Poshanu Cham Tower
Ong Hoang (Mr. Heaven) Hill, Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Poshanu Cham Tower is one of the most important relics of Cham culture in Central Vietnam. The Cham ruins are not just famous for its unique and sophisticated architectural patterns, but here is also a common place for cultural activities of Cham people.
Poshanu Cham Tower or Po Sah Inu is also called Pho Hai Cham Towers. This is a group of ruined temple remains of the ancient Kingdom of Champa. The relic is located on Ba Nai Hill of Phu Hai Ward, about 7km from the center of Phan Thiet City to the northeast. The attraction of Poshanua Cham Tower as well as that of other Cham towers is the sophistication in unque architecture and art of ancient Cham people. Many magical and outstanding works seen today hide a series of mysteries.
As being the former Cham Kingdom's symbol (in the heyday from the 8th century to the 9th century), the Poshanu Cham Towers relic is the place of worshiping Shiva - one of the main deities of Hinduism. In 15 century, some towers were built in this relic to worship Princess Po Sah Inu. There are also two towers worshiping Linga and Yoni. Besides, god of fire and Nandi bull were worshiped in Poshanu Cham Tower. Poshanu Cham Tower is a quite small complex but is still kept intact. In recent years, local authority and people have had efforts to maintain this historical relic. There are more and more people visiting here.
This is the only Cham architectural work in Phan Thiet. It was built 1,200 years ago. However, there are only three towers remaining (main tower, medium tower, and small tower). Inside the main tower, there are stone altars of Linga and Yoni. They are the symbol of Shiva with many carved and sculptured patterns reflecting existence and growth of Cham reproduction. In some documents, there was a stone bull in the medium tower, but the stone bull disappeared. Today, these towers belong to Cham villages of Ma Lam, Ham Tri, and Ham Phu. Annually, local people from other places come to Poshanu Towers to conduct religious ceremonies.
The main tower consists of three floors with the height of 15 meter (from the ground to the top), and nearly 20-meter bottom's edge. The tower has a main long and eastward entrance. According to Cham legend, this entrance is resided by gods. Due to similar decorative and sculptural patterns and uniformity in each tower, there are three spurious gates created. On the arch of the west door, dense carved ranges of with flowers and exotic images remain clearly. On top of the tower, there are four triangle - shaped windows built in four sides. Inner the tower are the stone altars of Linga and Yoni, which are the most sacred things in Hindu temples. One of two other towers in this relic is the tower worshiping the deity of fire. This is the smallest one with 4-meter height, 1 eastward window, and faded architectural and decorative patterns "eroded" by the time. In further distance, it is the tower of Nandi bull, the riding animal of Shiva. The tower is about 12 meters high. Basically, it has a similar shape and architecture with the main tower, but more simple.
The towers were designed in Hoa Lai architectural style - an ancient art style of Champa. In spite of having small and medium sizes, but the architecture is "distilled" with essence of architectural technique and decorative art of the ancient Cham people who gave birth to majestic and mysterious works. This relic is one of the oldest and relatively intact Cham towers. Being built with Hoa Lai style, Poshanu Cham Tower was constructed from red bricks bonded together by a special binder which is predicted to be resin of plant. With square-shaped ground, spiry towers, and arch-shape entrance, the Cham towers feature many sophisticated patterns. In this relic, there are one main tower, and two other smaller ones.
In late 8th century and early 9th century, Cham people built these towers with the purpose of worshiping Shiva - one of the most important deities in Hinduism. By 15th century, a tower was built to worship Princess Po Sah Inu, daughter of Para Chanh King. She is adored by Cham people by her talent and virtue. From 1992 to 1995, in archaeological excavations at the site, many foundations of collapsed and buried temples for hundreds of years were discovered, along with bricks and some artifacts dating from the 15th century inside the temples. Between 1990 and 2000, Poshanu Cham Tower was remodeled and restored. In 1991, Poshanu Cham Tower was recognized as national architectural and artistic monument.
This relic is also a famous attraction in Phan Thiet. For tourists, visiting Poshanu Cham Tower is one of should-not-miss things to do in Phan Thiet. During Kate festival, at Poshanu Cham Towers, the atmosphere here is so exciting. Cham group hold important ritual customs and featuring festive activities. Tourists from everywhere come here to visit, explore and admire traditional features of Cham culture. Particularly, when popping in Poshanu Cham Tower, tourists have the opportunity to see many unique and fascinating Cham ceremonies and dances. Also, fishermen in other neighboring areas come here to pray for safe and peaceful voyages. Every year, in Rija Nuga and Poh Mbang festivals, a large number of local people come here to pray for rains, and good things.
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- Cham culture
- Cham Towers
- Phan Thiet tourism
- attractions in Phan Thiet
- Phan Thiet City
- Poshanu Cham Tower
- Poshanu Tower
- Phan Thiet attractions
- Phan Thiet travel
