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Po Klong Garai Temple, usually called Cham Tower, is a Cham religious complex in Ninh Thuan Province. The temple was built in the late 13th or early 14th century to honor the legendary King Po Klong Garai. This site is considered one of Vietnam's most important and well-preserved Cham architectural structures.
Po Klong Garai Temple complex from above
Despite the passage of time, Po Klong Garai Tower still retains Cham architectural art. Currently, the tower hosts many religious activities of Cham ethnic people, attracting many tourists who want to learn about the culture. So let’s find out everything about this special work with Asia King Travel.
Po Klong Garai Temple lies on Trau Hill, Phan Rang - Thap Cham City, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The temple is within the city limits, so the route is very convenient. There is also a Cham ethnic museum nearby for visitors to understand their culture and people better.
Po Klong Garai Temple stands on top of Trau Hill
However, Ninh Thuan Province still needs an airport. Visitors must take a flight to Cam Ranh Airport in Khanh Hoa Province then travel by road to Phan Rang - Thap Cham City. The distance is about 80 km and takes almost 2 hours to reach the temple.
The best time to visit Po Klong Garai Temple is in the dry season when clear skies and little rain support you to explore the site. Particularly from late September to early October when the Kate Festival takes place. Kate is the Cham people's biggest festival, honoring the gods and praying for peace for the whole next year.
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Kate Festival is held over 3 days, starting on the 1st of July according to the Cham calendar (around late September or early October). The festival takes place at Po Klong Garai Temple in Ninh Thuan and other Cham towers in Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, etc. The rituals in all locations are generally similar, with the first day dedicated to offerings at the temple, the second day at the village, and the third day at home.
Kate Festival takes place at Po Klong Garai Temple. Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
People gather at ancient temples, enjoying traditional Cham dances. They take time to rest, visit relatives, and exchange blessings. In each household, all family members gather together. Elders represent the family in performing rituals and praying for the blessings of deities. This is an opportunity for everyone to connect and show love for one another.
Visiting Po Klong Garai Towers, anyone would be amazed by the unique architecture and exquisite sculptural art. This complex consists of three imposing towers: Gate Tower, Main Tower, Fire Tower, all solidly built in a harmonious layout.
Three towers remain intact even after 800 years
From the moment step onto Trau Hill, you can see majestic Cham Towers standing tall on the summit. Getting closer, the intricate details and unique architecture become even clearer. Most of the towers are built from dark red bricks held together by a special adhesive. This has kept the towers intact today, a feat no one can explain.
Gate Tower consists of two connected gateways along the East-West axis. The tower stands about 9 meters tall and is decorated with meticulously detailed carvings. Gate Tower also served as the entrance for ceremonies, rituals, and welcoming guests of the king in ancient times.
Gate Tower leads visitors to the complex
Main Tower is at the center of the complex – the focal point of Po Klong Garai's architecture. The tower has one main entrance facing east, intricately carved with God Siva's image. The stone pillars supporting the tower are engraved with ancient Cham script. Main Tower also has three false doors facing other three directions. Some Champa god's statues were placed inside these doors.
King Po Klong Garai Altar inside Main Tower
Main Tower stands over 20 meters tall and is designed with multiple levels. All corners are adorned with stone animal statues and fire symbols. Inside Main Tower worshipped King Po Klong Garai. The tower's traditional charm evokes a sense of grandeur yet with a touch of mystery, making you want to gaze at it endlessly.
To the south, Fire Tower features the characteristic architecture of traditional Cham houses imbued with Sa Huynh culture. The two curved roofs of the tower resembling a boat, are quite similar to the communal houses of ethnic groups in Central Highlands.
Fire Tower architecture is different from other two towers
Fire Tower is where monks performed rituals. Also the Cham Pa king's royal robes and essential items were kept. Among the three towers, only the main tower is dedicated to worshipping King Po Klong Garai, while the gate tower and fire tower are not used for worship.
Po Klong Garai Temple is the most beautiful and majestic tower complex in Cham tower system across Vietnam, a masterpiece left by the ancient Cham people. This is a religious structure but artistic value has reached perfection. Contact us now to see the cultural beliefs of Champa.
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