Mỹ Sơn, Hindu temple complex in Da Nang, Vietnam
Mỹ Sơn is a complex of 70 red brick structures arranged in several groups across a valley near Da Nang, surrounded by mountains. The structures show towers, columns, and sanctuaries in different states of preservation, with some buildings partially destroyed while others remain largely intact.
The rulers of the Champa Kingdom built the temples between the 4th and 14th centuries as sites for religious ceremonies and royal burials. Bombing raids during the Vietnam War destroyed many of the original structures and changed the site significantly.
The names of the temples and their columns are written in Sanskrit, showing the influence of Hindu culture on the Cham civilization. Visitors can see representations of Shiva as Linga and reliefs with mythological scenes on the walls, still visible today.
The site offers guided tours through the different temple groups, with morning providing the best time for photographs. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the paths between the groups are uneven and sometimes rocky.
The structures were built from special bricks without mortar, showing advanced technique of the Champa Kingdom. The bricks were made so precisely that they remained stable through centuries thanks to their weight and fit.
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