Nha Trang is a city in the South Central region of Vietnam and the capital of Khanh Hoa Province. It is the country's most populous coastal city and also it's a second most popular tourist destination that's not far from Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Trang is known for its stunning islands and beaches, which receive large numbers of visitors each year. It has a lot of others to offer for its visitors like delicious food and drinks, and many different activities to enjoy. The city is home to two pagodas that date back to the 7th century and is surrounded by a number of scenic beaches such as Bai Dai. The Po Nagar towers are an ancient site that has been standing for 1,000 years. They were originally used as a resting place for followers of the Cham sect of Hinduism and as a shrine for their deities. Today they serve as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam and represent an important piece of the religious history of the country.
Located about 2 kilometers from the city center and built on top of a small hill 10-12 meters above sea level, it has been said that this pagoda is one of the most beautiful pagodas in the country and one of the most beautiful examples of Cham architecture and houses a statue representing Avalokiteshvara from the 10th century, (making it one of the oldest temples in Vietnam). The name of the pagoda means " Tower" and there are many legends surrounding it.
The Ponagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang were constructed during the time when Hinduism thrived, so the goddess statue is in the form of Uma, Shiva's wife.
There were four separate towers, dedicated to different gods. Fired bricks were used for construction, without adhesives, and with a very close connection between all four towers.
The tallest tower has been built as a tribute to Lady Thien Y. The legend says she reclaimed new lands, kept the tribe alive, discovered rice, and taught farming and handicrafts to the local people. Her statue stands atop Buddha's throne in the tower, which stands 22.5 meters tall.
Central Tower was constructed in the late seventh century and is the simplest tower of them all. As much wealth was taken from the North Tower as there used to be. Meanwhile, it is highly regarded by local religious leaders.
The Northern Tower was built by Harivarman I in 817 as an example of Cham architecture. There is a stone leaf-shaped relief on the arch of the door and it resembles the four arms of Shiva dancing. The site is now known for its ten-handed sculpture of the goddess Uma and the figure of Ganesha - the image of luck, knowledge, and intelligence.
The Southern Tower is the 2nd tallest tower after the main tower at 18m high and was built in the 8th century. It is dedicated to Shiva- husband of Lady Thien Y. It is tastefully adorned, with a large number of antique sculptures and ancient language handwriting. The religious assertion that the tower has a special aura that only a devout Buddhist can detect.
They were constructed with a blend of Indian and Buddhist architectural styles and consist of four towers and an exhibition room with artifacts from ancient to more recent history. The exhibition room is not a large museum but has significant artifacts, paintings, and costumes of the Cham people, including exhibits about language, literature, arts, motifs, and architecture of the Cham people.
It has a place to sit and relax with a view of the city
Prior to the pandemic, this was one of the busiest tourist spots in the city. Management Board of Ponagar Thap Ba Relic Area invites Cham artists to perform brocade weaving and Cham dance every day to bring the unique cultural features of the Cham people to visitors. However, I found it very quiet during my trip, with few domestic tourists
The Ponagar Cham Towers is a must-see if you visit Nha Trang. The towers are a historical monument from the late Cham era, giving anyone who visits a glimpse into history that comes with a cultural experience. The Cham Towers are considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Hindu architecture in South East Asia. The site offers visitors access to not only the towers themselves but also a museum, research center, and archive on Cham civilization. It's worth the trip!
Back then, I had no idea about tourism when I visited this city ten years ago. The reason I came here was to visit my brother who was currently serving in the military. The tower is something that I still remember. On my last road trip from Da Nang to Da Lat, I spent two days in this city. Though there were some windy and rainy days, there were also times when the rain stopped and we could go exploring. Cham Towers of Ponagar is the first place I wanted to visit again. :)
