On May 27, 2020, A 4-member team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a 1100-year-old monolithic sandstone Shiva lingam, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, at the Cham Temple Complex located in My Son Sanctuary of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.
They found during an excavation of the 4th season of conservation work of Group ‘A’ temples (annual work schedule of January-June 2020).
Built by the kingdom of Champa:
Completely protected, this Shivalinga is part of a complex of Hindu temples & was built by the powerful Champa kingdom between the fourth century and the 13th century in My Son.
Key Points:
i.Earlier, 6 other Shivalinga have been found in the temple premises but this one is the most magnificent.
ii.It is noteworthy that ‘My Son’ is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Center, built by King Indravarman II, the ruler of the Khmer Empire. Built in the 10th century, this temple is home to various Hindu temples or is a wonderful example of the advanced technological civilization of the Cham people.
About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
Headquarters– New Delhi
Director General– Smt. V Vidyavathi
Parent organization– Ministry of Culture, Government of India
About Vietnam:
Capital– Hanoi
Currency– Vietnamese dong
Prime Minister– Nguyễn Xuân Phúc
