My Son

31-Aug-2000

My Son was the religious capitol of the Champa Empire - before the Cham turned Muslim and ceded My Son to the Vietnamese
At The end of the 4th century, King Bnadonayarman built the first wooden temple in My Son for the worship of Shiva. The only way to get to this ruin was by river, so we took a boat.

A sign here gave the history of the place (bad english theirs):
At the end of the 4th century, King Bhadravarman has built a first wooden temple in My Son for the worship of the God-King Siva-Bhadresvara.
Up to now, the quantity and style of the temples built in My Son before the 7th century was not been known yet because they were wholly burnt.
In the early 7th century, King Sambhuvarman had the temple worshiping God Bhadresvara. New temples were built or old ones restored by each successive Champa royal dynasty to worship their gods.
With more than 70 works being built from the end of the 4th century to 13th century, My Son was the most important Hinduism holy land of Champa kingdom, Here we can find almost [any?] style in Cham art



First glimpse of the ruins


Lingam on square yoni
This yoni (vagina) is square because the Cham believed the earth was square - later Yoni's were round


Phallic inscription on a lingam
Since a lingam is a penis; this is sort of redundant don't ya think?


The original lord of the dance: Shiva
We know this is Shiva because there was a sign here that said:
Siva múa/Dancing Siva


Krishna's foot


Vishnu


SGK on Ganesha's body
If only Shiva had found a head this pretty to put on Ganesha's shoulders...


Colourful lizard




Riverine children





Boat ride back to Hoi An