Thong Tay Hoi, VN
Thu, 3/28/2024
few clouds
29
Few clouds

28°C - 29°C

84%

1012hPa

3.6m/s

20%

10Km

10:52 PM

11:04 AM

The ancient Po Klong Garai Temple sits just outside of the vibrant coastal city of Phan Rang.
These imposing Cham towers date from the end of the 13th century. Built from brick as Hindu temples, they stand on a platform at the top of Cho’k Hala, an exposed granite hill. It can be furnace-hot here. Over the entrance to the largest tower (the kalan, or sanctuary) is a beautiful carving of a dancing Shiva with six arms. Note the inscriptions in the ancient Cham language on the doorposts. These tell of past restoration efforts and offerings of sacrifices and slaves. Inside the kalan's vestibule is a statue of the bull Nandin, vehicle of the Hindu god Shiva. Nandin is also a symbol of the agricultural productivity of the countryside. To ensure a good crop, farmers would place an offering of fresh greens, herbs and areca nuts in front of Nandin’s muzzle. Under the main tower is a mukha-linga sitting under a wooden pyramid. Liquor is offered and incense burned here. Inside the smaller tower opposite the entrance to the sanctuary you can get a good look at some of the Cham’s sophisticated building technology; the wooden columns that support the lightweight roof are visible. The structure attached to it was originally the main entrance to the complex. Po Klong Garai at a point 6km west of Phan Rang towards Dalat. The towers are on the opposite side of the tracks to Thap Cham Train Station. Some of the open-tour buses running the coastal route make a requisite pit stop here. ------------------ Pic: Bui Huy Khang

18
24
3
0

  • Nhu Thu
    Nhu Thu
    Vietnam is always my hearts
    • Haha

    • Reply
    • 3 years ago
    • Stefano Baroffio
      Stefano Baroffio
      I'm in love with this place
      • Haha

      • Reply
      • 3 years ago
      Make money easily with Hahalolo!
      Featured experience

      Experience Authentic Bun Bo at 'Vi Hanoi' Restaurant in Paris
      Experience Authentic Bun Bo at 'Vi Hanoi' Restaurant in Paris

      Hanoi Vi

      2 days ago

      Registered with the Ministry of Industry and Trade
      Notified to the Ministry of Industry and Trade
      Associate member of the United States Tour Operators Association
      © Hahalolo 2017. All rights reserved