Ponagar Tower - a hidden treasure trove of mysteries

Ponagar Tower is a place you cannot miss when visiting Nha Trang. With its ancient architectural style and mysterious towers, it promises to offer visitors a truly unique and fascinating experience.
 

Ponagar Tower was constructed around the 17th to 18th centuries, during the golden era of the Champa Kingdom. This architectural marvel, also known as Yang Po Ana Ga or Yang Po Inư Nagar, was built for worshipping the deity who was believed to have created the earth, rice, and plants.

 

Ponagar Tower is situated atop a hill at the mouth of the Cai River in Nha Trang, approximately 2km from the city center. Until today, this cluster of towers continues to play a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of the Cham people.
 

When visiting this site, tourists will explore three main areas, including the gate tower area, the mandapa area, and the temple tower area. Each area holds many mysterious secrets for visitors to discover.

- Gate Tower Area: This area features several large gates made of clay. However, over time, they have been damaged and are no longer intact. Only stone steps, column bases, and stone staircases leading to the next level remain.

- Mandapa Area: Also known as the antechamber, this area is where the Cham people prepare offerings before presenting them to the deities.

- Temple Area: This area comprises a collection of towers, including the Central Tower, the Southeast Tower, and the Southern Tower.

Every year, from the 20th to the 23rd of March in the lunar calendar, a festival is held at this historical site to honor and commemorate the deity Ponagar.
During this festival, visitors can participate in and experience a wide range of exciting activities such as releasing floating lanterns, praying for national peace, singing, and performing the famous Shadow Dance. When performing the dance, dancers wear a floral tower on their heads and move gracefully to the music, showcasing a distinctive cultural aspect of Ponagar Tower.

Ponagar Tower is undoubtedly a magnet for tourists due to its ancient, pristine, and majestic beauty. When visiting Nha Trang, don't miss the opportunity to experience this unique cultural heritage.

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