Po Nagar Tower is associated with the history of the Champa kingdom.

Cập nhật lúc: 09:29 ngày 11/01/2025

“Thap Po: Sacred mark of the legendary Champa kingdom.”

Introduction to Ponagar Tower

Ponagar Tower, also known as Ponagar Tower, is a unique religious architectural work associated with the history and culture of the ancient Champa kingdom. Located in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, Ponagar Tower was built from the 8th to the 13th century, the prosperous period of the Champa kingdom. This is the place to worship the goddess Ponagar (also known as Thien YA Na), the mother goddess revered by the Cham people as the creator of land, trees and protector of their lives. The work not only reflects the unique architectural and sculptural art of the Cham people but is also a vivid testament to the cultural exchange between Champa and neighboring cultures throughout history.

History and significance of Ponagar Tower

Po Nagar Tower is not only a symbol of Champa architectural art but also has profound religious significance, reflecting the rich spiritual life of the Cham people. To better understand the historical and religious value of Po Nagar Tower, it is necessary to look back at the historical context of the Champa kingdom as well as the role of this structure in the cultural and religious life of the people at that time. The Champa kingdom, which existed from the 2nd to the 17th century, was a brilliant civilization in the central region of Vietnam.

During their development period, the Cham people built many unique architectural works, of which the Ponagar Tower is a typical example. Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, the Tower is a place to worship the goddess Ponagar, also known as Thien YA Na, a mother goddess revered by the Cham people. According to legend, she taught people how to grow crops, weave cloth, and live in harmony with nature.

Therefore, she is considered a symbol of creativity, protection and protection of human life. Po Nagar Tower is not only a religious architectural work but also a cultural and religious center of the Cham people. With its unique architecture, the tower is built of red bricks, combined with sophisticated carvings, demonstrating the talent of Cham Pa artisans.

The bas-reliefs on the tower depict mythological images, Hindu gods and scenes of daily life, creating a vivid picture of the spiritual and cultural life of the Cham people. This not only reflects the strong influence of Hinduism in the Champa kingdom but also shows the cultural exchange between civilizations in the Southeast Asian region.

Po Nagar Tower has unique architecture.

Po Nagar Tower, one of the important historical and cultural relics of Vietnam, is not only a symbol of belief but also a vivid testament to the brilliant development of the Champa kingdom. This architectural complex bears the imprint of ancient Champa culture, expressed through its unique construction style and profound spiritual meaning.

The architecture of Po Nagar Tower is not only a religious building but also a work of art, reflecting the harmonious combination of sophisticated construction techniques and timeless aesthetic thinking. The highlight of Po Nagar Tower's architecture is the use of baked bricks as the main material. The bricks are meticulously crafted, perfectly joined together without the need for adhesives, creating incredible durability over the centuries. This construction technique not only demonstrates the ingenuity of the Cham people but also demonstrates their advanced technical level in the field of architecture.

The towers in the complex are designed with a slim shape, reaching high into the sky, symbolizing the connection between humans and gods. Every detail carved on the tower has a symbolic meaning, from decorative patterns to images of gods in the Cham Pa religion, all reflecting a rich and profound worldview. Not only stopping at architectural value, Po Nagar Tower is also a place to preserve the unique cultural features of the Cham people.

Po Nagar Tower plays a big role in preserving Champa culture

Po Nagar also plays a central role in the religious and ritual life of the Cham people. Built from the 8th to the 13th century, Po Nagar is a place of worship for the goddess Ponagar, who is considered the Mother of the Country, a symbol of creativity, fertility and protection for humans. The role of Po Nagar in the religious rituals of the Cham people not only reflects deep religious beliefs but also demonstrates the close connection between humans and nature.

In the religious life of the Cham people, the goddess Ponagar is revered as a supreme deity, who brings prosperity and protects crops. The Ponagar Tower is where important rituals take place to pray for favorable weather, bountiful crops and peace for the community. These rituals are often held during major festivals, especially the Ponagar Tower Festival which takes place in the third lunar month every year. This is an opportunity for people to express their gratitude to the goddess, and also an opportunity for the community to unite and maintain traditional cultural values.

Rituals at Po Nagar Tower often include offerings, folk dances and prayers, all performed with solemnity and reverence. In addition to its role as a religious center, Po Nagar Tower is also a place to preserve the unique cultural and artistic values of the Cham people. The reliefs, statues and architecture here not only reflect the artistic talent of the Cham people but also contain profound mythological stories and philosophies of life. The images carved on the tower, from gods, dancers to natural symbols, all have spiritual meanings and represent harmony.

Ponagar Tower is associated with the history of the Champa Kingdom as a unique cultural, religious and architectural symbol, demonstrating the brilliant development of the Champa civilization in the worship of the goddess Ponagar - the Mother Goddess of the Cham people. This work not only reflects the unique architectural art but also demonstrates the cultural exchange between Champa and neighboring cultures, contributing to enriching Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Ponagar Tower Festival Nha Trang

Every year, around the end of the third lunar month, Nha Trang people eagerly await the Po Nagar Temple Festival – an extremely meaningful cultural and spiritual event. This is not only an occasion to commemorate the merits of Thien YA Na Thanh Mau but also an opportunity for everyone to gather together and share good wishes.

This festival not only attracts local people but also tourists from all over, creating a unique cultural exchange space. Through worship rituals, traditional dances and singing and community activities, the festival not only recreates the spiritual life of the Cham people

The festival usually lasts for 3 days, with many special activities. The first day is the royal decree procession, a solemn ceremony to express respect. People wear traditional ao dai, carry offerings, and march in groups from the city center to Po Nagar Tower. The feeling of walking in the procession, immersing yourself in the sacred and solemn atmosphere is hard to describe.

On the second day, the official worship rituals took place, including the incense offering ceremony and the shadow dance – a typical cultural feature of the local people. The sound of drums and music blended together to create a space that was both sacred and cozy. In particular, the soft and graceful dances of the artists were truly captivating, making everyone admire.

Besides the rituals, the festival is equally bustling. Folk games, cooking competitions, and operas all attract a large number of participants. The whole space is filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Adults pray for peace and health, while children are excited to run and explore everything.

The Ponagar Temple Festival is not only an occasion to express gratitude but also an opportunity for people to slow down, enjoy the traditional atmosphere and feel the bond of the community. Once you participate, you will definitely remember it forever!

Ponagar Tower is a destination in the journey to explore the city.

Don't forget to combine a visit to Ponagar Tower with Nha Trang island tours to fully experience the beauty of the coastal city. For those who are looking for Nha Trang travel experience, this is definitely a destination not to be missed on your journey of discovery. Come to the Nha Trang tourist attractions Next on the city discovery tour: Hon Chong, Long Son Pagoda, Mountain Church, Institute of Oceanography

Get new travel news via Zalo

or your email 

OK