(VOV) - The Po Klaung Garai tower complex in Ninh Thuan province has been well preserved and recognised as the most beautiful Cham temple in Vietnam.
The construction of the complex began at the end of the 13th century and was completed in the early 14th century to honour legendary king Po Klaung Garai for his great contribution to constructing the region’s irrigation system.
Located on a hill 100m high above the ground, the complex originally had 6 towers. Today only 3 towers remain.
The main tower, where the king’s statue was placed, is approximately 20m high, 14m long and 11m wide and serves as a place for local people to pray and celebrate festivals during the year. The fire tower, the king’s kitchen, is 9m high, 8m long and 5m wide and the remaining gate tower, the king’s place to welcome guests, is 6m high, 5.m long, and 5m wide.
The surface of the three towers is decorated with flowers, leaves, human figures and other embellishments carved in stone.
The Po Klaung Garai temple tower complex is closely associated with Cham traditional customs and festivals.
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Panorama of the Po Klaung Garai tower complex |
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Main gate to the complex |
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King Po Klaung Garai’s statue |
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Stone stele with Sanskrit letters in the main tower |
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Gate tower |
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Inside the gate tower |
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Unique architectural and sculptural art |
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Supreme God Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi bull |
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Fire tower |