Located in Cu Lao Village, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City, the Ponagar Temples were built on a quite flat and spacious area of a hill of granite, over 10m above the sea level.
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Located in Cu Lao Village, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City, the Ponagar Temples were built on a quite flat and spacious area of a hill of granite, over 10m above the sea level. This hill is situated to the north of Cai River Estuary (formerly called Cu Huan Estuary). To the left is a fishing village called Xom Bong which, according to a legend, used to be an imperial training place of virgins as religious dancers for worshipping service held on the Ponagar Temples. Formerly, the Ponagar Ensemble had 6 kalan towers, a worshiping tower and some other structures. The whole architecture, especially the Ponagar Tower normally called Ba Temple - the most splendid structure of the largest size, plays an important role in the history of Cham architecture and art. Like many Asian countries, since the beginning of the Christian Era, ancient Champa Kingdom was greatly influenced by Indian culture and this is clearly represented in towers and temples. Cham Towers and temples are worshiping places to gods according to Indian legends. As houses of gods, most Cham Towers and Temples were built on high hills, the upper floors are in imitation of the lower ones- a symbol of Meru Mountain. Regretfully, by the time, the temple ensemble was destroyed by natural and social changes and wars. Up till now, in the vestige ensemble remain only 4 temples together with 2 big pillars of brick at the foot of the hill. Even the 4 remains are not in their complete original status; some of their exterior architectural parts especially on the roof are ruined. Built in different periods, the four remaining towers including the main tower, the South Tower, the Southest Tower and the Northwest Tower are in different shapes. All the towers made of brick with decoration of rocks-ceremics represent the relations of all the deities here. All the works of sculpture express various concepts of the religion Balamon like round statues in the tower (now on display in the Khanh Hoa Province’s Museum). They are all closely related to the temple ensemble becoming to be among the most distinctive Vietnamese works of art. In spite of Indian origin, Cham artists were very inventive and made great contribution to the Cham art’s position in the treasures of Vietnamese cultural vestiges.
Every year, on lunar March 22, the Ponagar Temple Featival is held attracting thousands of attendants. During these days, both of the Cham and Viet celebrate and perform their traditional ceremony formally and solemnly. On this occasion, after the solemnity comes the entertainment during which the both peoples enjoy their good time together showing their talents through their singing, dancing in peace, friendship and solidarity.
