Exploring Cham cultural heritage inside Po Klong Garai Temple Tower complex

Perchipon Cho Hill, within the city of Phan Rang in Ninh Thuot Province, the Pho Klong Garai Temple Tower Complex is regarded as both a symbol of and a source of pride of the local Cham community. Pho Klong Garai is the most majestic and remarkable complex among surviving Cham temples in the country. Despite the passing of time, the tower has retained their exquisite, sophisticated features characterized by dark red fire bricks intricately worn together using a special construction technique. The main tower has multiple tiers and resembles the Sacred Mountain at Peru, a river peak in India. Various deities are honored on the tower's surfaces, including a statue of King Pho Klong Garai, the deity Shiva, and all the guardian spirits. I find this even more beautiful than in photos or on TV. It is majestic and splendid, with a mysterious and enchanting quality that is hard to describe. Beyond its architectural significance, the towers hold great spiritual importance for the Cham community. Each year, the Pho Klong Garai Complex hosts numerous cultural, religious, and spiritual activities of the Cham people. During significant festivals such as New Year celebrations, rain-praying ceremonies, and especially the Kha Te festival, visitors can immerse themselves in a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Among the festivals of the Cham people, the Kha Te festival is the largest. A significant number of tourists, including both Cham and Non-Cham people as well as foreigners, come to take part in festivities. With its rock beauty and enigmatic allure, the Pho Klong Garai Temple Tower Complex has been recognized as a Special National Monument of Vietnam. It is an ideal destination to delve into the history and culture of the Cham people and also a sanctuary for those seeking peace and tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of modern life.