Ponagar tower

Ponagar Cham temple complex was built between the 8th and 11th centuries by the Cham people who once ruled the central plains of Vietnam. The Cham are of Hindu origin, having their own Sanskrit-based script. They are famous for their sculptural and architectural skills, leaving a legacy of both artifacts and temples not only in Vietnam, but also in Cambodia and Thailand.

Originally, the relic site had seven or eight towers, but only four towers remained, of which the North tower (Main Tower) was 28m high, dating from AD 817, with a terraced pyramidal roof, dome-shaped inner masonry. and magnificent vestibule. Inside the tower, there is a statue of a goddess made of black granite, 2.6m high, sitting on a lotus-shaped stone pedestal, leaning back against a large fig leaf-shaped stone. The statue is considered a masterpiece of Cham sculpture. The remaining three towers worship the supreme Indian God Shiva and his two sons, Gods Sanhaca and Ganeca.

The Center Tower was built partly of recycled brick in the 12th century on the site of a 7th-century structure. It is less elaborately constructed than the other towers, with no pyramidal roof. stairs and patterns, however, the altars inside are still covered with silver

The South Tower, once dedicated to Sandhaka (Shiva), is still a refuge for a linga, while the richly decorated Northwest Tower is dedicated to Ganesh. At the back of the complex is a museum displaying Cham stoneware.

Ponagar Tower is not only a historical and cultural relic but also a typical architectural and sculptural work of the Cham people. All towers are built of brick and decorated with stone and ceramics. Until now, the Cham technique of placing bricks closer together without any mortar or adhesive has remained a secret to researchers.

Every year, local people organize Thap Ba Festival from March 20 to 23 of the lunar calendar to praise the merits of Thien Y Thanh Mau Ana, the goddess of reclaiming new land, keeping the breed, and finding rice plants. , teaching local people to grow crops and make handicrafts. During the festival, many religious rituals and cultural activities are held in front of the main tower, including ceremonies for peace, happiness and prosperity, performances of dance, singing and chanting of verses. old story.

Opening hours: The relic is open every day of the week from 08:00 - 18:00

Ticket price: 22,000 VND/person