{"id":6155,"date":"2025-08-07T15:51:42","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T08:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnamexplore.vn\/?p=6155"},"modified":"2025-08-07T16:01:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T09:01:30","slug":"history-of-my-son-sanctuary-champa-heritage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnamexplore.vn\/en\/history-of-my-son-sanctuary-champa-heritage\/","title":{"rendered":"History of My Son Sanctuary \u2013 Champa Cultural Heritage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nestled in the lush green valley of the former Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, now part of Thu Bon Commune, Da Nang City, My Son Sanctuary is one of the most ancient and unique temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Often referred to as the \u201cAngkor Wat of Vietnam,\u201d this site is not only a fascinating destination for travelers but also a precious cultural heritage that reflects the pinnacle of art and spirituality of the ancient Champa Kingdom.<\/p>\n

This article will guide you through the history of My Son Sanctuary, the architectural value of the My Son temple complex, and useful information such as My Son Sanctuary entrance fees to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.<\/p>\n

1. Overview of My Son Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n

My Son Sanctuary is a complex of about 70 architectural structures built from brick and stone between the 4th and 13th centuries. It once served as the most important religious and spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom, dedicated to worshipping Shiva \u2013 the supreme deity in Hinduism.<\/p>\n

With its outstanding historical, cultural, and artistic values, the My Son Cham site was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Not only is it a prominent tourist attraction in Central Vietnam, but it also serves as a vivid source of material for researchers of Cham culture and Southeast Asian history.<\/p>\n

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2. History of My Son Sanctuary \u2013 From a Remote Valley to a Spiritual Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n

2.1. The Birth of My Son Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to archaeological findings and ancient inscriptions, the history of the formation of My Son Sanctuary dates back to the 4th century, during the reign of King Bhadravarman \u2013 the first monarch to build a wooden temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. However, this original temple was destroyed in a fire.<\/p>\n

In the late 6th century, King Sambhuvarman rebuilt the temple using brick, marking the beginning of the flourishing period of the My Son temple complex. From then until the 13th century \u2013 nearly 1,000 years \u2013 successive Champa kings continued to construct, expand, and enrich the sanctuary, transforming My Son into the national religious and ceremonial center of the Champa Kingdom.<\/p>\n

2.2. Historical and Spiritual Significance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

My Son was not only a place of worship but also hosted coronation ceremonies, royal commemorations, and served as a burial ground for royal family members. The architecture reflects the close relationship between royal power and religious faith, characteristic of the Indianized culture that Champa adopted and uniquely developed.<\/p>\n

2.3. Destruction During Wartime<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During the Vietnam War, the My Son Cham complex suffered severe damage from bombings, especially in 1969 when U.S. forces conducted heavy airstrikes in the area. Many towers collapsed or were heavily damaged. However, thanks to conservation efforts from both domestic and international organizations, several structures have been restored and protected for tourism and academic research.<\/p>\n

3. Unique Architecture of the My Son Temple Complex<\/strong><\/h2>\n

3.1. The Art of Fired Brick Construction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most astonishing aspects for scientists and architects is the ancient technique of building with fired bricks without the use of mortar, yet achieving tight, durable bonds that have withstood the test of time for centuries. To this day, the method remains a partially unsolved mystery.<\/p>\n

The red bricks were meticulously arranged, fitting closely together, using either an extremely thin layer of mortar or none at all. These bricks are highly durable, water-resistant, and remarkably resilient to weathering over time.<\/p>\n

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3.2. Architectural Layout Based on the Mandala Model<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The My Son temple complex was constructed following the Mandala layout \u2013 a cosmic model in Hinduism. Each architectural cluster consists of a main sanctuary (Kalan) surrounded by smaller temples and auxiliary towers used for rituals, storage, and ceremonial purposes.<\/p>\n

The Kalan<\/strong> serves as the central worship tower, symbolizing Mount Meru<\/strong><\/em><\/a> \u2013 the cosmic mountain and center of the universe in Hindu belief. The auxiliary towers are aligned along sacred religious axes, reinforcing the spiritual structure of the site.<\/p>\n

3.3. Sculpture and Religious Symbolism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the walls and facades of the towers, visitors can observe intricate carvings depicting deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha<\/strong>, celestial dancers like Apsaras<\/strong>, and mythical creatures such as elephants, lions, and the Naga serpent<\/strong>. These vibrant bas-reliefs reflect strong Indian cultural influences but are uniquely localized in the Champa artistic style.<\/p>\n

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4. Exploring the My Son Cham Relic Site \u2013 A Journey Back in Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n

4.1. Main Visiting Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Today, the heritage site is divided into several main groups, labeled from Group A to Group G, in which:<\/p>\n