Admire the Cham architecture of Ponagar Tower Nha Trang

Ponagar Tower, also known as Thap Ba or Thien Y Thanh Mau Tower in Vietnamese, is one of the last remaining relics of the collapsed Champa monarchy. This kingdom has played a significant part in our country's history. This complex of temples and towers, which was officially collapsed in 1832 and united with the Vietnamese people in the north, is a strong testament to the kingdom's former prosperity. Tourists from all over the world are often intrigued by architecture and people's views and beliefs.

Only four towers remain of the temple complex, a magnificent, affluent, and golden empire that cannot escape the plundering and plundering of strangers. It is currently located at 61, 2/4 street, Vinh Phuoc ward, Nha Trang city, Vietnam, adjacent to the Cai river mouth. Because the temple is only around 100 meters from the sea, it has been the target of numerous pirate raids from the south, most of which have resulted in the theft of the temple's golden idols.

The temple complex has been restored and now serves as a tourist attraction; the entrance price is approximately 2 USD. At the end of December 2021, @trangbaby and I arrived here. We saw the arched brick gate as soon as we entered the gate. It's not as old as the towers above it, which were built in the 800s. Because the structure is built on a low hill, the architecture is gradually revealed through the stairwell.

When I was heading up the steps, I noticed the big octagonal pillars, which were also made of charred bricks. Everyone, I believe, will initially be perplexed as to what it is and what it does. It appears to be a big temple with a missing dome. Large pillars and lofty foundations are appropriate for religious structures. Only a few pillars are damaged or weathered, but the skilled construction technique using tightly packed bricks without lines is impressive. Over time, it has proven to be sturdy and stable.

The temple complex is reached via a steep brick staircase. They took short, steep steps on purpose, possibly to put their followers to the test or to demonstrate their god's great holiness. Later on, though, people built paths on both sides to make moving around for sightseeing simpler.

A four-tower complex with different and separate structures that are stacked on top of each other. They were not constructed at the same time; other towers have been destroyed in the past. The brick material has held up well over time, but the little designs or sculptures have been severely damaged and faded, making them difficult to notice.

Ponagar, the wife of Siva (Hindu), the biggest god in their religion, is worshipped at the highest main tower (23m), blessing and defending the area. The general design is in the shape of a standing tower with a hollow inside where a temple can be built. At the four corners of the upper part are four smaller stupas that shrink as they approach the summit. It has the most intricate architecture of the towers, with numerous embellishments and sculptures, patterns, and animals. This will be more visible with the naked eye.

I'm not sure if the stone bas-relief depicts three elegant dancing women or gods. Two stone pillars in front of the door have gone away, as have inscriptions in their ancient languages. Sorry I didn't get a close-up of it; there is a black marble statue of a goddess within the shrine, but it's too dark to photograph. Many times, the earliest gold-cast statues have been robbed. The aroma of burning incense fills the room.

The remaining towers have saddle architecture, which essentially means that the top of the top is lifted to the top. Each tower is dedicated to a particular god. Apart from that, I discovered a surviving stone stele with old Cham inscriptions and miniature models of stupas, people, animals, and items.

The caretaker's belongings, as well as images of the caretaker's cultural activities and festivals, are kept in a separate room adjacent. A lovely gold robe, but I'm not sure who it's for: king or celebrant?

Apart from the architecture, there are also little gardens with terracotta and ceramic works. A modest coffee cafe beside the river where you may rest and get some shade from the sun and rain. It was a fascinating excursion to the largest Cham ruins in my nation. If you have the opportunity to travel to Nha Trang, you should take advantage of it. The city center is only approximately 2 kilometers away.

Thank you for stopping by. I used a GoPro 8 to shoot these photos.