The towers are a very strong and typical example of Cham religious culture. In Hinduism, this architectural style is called "Sikhara"- a characteristic of Bramahnism. In fact "Sikhara", which means "pointed mountain top", represents the Meru Peak. Meru is a mythical cluster of mountains of different heights in Brahmanism. The tallest peak is reserved for the highest ranking god, while the rest is shared among other gods, depending on their place in the divine hierarchy.

In Cham language, the Meru architectural style is called Kalan, which means "worship place or temple" and demonstrates the inherent religious character of Cham towers. The key purpose of Cham architecture is to reflect the greatness and splendour of the world of Cham divinities. While it may appear quite simple in reality, it is highly stylised. Size and shape are the main distinguishing features in the architecture of Cham towers. The doors are designed to look like pointed spearheads, while the towers are built to radiate strength and power.

According to experts’ research, the architectural style of Cham towers in the central province of Binh Dinh can be traced back to between the 11^th-13^th centuries.

Cham towers are an expression of Champa’s system of religious beliefs and still pose challenging questions for researchers to explore. Among innumerable Brahman divinities, the three main gods in their religion are Shiva- the god of destruction-Vishnu, the god of conservation, and Brahma, the god of fertility. While Vishnu is preferred by the Khmer, the Chams these days mainly worship Shiva. However, they also combine this with ancestor worship, which gives their faith a unique Cham flavour.

To modern tourists, the ancient Cham towers of Binh Dinh can offer a glimpse into the spiritual world of the mysterious Champa, which is reflected throughout the whole of South East Asia.

Source: Saigon Times Daily