Ponagar Tower – Cham Cultural Heritage of Vietnam

Ponagar Tower Nha Trang – Cham Pa cultural heritage of Vietnam is a religious architectural complex of the ancient Cham Pa people, the scenery here is beautiful by the natural scenery. It is considered a symbol of Cham culture in Nha Trang. It is located on top of Ponagar ancient hill overlooking the beautiful Nha Trang Bay.

Where is Ponagar Tower Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower Nha Trang is located on the ancient Ponagar Hill, in Vinh Phuong Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. Located on a small peak about 2 km north of Nha Trang city center.

From the city center, visitors can take a taxi, bus or bicycle to visit. The way to Ponagar hill is quite convenient, with a system of stairs leading to the top. On the way up Ponagar Hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Nha Trang and the fanciful shimmering Nha Trang Bay.

Standing on Ponagar hill, visitors can view all Cham Pa towers of Ponagar Tower architectural complex. The four towers are arranged along the east-west axis on a trapezoidal sandstone platform. In particular, it is the main tower, considered a symbol of Cham culture in Nha Trang.

There are also auxiliary towers such as the Mother Tower, the Twin Towers and the Fairy Wing Tower. All Ponagar Cham towers. This is one of the most beautiful and magnificent Cham architectural complexes in Vietnam. Let’s update the latest news on Nha Trang tourism with Cam Ranh Mystery Villas & Spa.

Ponagar Tower Nha Trang – the view of the tower temple

Brief introduction of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang

• Address:61 April 2nd Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City
• Opening hours:8:00 – 18:00
• Reference ticket price:30,000 VND/person/trip.

Ponagar Tower is the main tower in the complex of 4 ancient Cham towers built according to Hindu architecture. The tower is made entirely from solid sandstone, bearing the imprint of ancient Cham art. At the top is the exquisitely carved statue of Shiva.

According to archaeologists, Ponagar Tower was a place of worship, honoring the goddess Ponagar – the patron god of the Cham Pa kingdom at that time. it is also a symbol of the power and prosperity of the Cham dynasty.

Discover the history of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower Nha Trang has a very important historical and religious significance of the ancient Cham Pa people. It is considered one of the prominent architecture in the Hindu period.

According to researchers, it was built by Khanh Hoa to worship the goddess Ponagar. The Goddess Ponagar is considered the sacred god of the Cham people. Every year, the Cham Pa dynasty often held sacrifices to express their gratitude to this god. Ponagar Nha Trang became one of the most important cultural and religious centers of the Cham people at that time.

Ponagar Tower – panoramic view of the tower when viewed from above

To visit the whole temple tower, tourists should visit 3 main areas here:

• The gate tower area:where visitors can see the monumental welcome gates, but over time, the tower gate area is no longer intact. Only rocks, pillars, and stone ladders leading up to the temple remain.
• The vestibule:this is a place for visitors to pilgrimage, retreat and relax, often this is also a place where the Cham people prepare offerings before offering to worship. There are also 10 large pillars divided into 2 rows with a height of 3m. There are also small pillars around. Coming here, other tourists will see this unique beauty in person.
• The tower arrival area:is the highest floor in the center of the tower, where visitors can see the magnificent natural scenery in front of their eyes.

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The beautiful architecture of Mrs. Ponagar Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower is a masterpiece of architecture and art of the ancient Cham people. The tower is 24 meters high, consisting of 3 floors and 2 large towers. The entire tower is built of sturdy laterite, meticulously joined together.

The architectural style is imbued with Hindu culture. The tower has a square shape, ornately decorated with typical Hindu patterns and sculptures such as elephant riders, interwoven flowers and leaves,

In addition, a special feature on Nha Trang Ba Trang Tower is the rectangular doorways, which are exquisitely carved. Through the rectangular doors, natural light will be entered to make the inside of the tower always bright.

On the outside of Ponagar Tower are two pyramid-shaped rocks placed across from each other. This is a Hindu religious symbol, symbolizing the sacred fire. In general, Ponagar Tower Nha Trang shows the high level of art and architecture of the Cham Pa people.

