Po Klong Garai
Po Klong Garai (1151-1205) was king of the Champa polity of Panduranga, in what is now Phan Rang in southern Vietnam. He ruled from 1167 to his death and is credited to have built many irrigation works and dams. He probably is the same person as Champa king, Jaya Indravarman IV. He is worshipped at the Po Klong Garai Temple, built by Champa King Jaya Sinhavarman III (Chế Mân).
| Po Klong Garai | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruler of Panduranga | |||||
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| Ruler of Panduranga | |||||
| Reign | 1167–1205 | ||||
| Predecessor | ? | ||||
| Successor | Po Sulekha | ||||
| Born | 1151 Panduranga | ||||
| Died | 1205 Panduranga | ||||
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Legend of Po Klong Garai temple
According to legend, Po Klong Garai (Cham language: Dragon King of Jarai people) started life as a lowly cowherd, but became king of Champa by destiny, ruling wisely and for the good of the people. When the Khmer of Cambodia invaded his kingdom, he challenged them to settle the matter peacefully in a tower-building contest. Po Klaung Garai prevailed in the contest, thereby obliging the invaders to return home. After his death, Po Klaung Garai became a god and protector of the people on earth; it is said that the tower he built in his contest with the Khmer is the tower that today is known by his name.
POOKULANGARA BHAGAWATHY TEMPLE in present day Kerala state of Tamil Nadu have many similarities which include the deity (Right hand with Trishul & Sword) and the name of the two temples of course sounds the same.
https://www.keralatourism.org/1000festivals//assets/uploads/pdf/1507711685-0.pdf