My Son E1 Altar

MY SON E1 ALTAR

E1 Tower, My Son, Quang Nam | 7th – 8th centuries | Sandstone | [BTC 6]

The altar consists of 16 blocks of stones but currently just remains 14 blocks. On top of the altar is likely to support a huge Linga – Yoni made of sandstone (now lost).

This is the only pedestal showing the life of monks (or Rishi) with various activities such as practice, ritual, teaching, meditation, resting in the sacred forests. Some details simulate the architecture of a tower such as steps, arches, door pillars, decorative motifs of flowers and leaves. In front of the steps also illustrates dancers performing a soft and vivid dance of the divine scarf to honor the Gods.

My Son E1 altar carries many iconic metaphors for a temple, representing the legendary mountain Meru in Indian mythology. Mount Meru and its peak Mount Kailasa is the abode of the gods and Shiva reigning on the top of the mountain, represented by the symbol of Linga – Yoni worship.

Some patterns of floral décor and character costumes imply resemblances with the sculptures of both Mon-Dvaravati art in Thailand and pre-Angkor (Cambodia) in the 7th – 8th centuries.

The Alter is recognized as the National Treasure in 2012.

References

1. Official website of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: chammuseum.vn
2. Information points and annotations of artifacts at Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
3. “Vibrancy in Stone – Masterpieces of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture”
4. Information guidebook introducing 20 characteristic artifacts at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
5. Presentation of tourist destinations in Da Nang.
6. Web portal of Da Nang city

DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION