My Son Sanctuary

My Son is a complex of relics from the ancient Champa dynasty, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999.

In 1885, the French discovered a magnificent archaeological site hidden in a valley amidst dense forests: My Son (now located in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province , 45 km from Hoi An).

Sketch by architect Vu Duc Chien. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Bui Hoan. Provided by the architect.

My Son Sanctuary is a religious and spiritual center (influenced by Hinduism) with more than 70 temples and towers showcasing various architectural and sculptural styles characteristic of different periods of the Champa kingdom from the late 4th to the 13th centuries. Sadly, due to war, the masterpiece of Champa architecture, Tower A1 (the temple tower, the tallest in My Son, 24 meters), was destroyed by bombs.

Sketch by architect Vu Duc Chien. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Nguyen Khanh Vu. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Nguyen Duc Cuong. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Dang Phuoc Tue. Provided by the architect.

My Son is divided into several clusters of structures, each consisting of a large tower serving as the main temple and surrounding smaller towers. The main towers are all pyramidal in shape, symbolizing the sacred Mount Meru (the center of the universe, the abode of the gods in Hinduism). The main towers are dedicated to Shiva (the patron god of the Champa dynasties) or the phallic symbol linga. The motifs often include flowers, elephants, lions, Apsara dancers, and celestial beings.

Sketch by architect Bui Hoang Bao. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Nguyen Dinh Viet. Provided by the architect.

To this day, despite numerous theories, the construction techniques (binding materials) and the brick firing methods (remaining strong and moss-free after more than a thousand years) of the structures at My Son remain a perplexing question for scientists .

Sketch by architect Phuong Pham. Provided by the architect.

Sketch by architect Quy Nguyen. Provided by the architect.

My Son Gallery - sketches by architect Quy Nguyen. (Architect provided the materials.)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thanh-dia-my-son-185230520215540862.htm