The Da Nang government has filed an application with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for formal recognition of the Hindu god Ganesh statue and Gajasimha sculpture as our national treasures.

Ganesha, elephant-headed Hindu god, is regarded as the god of wisdom, knowledge and prosperity. The sandstone Ganesha statue, dating back to between the 7th and the 8th centuries, is 48cm in length, 34cm in width and 95cm in height.

The sandstone sculpture of elephant-headed lion Gajasimha is 100cm in length, 84cm in width and 215cm in height and it dates back to the 7th century.

Both items are on display in the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang.

By DAN HUNG - Translated by M.D