Known as Po Nagar, the largest and tallest (22.8 m) North tower was built in 817. Above the entrance of this four-sided structure is a pyramid with a statue of a four-armed Shiva dancing on the sacred bull Nandin. Intricate rock carvings of dancers and people rowing boats, grinding rice or hunting with bows and arrows cover the exterior, reflecting the activities of the Cham people thousand years ago.

      The temple contains a 2.6m high sandstone statue of Lady Thien Y-ana or the goddess Uma (the wife of Shiva) who is believed to teach the locals new weaving and agricultural techniques. She is seated on a lotus-shaped stone estrade and leaning back against the Yoni-shaped stone pedestal. This Champa sculptural masterpiece has ten hands, eight of which each holding a specific object illustrating her intellect and power. It was originally made of hard incense wood but was removed by the French in 1946. Then, a new statue with more Vietnamese features is its replacement.

      Built partly of recycled bricks in the 12th century, the Central Tower with a linga inside the main chamber is in honour of Cri Cambhu. It distinguishes from the others by its less ornamentation and now is thought to bless childless couples with fertility. The South Tower is dedicated to Sandhaka (Shiva), one of the three most powerful deities in Hinduism, and still shelters a linga. The richly ornamented Northwest Tower was originally prayed for Gsnesha, the daughter of Po Nagar.

      Travellers can easily reach the complex by bus, taxi, motorbike and even bicycle. A visit to Po Nagar Towers will undoubtedly give tourists a closer look on the spiritual life as well as the quintessence of architecture and art of the Cham people thanks to their great significance in history, nationalism, and archaeology.

Reference: www.vietnamtourism.com