints.
Groups of Towers B, C and D
Groups of towers B, C and D were built in the following centuries, with developments in scale and architecture. The towers in this group also worship Shiva and have similar architecture to group A, but the carved patterns become more complex and delicate.
G Tower Group
Group G tower was built in the 11th century, demonstrating the interference between Champa architecture and Khmer culture. The towers in group G are smaller in size but elaborately decorated with images of gods and Hindu symbols.
4. My Son – World Cultural Heritage
In 1999, My Son Sanctuary was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage thanks to its special historical, cultural and architectural value. My Son is not only a place to preserve vestiges of an ancient civilization but also evidence of the outstanding development of Champa architecture and art.
With the combination of religious, cultural and artistic elements, My Son has become one of the attractive destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. Archaeologists and researchers continue to learn about the construction and sculpture techniques of the Champa people, in order to decode the mysteries left behind by this civilization.
5. Explore My Son Sanctuary
Tourists visiting My Son Sanctuary will admire ancient architectural works amid the majestic nature of Central Vietnam. Besides visiting temples and towers, visitors can also learn about Champa history and culture through art performances, such as the traditional Apsara dance of the Cham people.
To fully experience the beauty of My Son, visitors can participate in eco-tours, explore the surrounding mountains and forests and immerse themselves in the pristine, peaceful natural scenery. My Son Sanctuary is not only a historical and cultural destination but also offers a unique experience, helping visitors better understand a civilization that once existed and flourished.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is a priceless cultural heritage of Vietnam, where the architectural and artistic quintessence of the ancient Champa kingdom is preserved. With the ancient beauty and mystery of the temples and towers, My Son has become a must-see destination for those who love history and cultural exploration. UNESCO's recognition has helped My Son affirm its position on the world heritage map, attracting more and more tourists to admire and learn.
