The Hindu Soul of My Son: Stories in Stone and Brick
Born in the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism is a strong religion that influenced many civilizations. My Son Sanctuary, in the ancient Champa Kingdom of Vietnam, reflects this reality. The god Shiva has had a profound impact on the Cham people's spiritual and social life.
Walking through the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, I felt I was walking in a sacred story, long preserved in stone and brick. Here at VIET DOVE Travel, I am excited to share The Hindu Soul of My Son: Stories in Stone and Brick. Let's look at how this UNESCO treasure captures Hinduism's legacy!
How Hinduism Found a Home in Champa
No doubt, even before the Cham people gained their independence from China in 192, they were trading at Dai Chiem Port with people from the West and India. They worshipped nature gods associated with aspects of their lives at this time, comprising mountain, sea, and forest spirits. "When Indian merchants introduced their culture, they did not imitate it, instead, they incorporated it into the fundamental belief system that they had," - Paul Lee, a local guide. Why? As they discovered that both cultures were agricultural. They both shared similar values. It is like coming across a new friend who understands you!
This blend of culture represents a new phenomenon, and one that came alive for me at My Son. A Small Group Experience: My Son Sanctuary at Sunrise is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in this remarkable history with a small group of people.
Hinduism’s Impact on My Son Sanctuary
At My Son, Hinduism is everywhere, particularly in the geography:
Mahaparvata Mountain: This is a representation of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of Hinduism, or a giant Linga (a male symbol).
The Stream: This represents the holy Ganges River, with holy water.
My Son Valley: This represents a Yoni (a female symbol), bringing the spiritual into balance.
As you can see, the temples represented Mountain Meru, where the Hindu gods live. As I walked around the temples, I was both enchanted and awed by the meaning inherent in every tower. In addition, there are statues, inscriptions, and carvings of gods such as Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Vishnu,... Each brick held a Hindu story!
Tours and activities offered by A Private Heritage Journey to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An allow you to explore these details up close with a guide.
Embark on a My Son sanctuary tour from Da Nang with a professional guide and cultural experience, where history comes alive through expert storytelling and immersive cultural encounters.
How Hinduism Connected to the Champa Kingdom
After independence in 192, the Cham built our kingdom, and they turned to India and looked to them for inspiration on how to organize their society, government, and religion. By the late 4th century, a Cham king named Bhadravarman made My Son the religious heart of the kingdom.
Hinduism became deeply woven into the everyday life of the Cham people, influencing their rituals, architecture, and social values. Standing amongst the ruins, I couldn't shake the feeling that the Cham were somehow speaking to me through the stones.
You could experience this too! An Exclusive Private Tour to My Son Sanctuary & Thanh Ha Village lets you experience a sacred site and a lovely pottery village all in one cultural experience.
Let's dive into My Son's Sacred Story!
That was my journey through The Hindu Soul of My Son: Stories in Stone and Brick. From the temples, to the gift of being the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom, My Son is a link to an ancient world and one of the greatest treasures in Vietnam. At VIET DOVE Travel, I have seen this place catch every visitor's imagination, and I know it will not fail to blow you away, too.
