India Restores Hindu Temples Across Southeast Asia

India, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is involved in heritage conservation projects at several ancient temple and monastery sites in Southeast Asia. These sites include Hindu, Buddhist, and mixed religious monuments in Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

Archaeological Survey of India and Heritage Conservation

The Archaeological Survey of India is the central agency under the Ministry of Culture for archaeological research and conservation in India. The ASI also undertakes international heritage conservation projects through technical assistance, documentation, structural repair, and site management support.

Wat Phou Temple in Laos

Wat Phou is a 5th-century Hindu temple complex in southern Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ASI is continuing its restoration work there, and the second phase of the project is scheduled to conclude in 2028 at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore. Wat Phou is associated with pre-Angkorian Khmer architecture and with Shaivite religious traditions. The site lies near the Mekong River and forms part of the Champasak cultural landscape.

Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia

Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India and Indonesia have discussed restoration work for the complex, and the site is one of the largest Hindu temple ensembles in South-East Asia. Prambanan is dedicated mainly to the Trimurti, which includes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple complex is known for its tall central shrines and relief panels from the Ramayana tradition.

Ta Prohm, Preah Vihear, My Son and Dong Duong

Ta Prohm in Cambodia is a 12th- to 13th-century temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India has been involved in its conservation since 2003, with work focused on structural stability and preservation of original fabric. Preah Vihear is an 11th-century temple complex in Cambodia dedicated to Lord Shiva and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam contains Cham temple towers from the 7th to 11th centuries, and the E-F tower complex includes 11 structures under a preservation project from 2025 to 2029. Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, is an ancient Cham Buddhist site. Indian experts submitted restoration proposals for the monastery under an agreement from December 2020.

Important Facts for Exams

• ASI stands for Archaeological Survey of India, which functions under the Ministry of Culture.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the article include Wat Phou, Prambanan, Ta Prohm, Preah Vihear, and My Son Sanctuary.
• Wat Phou is located in Laos, while Prambanan is located in Indonesia.
• Preah Vihear is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the Cambodia-Thailand border region.

India’s Regional Heritage Diplomacy

India’s conservation work in Southeast Asia covers Hindu, Buddhist, and Cham heritage sites across multiple countries. The ASI is also involved in heritage projects in Myanmar, including the Ananda Temple.