The enchanting Apsara dance in the sacred site of My Son.

Moss has covered every crumbling ancient tower, and the bas-reliefs depicting dancing Apsaras add to the solemn atmosphere of My Son Sanctuary. Stepping inside, visitors feel as if they are entering a glorious bygone era of Cham culture.

Located about 65 km south of Da Nang city, My Son Sanctuary (Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province) is a solemn and magnificent site surrounded by a pristine valley.

The ruins remaining in the My Son sanctuary.

This sacred site is a complex of more than 70 temple and tower structures of the Champa civilization, towering majestically amidst the mountains and forests. Over the years, despite the heavy damage caused by time and war, the remnants of its golden age still evoke a captivating love in the hearts of visitors who wander into this valley.
According to legend, the temples and towers at My Son are architectural works built by successive kings, showcasing the most representative and exquisite aspects of the unique architectural art of that era. They were also once the site of religious ceremonies and the burial grounds of the Champa dynasty.
The path leading up to the towers is winding, with visitors passing through a small, tree-lined lane. As they get closer to the complex of historical relics, the ancient towers, solemn, majestic, and proud, which have stood for over 16 centuries, appear before their eyes.
 

The handling of materials demonstrates artistic and technical skill, while calculations of durability and firing techniques reveal the ingenious hands and minds of ancient people.

Among the various forms of Cham tower architecture, the complex of sacred sites like My Son is unique and rare. The towers are arranged in clusters of two or more, surrounded by walls, courtyards, and pathways connecting them. The main temple is located in the center, with the main entrance of the main tower mostly facing east, towards the deities.
In front of the main KaLan temple is a Gopura gate tower, a small structure with two interconnected doors: one facing east, the other towards the main temple. Following the gate tower is usually a long, tiled-roof Mandapa, a spacious interior that served as a place to welcome pilgrims, receive offerings, and perform dances during religious ceremonies.
Researchers believe that among the many architectural structures discovered in 1898, there was a tower reaching 24 meters in height. The tower's main body, supported by a system of columns, was surrounded by six smaller towers, the entire two-story structure radiating outwards like lotus petals. However, this valuable tower was destroyed during the war.

The Apsara dance is enchanting and captivating to visitors.

The entire temple complex was built using fired bricks and sandstone. Thousands of years have passed, yet the vibrant red color of each brick in the ancient towers remains undimmed. The handling of these materials demonstrates artistic skill, with calculations for durability and firing techniques showcasing the ingenious hands and minds of the ancient people.
Perhaps the most captivating moment at My Son is at sunset, when the ancient towers reveal their mystical beauty. Under the fiery red twilight, the ancient towers become shimmering and enchanting. Each relief depicting the dances of the Apsara dancers seems even more captivating.
Visiting My Son, if you're lucky enough to see the Apsara dancers in flesh and blood, with their enchanting "stone spirit" dances, you'll be captivated. The image of these girls with their full breasts and delicate, graceful hands, shimmering in their vibrant costumes, moving in the mesmerizing dance of the Paranung drums and Saranai flutes, will make you feel as if you've stepped into the mystical world of Cham culture.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/huyen-ao-vu-dieu-apsara-trong-thanh-dia-my-son-post119752.html