the world's smartest travel social network
The relic complex of the Ponagar Temple Towers built in the 8th century in Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa Province is a typical architectural work of the Cham Pa culture which has remained intact over the years.
Thap Ba or the architectural complex of the ancient Ponagar Temple Towers is the most unique symbol of the long-standing culture of the Cham people. It is located on a hill near the Cai River, 2km to the north from the center of Nha Trang.
The Ponagar complex consists of three floors with a gate tower on the first floor which was totally destroyed. In front of the relic complex are two rows of 10 large pillars and two small pillars on the two sides. In the middle is an altar where the Cham people often organize cultural activities and solemn rites on festivals and special occasions. The second floor, called Mandapa (guest house), is the place where pilgrims can rest and prepare offerings and costumes before practising the rite. On the third floor, there are four towers, including the 23m high Ponagar Tower which is the most outstanding and highest one. The four-storey tower symbolizes the beauty, art and creativeness of the Cham people. Inside the tower, there is a statue of a goddess made of black granite, 2.6m high, sitting on a lotus-shaped stone base, leaning back on a large fig leaf-shaped stone plate.
The statue is considered a masterpiece of the Cham sculpture. The other three towers are dedicated to the Indian supreme God of Shiva and his two sons, Gods Sanhaca and Ganeca.
The Ponagar Tower Complex. The Ponagar Temple Towers attracts a large number of foreign tourists. Two rows of large pillars in front of the relic complex. Visitors learn about the history of the Ponagar Tower Complex. The exhibition hall at the Ponagar Tower Complex. |
An exhibit at Ponagar Tower Complex. |
An exhibit at Ponagar Tower Complex. |
The legendary Ponagar dance. A Cham dance is performed at the Ponagar Tower. An artistic performance at the relic complex. Cham girls perform the technique on weaving brocade. |
To introduce and promote the unique cultural features of the Cham people, the management board of the Thap Ba Tower Complex invites Cham dancers and artisans to participate in some artistic programmes held on Saturday and Sunday nights to entertain tourists. Visiting the complex, tourists seem to go back to the origin of the once flourishing Cham culture.
Provide by Vietnam travel guide
173 members
873 members
93 members
17 members
17 members
55 members
87 members
26 members
75 members
22 members
84 members
60 members
26 members
72 members
21 members
© 2024 Created by EnLinea Media. Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
You need to be a member of Tripatini to add comments!
Join Tripatini