Tài trợ từ chính phủ Ấn Độ để bảo tồn nhóm E-F, di tích Mỹ Sơn

On the morning of June 22, 2025, His Excellency Sandeep Arya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Vietnam, paid an official visit to the My Son temple complex. Welcoming and working with the Ambassador and his spouse was Mr. Nguyen Cong Khiet -  Management Board.

On this occasion, the Director extended his warmest regards to the Ambassador and his spouse, and highly commended the success of the Indian Embassy in organizing the exhibition of the Buddha's relics and the International Day of Yoga celebrations over the past two months. Mr. Nguyen Cong Khiet reported on the implementation progress of the conservation project for Groups E and F, emphasizing that even in its early months, the project has demonstrated significant collaborative efforts between the two sides. Experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the My Son team have closely coordinated in both preparatory and restoration activities. The project has achieved positive initial results, particularly in the restoration of structures such as Gate tower F2, Gate tower E2, the western boundary wall of Group E,F, and preparations for the restoration of Tower E3. All restoration work strictly adheres to principles of preserving the site's original elements.

The Ambassador expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm and respectful reception by the My Son Cultural Heritage Management Board and acknowledged the strong cooperation from Quang Nam province, especially the effective direct collaboration with the Board in launching the restoration of Group E and F. The Ambassador and his spouse also visited the ongoing restoration works, engaging in extensive discussions about the historical and cultural significance of Groups E and F as well as conservation methods. He praised the local workers for their crucial role as key partners in ensuring successful restoration outcomes.

The E,F Group Conservation Project, funded by the Government of India, is scheduled to be carried out from 2025 to 2029, with the goal of preserving the architectural complex of Groups E and F.

Groups E and F had previously undergone two excavations: the first from 1903 to 1904 by the French École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), and the second from 2002 to 2003 by the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology. However, only Tower E7 was restored afterward.

Group E-F is among the earliest architectural complexes dedicated to Shaivism, dating from the 7th-8th to the 10th-11th centuries. It represents vital evidence of the development of architecture and sculptural art at the My Son sanctuary in particular and Champa civilization in general. However, it remains largely in ruins and partially buried, with numerous bomb craters and bullet holes-remnants of war that ended nearly five decades ago.

According to Henri Parmentier’s 1904 survey, Group E-F originally comprised 12 structures. Group F included the main temple F1, gateway tower F2, subsidiary tower F3, and enclosing walls. At present, only F1 and F2 survive; tower F3 was completely destroyed by bombing. Tower F1, located at the center of Group F, served as the main shrine. Group F lies in the northeast corner of the My Son valley and shares walls and layout continuity with Group E, forming a representative Shaivite worship complex.

Group F is now in a severely ruined state, heavily affected by both time and war. The main temple F1, dating from the 8th to 9th centuries, is a typical Hindu temple worshipping Shiva through the Linga-Yoni symbol. Its roof has entirely collapsed, and the remaining walls stand only 2 to 4 meters high, showing serious cracking, deformation, and structural disconnection. The foundation of F1 is also significantly damaged; only traces of its original decorative motifs remain, yet they suggest the influence of the Hoa Lai style and elements from other relics. The brickwork at the base has decayed and eroded, showing structural loss. The interior pedestal has collapsed entirely, with the sacred pit disturbed and several pedestal components buried deep within.

Group F dates from the 7th century, predating many other structures at My Son. After centuries of abandonment in the forest, natural degradation and war have caused the near-total collapse of most of its structures. Furthermore, the 2003 excavation was not followed by any restoration, accelerating the site's deterioration. As an interim solution, in 2004, the Mỹ Sơn Cultural Heritage Management Board erected temporary support structures and a protective shelter over Temple F1, which remains in place today.

Temple F1's construction technique is distinct from most other temples at My Son, its outer shell was built with brick, while the inner core was compacted earth, sand, and gravel, making it highly vulnerable to environmental damage.

Group E includes nine structures and a surrounding wall system. Temple E1 is especially significant as the discovery site of three national treasures: the My Son E1 altar, the Ekamukhalinga, and the tympanum depicting the birth of Brahma. Group E is also in urgent need of conservation and restoration. Urgent measures are required to conserve, restore, and re-establish the remaining architectural components of Groups E-F, including drainage systems and the stream embankment north of Group F. After the completion of restoration, the temporary shelter over Tower F1 should be dismantled, and the landscape of Group F conserved with regular maintenance. During the conservation process, it is also necessary to re-establish the altars of My Son E1 and F1.

Translator : Nhan