Ancient Buddhist treasures reveal lost glory in Da Nang

The remains of Dong Duong Monastery continue to reveal the grandeur of a once-influential Buddhist hub.

Once one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent Buddhist centers, Dong Duong Monastery in Da Nang is now reduced to overgrown ruins. Yet the treasures uncovered here continue to reveal a flourishing era of Cham Buddhism and art more than a millennium ago.

Located in Dong Duong commune, Da Nang, the monastery was built in 875 by King Indravarman II to worship Laksmindra – Lokesvara, a form of Avalokitesvara regarded as the royal protector. The complex was once a major Buddhist center of the Cham civilization, with influence extending across Southeast Asia during the medieval period, often regarded as a sacred sanctuary of the kingdom.

Archaeological studies indicate that the complex included a monastery (Vihara) and a temple dedicated to Laksmindra Lokesvara Svabhayada, arranged along an east-west axis stretching approximately 1,300 meters. The architectural system consisted of multiple rectangular enclosures connected in sequence, each with a gate tower facing east and flanked by guardian deities.

At the heart of the complex stood the main temple within a vast compound surrounded by brick walls, connected to residential quarters for monks and lecture halls, forming a self-contained center for religious training.

The sculptures discovered at Dong Duong reflect the development of Mahayana Buddhism in Champa. While influenced by Chinese, Indian and regional elements, the architecture and sculpture retain strong local characteristics, forming a distinctive style in Cham art.

After centuries of war and historical upheaval, the once-glorious Buddhist center has largely vanished. Today, only remnants such as the Sang Tower and foundational traces of structures remain, many areas now covered with wild grass. The tower has been reinforced with a metal frame to prevent further deterioration.

Despite the ruins, excavations have uncovered hundreds of valuable artifacts, partially reconstructing the former grandeur of the temple complex. Many important objects, including two recognized national treasures, are currently preserved and displayed at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.