My Son is an ancient monumental treasure in Vietnam. However, some statues and
exhibits were stolen or had collapsed during the war or over time.
Arriving at My Son, tourists may lose themselves in the vast green forest,
fresh air and tranquility. After going up and down the slopes, travelers will
see an ancient tower hidden behind the gravel path and bushy trees.
My Son is a cluster of Hindu temples and is surrounded by mountain ranges. In
the past, My Son was a burial place for Cham royalty and a site of religious
ceremonies for the kings of the ruling Champa dynasties.
My Son is regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast
Asia and is a unique place in Vietnam. Observing the My Son temples, with their
sandstone exhibits and statues, tourists will see spiritual culture more often
identified with India. Scientists said that the first temple was built in My Son
in the sixth century. Unfortunately, a major fire reduced it to ashes. Some
other temples were built to make My Son an original architectural complex. These
temples are different from each other, and each has its own mysterious
exterior.
Apart from the temple architecture, Hindu culture is also reflected
through the relics found in My Son. They were made in the era of King
Bhadravarman I, who ruled from 380 until 413 AD. A temple was built to worship
Shiva in the form of lingam, which is interpreted as the God of Rebirth. Until
now, this religious culture has existed in old written records in Sanskrit.
Lingam, yoni, Nadin and Apsara statues have been kept in the temples.
Tourists will be amazed when seeing the red bricks used to build the temples. No
one fully understands how the bricks were made, or what construction techniques
were used by the Cham builders to set up these temples without any
adhesives.
No matter how the temples were built, every cluster in My Son consists of the
main temple of Kalan, which is surrounded by temples featuring lingam, yoni and
Shiva statues. Researchers said that in front of the complex is the entrance
gate-tower called Gopura, and the next is Mandapa, a vestibule for public
rituals.
Next to the vestibule is an architectural work facing the north, often called
the direction of Kubera, the God of Wealth. It has one or two halls containing
offerings to worship the gods. The main entrance gates of all temples face the
east to receive the sunlight completely. Every temple is shaped like a pyramid,
which is the symbol of Lord Meru and where Hindu gods reside. However, tourists
will find some traces of Buddhism in the land of Hinduism. In the 10th century,
Buddhism became the main religion of the Cham people.
Sweating profusely after a tour around temples in My Son Sanctuary, tourists
can enjoy a folk music program performed by Cham girls in traditional dress.
SGT