Buzz
Although no longer pristine, the Chiên Đàn tower complex still maintains the distinctive architecture of the ancient Chăm Pa people through its cluster of three parallel standing towers in Tam Kỳ town, Quảng Nam province.
Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of Chiên Đàn Tower - Mytour
Each tower features 3 false doors and an entrance, with curved and pointed arches above the doors, forming a leaf-shaped apex, adorned with leaf-like relief sculptures. The Chiên Đàn towers exhibit an elegant appearance, considered one of the most beautiful styles of ancient Cham Pa architectural art.
Through three excavation phases, researchers believe no other group of three towers has yielded as many artifacts as the Chiên Đàn towers. In 1989, archaeologists discovered a system of decorative motifs along the base walls, alongside hundreds of sculptures carved from sandstone, including male and female deities, musicians, Apsaras, animals, and altars. By 1997, a flat stone slab was found inscribed with 8 lines of ancient Sanskrit script, with origins traced back to India.
Among the artifacts unearthed at the Chiên Đàn towers are two raised relief altars depicting lotus flowers, with large but thin diameters, placed on separate bases. The altar surfaces feature two tiers of lotus flowers, each tier with 8 petals, surrounding a large lotus mirror with round seeds. At the southern tower, a relief slab was found depicting the six-armed goddess Uma, with 2 hands clasped over her head, and 4 hands holding a bow, arrow, trident, and ring.
Besides human statues, the Chien Dan towers are adorned with various animal sculptures such as the Naga serpent, the divine goose Hamsa, the Garuda bird, elephants, lions, deer... The dance movements of the Chien Dan dancers mimic those of the dancers at the Tra Kieu temple, yet with a distinct touch; the costumes vary from short dresses to thigh-high skirts, adorned with a large draped cloth resembling a loincloth, curved and pointed at the tip. The neckwear is a metal ring.
In addition to the three remaining towers, around the area of the Chien Dan towers lie numerous foundations, remnants of structures long collapsed, showcasing the grandeur of the temple complex during its prosperous era. Therefore, to delve deeper into the history and architecture of the ancient Champa kingdom as well as the Central region of Vietnam today, do not overlook these three towers on your Quang Nam travel itinerary!
As per Mytour
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOctober 16, 2023