The value of this Tower temple is a mark of time, although it has been over many years, every detail on the architecture is still preserved until now. This architectural work is chosen by many tourists as a beautiful check in point when coming to Nha Trang.

Ponagar Tower – a famous tourist destination in Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower Festival Nha Trang

Since ancient times, it  has not only been a place of worship, but also a place to organize many cultural festivals of ethnic minorities, especially the Cham people.

Ponagar Tower Festival is held to honor the merit and goodness of Ponagar goddess to local residents. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for people to show gratitude and appreciate traditional cultural values.

Every year, Ponagar Tower festival is held from January 14 to 16 of the lunar calendar, lasting for 3 days. This is a festival deeply ingrained in the subconscious, cultural activities of the people of Nha Trang in particular and Khanh Hoa in general.

In the festival space, there are always activities such as worshiping gods, praying for favorable rain and wind, and special Cham – Kinh folk art. This is a unique cultural feature, a bond connecting the people of Vietnamese ethnic groups. Let’s explore attractive tourist destinations with Cam Ranh Mystery Villas & Spa.

The spiritual value of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower is not only of historical and architectural value but also a spiritual symbol of the people of the sunny and windy land of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa.It is like a marker, marking the rich Cham Pa culture.

For the Cham ethnic minority people, it is the soul of the nation. The tower contains beautiful memories, sticking to the glue of the ancestors. Up to now, thousands of tourists coming to Nha Trang all want to once admire the magnificent Ponagar Tower.

To the people of Kinh, it is like a supreme god. They considered it an extremely sacred church. People often come here to pray, pray about their health, family, and work.

In general, regardless of their beliefs, it is worshipped as a god by the people of Khanh Hoa and tourists from all over the world. It deserves to be the soul, the symbol of the peaceful land and people of Nha Trang.

Ponagar Tower – a famous tourist destination in Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower Nha Trang attractive for visitors

Ponagar Tower attracts visitors by its ancient, stately and mysterious beauty. Coming here, visitors will feel like stepping into a thousand-year-old sacred sanctuary.

First of all, the unique architecture of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang attracts the attention of visitors, especially those who love the history and culture of Vietnamese ethnic groups. The sophisticated carvings on the tower are vivid evidence reflecting the high level of art, sculpture…of the ancient Cham people.

Besides, tourists visiting Ponagar Tower can also enjoy the wonderful natural beauty of Nha Trang Bay, Thi Nai Mountain and the surrounding mountain forest. The green and fresh space gives visitors great moments of spiritual relaxation.

In particular, visitors also have the opportunity to directly participate in the traditional festivals held annually at Ponagar Tower. Through that, visitors understand more about the life, spirituality, culture and customs of the friendly Cham people of Nha Trang.

Conclusion

Ponagar Tower is a unique religious architectural work, representing the unique Cham Pa culture. It is associated with the heroic history of the ancient Cham Pa kingdom.

With deep historical significance, it deserves to be a tourism symbol of Nha Trang in particular and Vietnam in general. When tourists come to Ponagar Tower, they will feel like entering a sacred and peaceful place of the soul.

Questionare about Ponagar Tower

1. Who does Ponagar Tower worship?

Ponagar Tower worships the goddess Ponagar, the creator god of the Cham people. She is considered the guardian deity of the land, the crops, and the people.

2. What does Ponagar Tower mean to the Cham people?

Ponagar Tower is one of the most important historical and cultural relics of the Cham people. The tower is considered a symbol of the culture, beliefs, and spirit of the Cham people. The tower is also a famous tourist destination of Nha Trang, attracting millions of visitors every year.

3. When was Ponagar Tower built?

Ponagar Tower was built between the 7th and 13th centuries, during the reign of the Cham Pa kings. Ponagra Tower was built on a small hill, at the mouth of Cai River in Nha Trang, about 2 km north of the city center.