Hindu influences reached Vietnam during the early Common Era, as Indian traders and travellers ventured into Southeast Asia. Their interactions with local communities sowed the seeds of Hindu religious and cultural practices, which were embraced and adapted by the local population.
Accidentally discovered in 1985, the Cat Tien Sanctuary is a monumental archaeological site located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It reveals traces of a highly Indianized civilization that thrived from the 4th to the 9th century. Among its treasures is the largest stone lingam ever found in Southeast Asia, symbolizing the profound influence of Hindu beliefs in the region.
Today, Hinduism in Vietnam is predominantly practiced by the Balamon Cham people, one of the world’s two surviving non-Indic indigenous Hindu groups. Concentrated mainly in the Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, Cham Hindus celebrate their faith through temples and festivals like the vibrant Kate Festival, which marks the beginning of October. They believe that upon death, the sacred bull Nandi carries their souls to India, the spiritual homeland of their ancestors.
Four main Hindu temples : Po Inu Nugar, Po Rome, Po Klaung Girai, and Po Dam remain active places of worship for the Cham Hindus, alongside other historical sites like Mieu Po Nagar and Den Po Kabrah. Despite their resilience, these temples face challenges in preservation and recognition, relying on the community for their upkeep.
In the late 19th century, Tamil immigrants from Pondicherry, then a French colony in India, brought Hindu traditions to southern Vietnam. They constructed iconic temples in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the Mariamman Temple, Sri Thendayutthapani Temple, and Sunbramaniar Temple. These architectural marvels, built with traditional Indian craftsmanship, stand as living symbols of Tamil Hindu culture.
The Mariamman Temple, revered by both Hindus and local Vietnamese, is believed to have miraculous powers and attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds. However, the Tamil Hindu community, now a small minority, faces challenges in maintaining these temples due to limited resources and declining population.
The Hindu Kingdom, Champa. Vietnam was once home to the ancient Hindu kingdom of Champa, which rivaled the Khmer Empire in Southeast Asia. The Champa people, whose remnants survive as the Cham Hindus, left behind a rich legacy of temple architecture, inscriptions, and cultural traditions. Their history, often intertwined with war and assimilation, is a testament to the enduring spirit of their civilization.
Today, Hinduism in Vietnam is a tapestry of indigenous traditions and Tamil influences, woven together by shared values of faith and believe. With approximately 64,000 Hindus; both Balamon and migrant communities, according to the 2019 census, the religion continues to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Vietnam.
The preservation of Hindu temples and traditions in Vietnam is a responsibility shared by the global Hindu community. Visiting these sacred sites, supporting conservation efforts, and recognizing the historical significance of Hinduism in Vietnam can ensure that this rich heritage thrives for generations to come.
As the Shivan Lingam at Cat Tien reminds us, the bonds between India and Vietnam, forged through shared spiritual and cultural values, are timeless and enduring. It is a legacy that calls for celebration!
Source / Image Credit : Medium · Gijo Vijayan, The Hindu Heritage, SpringerLink, Travel Vietnam