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ARTICLES
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My Son: A Holy Land Of Hinduism (07/02/2012)
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 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.
Source: Saigontimes
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