Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery at a Cham Buddhist temple site in An Phú district, An Giang province, Vietnam. This region, home to a Cham community, is among the country's most remote areas and offers a glimpse into the rich history of an ancient Austronesian ethnic group.
The Cham People and the Kingdom of Champa
The Cham people were the original inhabitants of central Vietnam and coastal Cambodia, long before the arrival of the Vietnamese and Cambodians. They established the Kingdom of Champa, a collection of Hindu-Buddhist principalities, in the 2nd century AD.
Over time, the Champa kingdom faced challenges from the growing Khmer Empire and the territorial expansion of the Vietnamese. By the 17th to 19th centuries, Vietnamese forces had annexed the last remnants of the Champa territories, leading to the kingdom’s eventual decline.
Discovering the "Sacred Pit"
Recent archaeological efforts at a Cham Buddhist temple site revealed a significant structure known as the "Sacred Pit." At its core lies a circular brick arrangement in a swastika pattern, an ancient symbol representing good fortune and auspiciousness. The site, dating back to the 9th or 10th century, showcases the distinct architectural style of the Champa civilization.
Rare Votive Offerings Found
Within the "Sacred Pit," researchers uncovered an extraordinary collection of votive treasures, believed to have been offerings placed during the temple’s construction. Among the remarkable finds were:
An inscribed gold object conveying the Buddhist principle of Dependent Origination.
A Kamandalu-style vase placed atop an eight-petaled golden flower, symbolizing purity and abundance.
Dozens of artifacts crafted from glass and precious gemstones, highlighting the artistry and spiritual devotion of the Cham people.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
This discovery offers a rare opportunity to explore the spiritual and architectural contributions of the Cham civilization. The intricate design of the "Sacred Pit" and the valuable treasures it holds provide a deeper understanding of the kingdom’s Buddhist heritage and the enduring cultural significance of the Cham people.
