My Son Sanctuary

My Son is a relic complex of the ancient Champa dynasty, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1999.

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

Sketch by Architect Vu Duc Chien. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Bui Hoan. Provided by Architect

My Son Sanctuary is a religious and belief center (influenced by Hinduism) with more than 70 temples and towers with many architectural and sculptural styles typical of each period of the Champa kingdom from the end of the 4th century to the 13th century. Unfortunately, due to war, the Champa architectural masterpiece, Tower A1 (the highest Pagoda Tower in My Son, 24 m) was destroyed by bombs.

Sketch by Architect Vu Duc Chien. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Nguyen Khanh Vu. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Nguyen Duc Cuong. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Dang Phuoc Tue. Provided by Architect

My Son is divided into many clusters of buildings, each cluster consists of a large tower as the main temple and surrounding sub-towers. The main towers are all pyramidal in shape, symbolizing the sacred peak of Mount Meru (the center of the universe, the residence of the gods in Hinduism). The main tower worships Shiva (the guardian god of the Champa kings) or worships the linga genitals. The motifs are often flowers, leaves, elephants, lions, Apsara dancers, gods, etc.

Sketch by Architect Bui Hoang Bao. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Nguyen Dinh Viet. Provided by Architect

Up to now, although there are many hypotheses, the construction technique (adhesive) as well as the brick firing (after more than a thousand years, still solid and moss-free) of the construction at My Son is still a headache for scientists.

Sketch by Architect Phuong Pham. Provided by Architect

Sketch by Architect Quy Nguyen. Provided by Architect

My Son Gallery - sketch by Architect Quy Nguyen. Provided by Architect

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