Explain the rise of Avalokitesvara cult in the mainland kingdoms of Champa-Vietnam ie. My Son and Dong Duang

The rise of the Avalokitesvara cult in the mainland kingdoms of Champa-Vietnam, specifically in My Son and Dong Duang, can be explained through several key factors:

1. Buddhist Influence: The Avalokitesvara cult is a part of Mahayana Buddhism, which was introduced to the region of Champa-Vietnam around the 2nd century AD. The spread of Buddhism in this region was facilitated by trade and cultural exchanges with India and China, both of which had strong Buddhist traditions.

2. Syncretism: The Avalokitesvara cult was able to gain popularity in Champa-Vietnam due to its syncretic nature. This means that it was able to incorporate elements from other religious traditions, making it more appealing to a wider range of people. In the case of Champa-Vietnam, the Avalokitesvara cult incorporated elements from local animistic and Hindu traditions.

3. Royal Patronage: The rulers of the Champa-Vietnam kingdoms played a significant role in the rise of the Avalokitesvara cult. They patronized the cult and built temples dedicated to Avalokitesvara, such as the ones in My Son and Dong Duang. This royal patronage not only provided the cult with financial support, but also gave it a level of prestige and legitimacy.

4. Cultural Exchange: The Champa-Vietnam kingdoms were part of a larger network of trade and cultural exchange in Southeast Asia. This allowed for the spread of ideas and religious practices, including the Avalokitesvara cult. The cult's emphasis on compassion and mercy would have resonated with the local population, further facilitating its spread.

5. Art and Iconography: The art and iconography associated with the Avalokitesvara cult also played a role in its rise. The depiction of Avalokitesvara as a compassionate bodhisattva would have been appealing to the local population. Furthermore, the use of local artistic styles in the depiction of Avalokitesvara helped to make the cult more relatable and accessible to the local population.

In conclusion, the rise of the Avalokitesvara cult in the mainland kingdoms of Champa-Vietnam was the result of a combination of factors, including the spread of Buddhism, syncretism, royal patronage, cultural exchange, and art and iconography.