Discover the breathtaking ancient Cham towers in Ninh Thuan.

Po Klong Garai Tower is a complex of three towers.

Po Klong Garai Tower

The Po Klong Garai Tower complex consists of three towers: the main tower dedicated to King Po Klong Garai, the gate tower to the east, and the Fire God tower to the south with a boat-shaped roof. The complex is surrounded by a rectangular wall on both the east and south sides.

This is a work of architectural and sculptural value, with reliefs such as the god Shiva, the divine bull Nandin, and statues of kings reaching a level of perfection. Therefore, it was classified as a national historical and cultural monument in 1979.

The main tower is over 20 meters high, with multiple levels, topped by a pointed stone pillar, symbolized by a Linga. The tower has a main entrance facing east, topped by an arch supported by two large stone pillars inscribed with ancient Cham script. Above the entrance is a bas-relief of the dancing god Shiva with six arms. The other three entrances, facing south, north, and west, are false doors, with pillars covered in protruding and recessed bricks, each topped with a meditating statue of a deity.

The site was classified as a national historical and cultural monument in 1979.

From the entrance, to the left is a stone statue of the divine bull Nandin, its head facing inwards towards the tower. Inside the tower, there is a Yoni measuring 1.47 meters in length and 0.94 meters in width, topped by a circular Linga. Above the Linga pillar is a carved portrait of King Po Klong Garai. Outside, there is a terraced hall connecting to the courtyard for worship.

Straight to the east is the gate tower, nearly 9 meters high, with two interconnected doors facing east-west, hence the name gate tower. The tower was also built following the principle of gradually narrowing as it rises.

To the south, between the two towers above, is the Fire God's shrine, over 9 meters high. The tower has three interconnected doors facing east, north, and south, with a window on the south side. The tower's function was for Brahmin priests and shamans to display sacrificial offerings and maintain the sacrificial fire.

What's special is that the tower's structure has a roof shaped like a traditional house (similar to the roof of a communal house in the Central Highlands or a boat-shaped roof like the top of a bronze drum).

Behind the main tower is a shrine dedicated to Queen Kút, whose name is recorded in history as Tố Lý. Outside the southern wall of the tower complex is a stone pillar (Linga) 2.2m high.

Po Tower, Rome

Po Rome Tower, also known as Hau Sanh Tower, is located in Hau Sanh village, Phuoc Huu commune, Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan province. Currently, the Cham people still regularly hold ceremonies and prayers at the tower during their festivals and holidays.

The Po Rome Tower, built around the late 16th century, is considered a symbol of the glorious golden age, marking the life and career of the last independent Champa king – King Po Rome.

Po Rome Tower is crowded during the festival season.

In 1992, the Po Rome tower was recognized as a national historical monument.

Overall, the architecture of Po Rome Tower is similar to that of Po Klong Garai Tower, built in the "Late" style – a typical architectural style of Champa from after the 13th century.

This structure has very few ornate patterns, reliefs, or carved decorations compared to other Cham tower complexes. Overall, the complex includes a main tower, a subsidiary tower, and a shrine.

The main tower is a three-tiered square tower, approximately 8 meters high and nearly 8 meters wide at the base. The apex is a large, four-sided, curved stone slab adorned with carved lines. The main facade faces east, with a vestibule-like entrance structure. Inside the tower is a statue of King Po Rome, approximately 1.2 meters tall, which is worshipped there.

Besides the statue of the king, there is also a female bust which the Cham people call the statue of Queen Po Bia Sancan of the Ede ethnic group, about 0.75m tall. The interior of the tower is narrow and elongated in an east-west direction, opening onto a small corridor in the vestibule with a wooden ceiling.

Hoa Lai Tower

Among the notable landmarks in Ninh Thuan, the Hoa Lai Tower is certainly worth mentioning. This ancient tower is considered one of the oldest surviving Cham structures.

Hoa Lai Tower is located along National Highway 1A, in Ba Thap village, Bac Phong commune, Thuan Bac district, Ninh Thuan province. Built between the 6th and 9th centuries, the tower boasts a unique architectural style characteristic of the ancient Champa Kingdom of Panduranga. Hoa Lai Tower was recognized as a national historical monument in 1997.

The most distinctive feature of the Hoa Lai tower complex is its extremely sophisticated decorative style, with intricate patterns and designs on the exterior of the towers.

Visiting Hoa Lai Tower, you will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the extremely refined construction and sculptural art of the Cham people. The tower is a complex of structures including the North Tower, the Middle Tower, and the South Tower.

Today, only the foundation of the central tower remains due to severe damage in the 9th century. This area is known as an ancient site with many auxiliary structures surrounding the tower, but over time only a few traces remain, such as the city walls and brick kilns.

The most distinctive feature of the Hoa Lai tower complex is its exquisitely crafted decoration, with intricate patterns on the exterior of the towers limited to the archways, pilasters, and cornices. Each tower possesses its own unique beauty, yet they are built in perfect harmony with one another.

The North Tower is built of brick, with impressive carvings of bird faces, animals, leaves, and flowers on its walls. There is only one entrance on the east side of the North Tower; the other three sides have false doors. Inside the tower, there are triangular niches for attaching lamps during religious ceremonies.

The South Tower is the tallest, also built of brick and featuring carved patterns on its walls, but it is unfinished. The entire tower appears as a massive cube rising from a square base and supporting a system of smaller levels.

Having endured over 1,000 years and countless historical ups and downs, the beauty of Hoa Lai Tower remains enduring, preserving the unique artistic values ​​of ancient Cham architecture and sculpture.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/kham-pha-nhung-thap-cham-co-dep-me-hon-o-ninh-thuan-396749.html