Together with Hoi An ancient town, My Son tower was recognized as World Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1999. This place used to be the capital of Champa kingdom which welcomes hundreds of thousands visitors every year.
In 1898, a French archaeologist found out My Son Sanctuary lie hidden from inside a narrow valley and be surrounded by dense ancient forests. Soon after that, the French scientists did a research on stelae and architectural, sculptureal works to reveal My Son’s mysteries. This is considered as the most grandiose and specific complex of religious relics of Champa Kingdom that was built during more than 1000 years from the late 4th to the 15th centuries.
My Son comprises of more than 70 architectural works designed in different architecture styles reflecting historical periods of Cham Pa Kingdom. Most of architectural and sculptural works in My Son were influenced by Hinduism style. The tower is in pyramid shape, the symbol of Meru summit, where Hindu gods lived at. The gates often face to the East to receive sunlight. The exterior walls were decorated with leaves patterns. The ornaments are sandstone statues of Makara (a mythical sea monster which has pointed canineteeth and long nose), dancer Apsara, lions, elephants, Garuda mythical birds, praying persons….
The center of holy land consits of one main tower and six sub-towers surrounding the tower. The main tower has 2 doors, one in the east and the other in the west. Each of them includes 8 steps and arches. According to records, this is the highest tower of My Son holy land with the height of 24 m, its bottom is square-shaped with 10 cm long for each side. The tower worships Linga-Yoni set. The top of the upper layer is made of sandstone and carved with elephant and Iion designs. In the lower layer, the walls are carved with fairies, water evils and men riding elephants.
After many centuries, there are only 20 architectural works remains in My Son. Many towers and temples are now ruins. Stone pillars, Yoni and Linga pedestals ( symbol of Hinduism reproduction) were scattered every where. However, its remnants are enough to surprise visitors by amazing architectures, sculptures, and decorative art of ancient Champa people. Especially, the technique of linking materials together without glues in construction of My Son is still an unanswered question to everybody