More than 100 objects and photos, including 100 year-old images, featuring the preservation and development of the UNESCO-recognised My Son Sanctuary in the central province of Quang Nam are on display at an exhibition that opened on November 21.
My Son Sanctuary (Photo: VNA)
The exhibition aims to mark Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) and 20 years since the sanctuary won the recognition of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom, My Son Sanctuary is located in a hilly landscape in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, about 70 km southwest of central Da Nang city and 40 km from Hoi An city.
It comprises eight groups of 71 monuments built throughout the 7th to 13th centuries.
The first construction of My Son dated back to the 4th century under the reign of Bhadravarman for the worship of God Shiva-Bhadresvara. But later on, the temple was destroyed.
At the beginning of the 7th century, King Sambhuvarman had it rebuilt and rebaptised Sambhu-Bhadresvara.
Each new monarch came to My Son after his accession to the throne for the ceremony of purification and to present offerings and erect new monuments, which explains why My Son is the only place where Cham art flourished without interruption from the 7th to 13th century.
Over the past time, Vietnam has received the support of experts from foreign countries like France, Italy, Japan, Germany, the US and India and the conservation work.
On this occasion, the management board of the sanctuary received two collections by individuals, which will help to enrich values of the heritage./.