My Son Sanctuary and interesting archaeological discoveries

Affirmation of the “sacred path”

According to the My Son Cultural Heritage Management Board, since the beginning of March, the Management Board has coordinated with the Institute of Archaeology to conduct archaeological exploration and excavation with a total area of ​​220 m2 in the area east of Tower K. The working session opened a total area of ​​200 m2 for excavation, designed into 2 adjacent pits, each pit has an area of ​​100 m2 and opened 4 exploration pits, with a total area of ​​20 m2.

The excavation and exploration on an area of ​​220 m2 has clarified more about the sacred path leading to the My Son relic site that was previously unknown.

The excavation and exploration pits have revealed the structure of a section of the architectural path leading to the East of Tower K. The path leading from the East of Tower K leads to the tower areas E - F deep inside the My Son valley. The surrounding wall was built by building/arranging bricks in double rows on both sides, with broken bricks stuffed in the middle. Experts believe that this wall may not have been built high but only as a dividing wall to limit the space inside and outside the path within the same sacred space of the relic. The artifacts discovered during the work were not many, but through some ceramic and terracotta artifacts, it can be seen that they are dated from the 10th to the 12th century in a stable stratigraphic order.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy, Institute of Archaeology - the project leader, said that the results of this survey and excavation confirmed that there was a path leading from Tower K to the central area of ​​My Son Sanctuary in the 12th century, which is the first time that domestic and international archeological and historical researchers have known about it.

This road extends over a space of over 500 m, starting from tower K towards the front yard of tower F. Through the results of exploration and excavation in 2023-2024, it was possible to determine with certainty the structure of the road from tower K to the dry stream area to the East - about 150 m from tower K.

“After the survey results in 2023, the research team determined that this road has many functions, one is “Shinto” – the path of Hindu gods or “Royal Road” – the path for Champa kings and monks to enter the My Son sanctuary to worship their gods. This is the sacred road – the path leading gods, kings and Brahmanical monks to the sacred space of My Son sanctuary” – Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy affirmed.

Proposal to continue archaeological excavations

Dr. Le Dinh Phung, Vietnam Archaeological Association, acknowledged that this is the first time domestic archaeologists have learned of a "divine path" of the ancient Cham people entering the ceremony at My Son.

This discovery is extremely important, marking a new development period of My Son with a series of architectures built after the 10th century such as tower groups K, H, G or single architectural works such as E4. "The historical value of the road shows that My Son has always played a spiritual role, a place where the gods of the Cham people converge throughout history" - Dr. Le Dinh Phung analyzed.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy said that from the research results in the two field seasons of 2023-2024, a number of scientific issues have been raised that need to be further resolved. Firstly, it is necessary to clarify the scale, structure and appearance of the entire "sacred road" in the overall context of the My Son relic site. Secondly, it is necessary to clarify whether or not there was a watchtower area guarding the front of the My Son sanctuary. Thirdly, is it possible to find traces of a road leading to the My Son sanctuary before the 12th century? Mr. Quy proposed that the My Son Cultural Heritage Management Board submit to the Duy Xuyen District People's Committee and relevant agencies for consideration and approval to continue implementing the task of "Excavating and researching the archeology of the architecture of the road leading to the My Son sanctuary" scheduled to be carried out in the period of 2025-2026.

Experts excavated two adjacent pits with a total area of ​​200 m2 and opened four exploratory pits with a total area of ​​20 m2, revealing much evidence confirming that this is the sacred road leading to My Son. Photo: MINH CUONG

Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Van Doanh, a researcher of Cham culture, shared that the discovery of the divine path is very important, so it is necessary to continue researching to the end before preserving the original, intact state of this ruin.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Khiet, Deputy Director in charge of the My Son Cultural Heritage Management Board, said that the archaeological research on the system of architectural ruins of the path in the area around the K tower to clearly show the sacred path leading to the My Son holy land of the ancient Cham people is a very necessary task. The research results will contribute to helping the Management Board better promote the historical and cultural values ​​of the relic; organize to pick up and drop off tourists along the path left by the Cham people, helping tourists have a clearer view of the My Son holy land and the Champa culture in history.

Discovered "sacred paths" in many relics

According to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy, traces of sacred roads or ceremonial roads related to Hindu rituals have been discovered by archaeologists in a number of locations similar to My Son Temple Complex. In 2015, at Go Thap Muoi (Dong Thap), a large road running in the East-West direction was discovered, with two stepped brick banks on the outside and many different layers of soil on the inside to form a hard foundation. At Go Sau Thuan ( An Giang ), a ceremonial road 8.85 m wide, with 3 lanes, was discovered. At Cat Tien relic site (Lam Dong), excavators in 2022-2023 reported the discovery of an 8.85 m wide road with a structure similar to the road discovered at My Son...

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thanh-dia-my-son-va-nhung-phat-hien-khao-co-ly-thu-196240409213149106.htm