Preserving the "breath" of the ancient tower
Located atop Ba Nai hill in Phu Thuy ward, Po Sah Inu Tower is one of the relatively well-preserved ancient Cham tower complexes in Lam Dong province. After nearly 1,300 years, unlike many ancient ruins, it remains vibrant and alive in community life. From an ancient architectural structure, Po Sah Inu has become a cultural and tourist destination rich in unique character. What is special is that it still maintains a religious atmosphere with incense burning and traditional rituals performed regularly.
The person who helps keep these towers alive is Mr. Dong Xuan Binh (born in 1954). Amidst the ancient atmosphere of the thousand-year-old Cham tower complex, Mr. Binh appears in simple white attire, a distinctive headscarf, and a slow gait. Few know that behind this unassuming appearance is a person entrusted by the Cham community with the important responsibility of preserving the spiritual life of this famous ancient tower.
“I don’t go anywhere; my life is just from home to the Po Sah Inư tower, performing rituals for the Cham people…,” Mr. Binh said in a slow but firm voice.
The selection of the tower caretaker is based on recommendations and trust from the local Cham community. The chosen person must be elderly, reputable, from an exemplary family, respected by the community, and especially knowledgeable about Cham customs and beliefs. Mr. Binh was assigned the task of caring for the towers, opening them in the morning and closing them at the end of the day, sweeping and cleaning the altars and incense burners, and preparing incense for the Cham people and tourists who come to offer prayers. "Being able to look after the towers and pray for the community is my joy," Mr. Binh said.
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Silently preserving the sacred space.
Within the Po Sah Inu tower complex, there are still temples dedicated to Princess Po Sah Inu, daughter of King Para Chanh. Almost every day, Cham people from many places come here to worship. Some pray for health, peace, and prosperity in business; others pray for their children's academic success and exam achievements. Whenever someone comes to visit, Mr. Binh prepares incense and candles and performs the prayer rituals.
Late in the afternoon, as the sun began to fade on Ba Nai Hill, groups of visitors continued to ascend to the Po Sah Inu Tower. Some entered the tower to light incense sticks and then silently knelt in reverence. Inside the time-worn chambers, blue smoke still wafted from the soot-stained windows. Amidst this atmosphere, Mr. Dong Xuan Binh quietly moved about, inspecting each chamber, adding more incense sticks, and preparing to close the tower as the day drew to a close.
According to Mr. Tran Duc Dung, in charge of managing the Po Sah Inu tower, for many years, Mr. Binh has always fulfilled his assigned responsibilities well. The burning of incense in the towers has been regularly maintained in accordance with the customs and beliefs of the Cham people, creating a sacred and warm worship space.
After nearly 1,300 years of existence, the Po Sah Inu tower still retains its vitality in today's community life. And amidst these time-worn towers, Mr. Dong Xuan Binh quietly continues his work as a guardian of the Cham cultural space in the southeastern part of the province.
Tourists and the Cham community alike are pleased whenever they visit the tower for religious ceremonies. Mr. Binh's frequent appearances at the Po Sah Inu tower have created a beautiful image, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Mr. Tran Duc Dung is in charge of managing the Po Sah Inu tower.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/nguoi-canh-giu-khong-gian-van-hoa-cham-443561.html
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