Mỹ Sơn Cham Hindu Temple Ruins Vietnam

A cluster of abandoned Shiva temple ruins, constructed between the 4th and the 13th century by the Kings of Champa, an Indianized kingdom in Vietnam. A UNESCO world heritage site, the buildings have undergone several restoration efforts.

00:00 – International Restoration
Various nations, including India, Poland, Italy, France, Germany, and Japan, have contributed to the restoration of the temples.

01:17 – Discovery of My Son
The ruins were discovered by French people in 1885. Before this, Hinduism in Vietnam was largely forgotten, as the country became predominantly Buddhist. The 70 continuous constructions at My Son span from the 4th to the 13th century. The temples were built by Champa kings as offerings to Shiva, who protected them in battles. My Son’s remote location deep in the jungle was chosen to avoid enemies like the Mongolians, Chinese, and Javanese, who sought to control the rich Champa kingdom’s trading routes. The Champa kingdom declined after the 13th century and completely disappeared by 1827.

02:53 – Champa Culture Today
Champa people still live in various countries including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, and the US. A distinguishing characteristic of Champa people is the family name “Chej,” which is a lady’s name, indicating their matriarchal society.

03:38 – Original and Restored Bricks
A significant challenge remains in understanding the original Champa brick technology, which exhibits remarkable durability and unique properties compared to modern bricks. The original bricks quickly drain water and change quality when reassembled, while modern restoration bricks struggle to withstand the local weather. The mortar used by the Champa people is still a mystery.

08:00 – Temple Layout & Caste
The temples were intentionally small because only priests (Brahmins), the highest caste, and royal family members were allowed inside. Kings, soldiers, and wealthy individuals had to stand outside. Prayers would typically begin in a meditation house, proceed through a gate (goruba), and culminate at the temple.

09:50 - Fertility Rituals (Linga & Yoni)
The altars inside the temples featured a linga (male symbol) and yoni (female symbol), representing fertility and creation. Holy water and milk were poured over these symbols. This practice reflects the importance of Shiva as both a creation and destruction deity, and his dance (tandava) with his wife Parvati symbolizes the creation of the new world.

11:35 - Architecture Differences
The temples display integrated architectural styles, with some elements showing northern Vietnamese and even Roman influences due to ancient trading routes.

12:45 - Champa Language Inscription
13:10 - Transport to Champa Capital (Simhapura)
The Champa capital, Simhapura, was approximately 20 kilometers from the My Son temple complex. Travel from the capital to My Son was primarily by elephants and boats along the valley.

13:37 - Linga Trimurti Cycle
A linga with three distinct parts is explained as representing the Linga Trimurti Cycle, where each section symbolizes a Hindu deity and their role in the cosmic order: Brahma represents creation, Vishnu represents protection, and Shiva represents destruction that leads to recreation. These three deities are united in one concept known as the Trimurti, which is compared to the Christian Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in its emphasis on creation, protection, and destruction leading to renewal. This cycle is presented as a natural law and is linked to the Buddhist idea of reincarnation, where life follows a repeating cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death, and rebirth.

14:35 - Mixing Religions in Champa
Religiously, Champa blended Hinduism with Buddhism and later Islam. This is evident in statues that combine features of Shiva and Buddha, such as a Buddha face on a Shiva figure.

17:10 - Restoration and War Damage
The temples suffered significant damage during the Vietnam War, particularly from bombing. Restoration efforts, sponsored by companies like D and Mitsubishi, not only involved rebuilding but also extensive cleanup of unexploded ordnance. Many locals, including children, risked their lives to collect gunpowder and metal from bombs for income. Despite the destruction, over 70 constructions, some still undiscovered, remain at My Son.

20:30 - Group A Temples
21:15 - Champa Women Worshipping

Date: 09 Jul 2025
My Son, Quảng Nam, Vietnam