Strolling through Nha Trang, it is not difficult to notice the huge ancient architectural complex in the northern part of the city. Embodying the cultural and historical values of Cham Kingdom, this relic is definitely one of the must-go places on the list of top things to do in Nha Trang if you have ever planned to visit this city.

History & the footmarks of Hindus

Located on the top of Cu Lao mountain near Cai river entrance, Ponagar Tower is part of the greatest historic complexes in the old Champa territory with the architecture influenced significantly by Hinduism. The whole architectural complex was estimated to be constructed between the 8th and 13th centuries in order to worship Yan Po Nagar – the country goddess, who was identified as an affiliation of the Hindu goddesses: Bhagavati and Durga, and called Thiên Y Thánh Mẫu in Vietnamese. This has become a unique example of a collective culture – the Champa, created by the harmony between two cultures, the ancient Vietnamese and Indian.

What to expect?

Ponagar Tower Festival

Ponagar Tower Festival takes place from 20 to 24 March in Lunar calendar annually. In this festival, due to the traditional religious practices and folk beliefs, everyone in the area, including both the locals and tourists, will gather around at the tower to pray and watch the dance performances and rituals of the ancient Cham people. Furthermore, the dancing shadow is also popular for the participation of an all Champa dance team. The famous dances of the Cham people, such as the water berths love, the sound of Saranai, Apsara and drum Ghi-Nang, are all performed during the festival, thus are considered a unique art heritage of the city. Therefore, if you are looking for the special old traditions of this area, the festival would be your best chance to discover its interesting culture and people.

Champa’s art architecture

The temple’s central sculpture is carved of a 1.2m tall stone as the image of the goddess Yan Po Nagar whose ten hands holding many symbolic items while wearing small cloth and sitting cross-legged. Another statue of the goddess, which is found in the triangle pediment above the temple entrance, is described as a goddess who stands on a buffalo with four hands holding a hatchet, a lotus and a club. Vietnamese historians claim that this particular form of sculptures is categorised as Tra Kieu style in Cham art, which was very popular by the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th century.

These types of art can also be found in a number of architectural towers in the surrounding areas, such as Poshanu Tower in Phan Thiet. If you are interested in finding out more about the ancient culture of Cham people, you can just plan a day trip to Poshanu Tower – one of Mui Ne’s most famous attractions, which is only 2 to 3 hours away by bus, train or car from Nha Trang.

How to get there?

The whole complex is located approximately 3km to the north of Nha Trang city and takes only 8 minutes to get there from the city centre by car. You can just grab a traditional taxi or Grab with a very cheap price. However, if you are more like a rambler, you should take the beautiful 30-minute walk via Tran Phu bridge and enjoy the cool breezes from Nha Trang beaches. Don’t miss out the special adventure with a wide range of activities handcrafted just for you.

Source: localinsider