Nha Trang is a charming country, a place where many lasting cultural symbols from previous eras are preserved, and the Ponagar Tower relic site is one of the ancient Champa cultural architectural symbols that still exists today. now. Travelers from all over the world come to visit Nha Trang to bask in the golden sunshine, blue sea and to learn about the cultural roots of an ancient empire – the Kingdom of Champa. Join Potique Hotel to learn about the ancient mossy beauty of ancient civilization – a golden age.
The legend of Ponagar Tower
Champa King Harivarman built this structure from about the 8th to the 13th century during the period when Hinduism was thriving in the ancient kingdom of Champa. The Champa temple is located on top of a hill about 10-12 meters above sea level, at the mouth of the Cai River in Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa. In addition, Ponagar Tower also has another name: Yang Po Inu Nagar or Yang Po Ana Gar.
Panorama of Ponagar Tower architecture
Admire the ancient Cham architecture of Ponagar Tower
The overall project is divided into 3 areas: Gate Tower, Mandapa (also known as vestibule area) and temple area. Experiencing historical upheavals and traces of time, today there are only 5 remaining works located mainly in the Tien Dinh and Temple Tower areas.
Mandapa (Vestibule Area)
The overall architecture is built of baked bricks with 4 rows of large columns, including 12 small octagonal outer columns and 10 large inner columns with mortises. On the east side of Mandapa, there are 2 small columns, located on the 2 steps of the Tien Dinh and directed straight to the main gate. According to the remaining ancient vestiges, the architecture of the ancient Champa people created a straight spiritual axis, pointing towards the main tower, where mother Thien Y A Na is worshiped.
Temple tower area
The temple complex has a total of 6 towers, but currently only 4 towers remain and most of the towers are built in a square shape, with a cone-shaped design on top. Northeast Tower – the highest tower worships the statue of Goddess Ponagar. The South Tower – the second largest worships Shiva – the Goddess’s husband. The last tower is the Northwest tower, the third highest tower, and is the place to worship Mr. and Mrs. Tieu – who conceived and raised the Goddess Thien Y A Na.
Cham architecture has great cultural, religious and historical value of the ancient Champa Kingdom
Stele Ky
The stele at Thap Ba has great cultural, religious and historical value of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Thap Ba relic has a total of 28 inscriptions, including a stele with many historical values compiled by the Minister of Rites of the Nguyen Dynasty – Phan Thanh Gian in Chinese – Nom about the legend of Thien Y A Na Thanh Mau. of Vietnamese people.
Enjoy Cham dance
Cham dance is the first artistic activity performed at Ponagar Tower. Visitors can witness with their own eyes the typical dances of the ancient Cham Kingdom. This not only preserves the past beauty of a golden empire but is also a way to promote regional culture to international friends across five continents.
Cham dance is the first artistic activity performed at Ponagar Tower
Ponagar Tower Festival Nha Trang
The worshiping ceremony at Thap Ba takes place on the 21st – 23rd day of the third lunar month every year. This festival aims to express the people’s gratitude to the Motherland and experience the most practical experience of the original culture. Visitors will be able to see with their own eyes traditional rituals such as the changing of clothes ceremony, worshiping ceremony, or the ceremony of bathing sacrificial statues and the ceremony of releasing flower lanterns on the Cai River in Nha Trang.
Relaxing mineral mud bath at Ponagar Tower
Thap Ba mud bath area is only about 2km from the main relic area. Famous services here include: hydrotherapy baths, mineral mud baths, jacuzzi, etc. According to medical documents, mud baths are effective in treating diseases related to joints and nerves. , dermatology and helps skin become more youthful, firmer and smoother.
Address: 438 Ngo Den, Ngoc Hiep, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa
Time: 07:00 – 19:30
The beauty of ancient Champa culture is always something mysterious, making anyone who has ever set foot in Nha Trang must visit this ancient architectural work. Having gone through many ups and downs, Ponagar Tower is like a historical witness bearing many traces of time and is also a place that fully preserves the beauty of an ancient culture. People remember Champa as an appreciation for a golden kingdom in the past and an admiration for the ancient architectural value that endures to this day. Potique Hotel believes that this will be an unforgettable cultural experience for you when visiting this beautiful land.
