Prambanan, the Center of 9th-Century Hindu Civilization

Prambanan Temple, also known as Roro Jonggrang Temple, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, built in the 9th century. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of gods: Brahma, the creator; Shiva, the destroyer; and Vishnu, the protector. According to the ancient inscription Siwagrha, the original name of this temple is temple Siwagrha or the house of Shiva in Sanskrit. Garbagriha (the main chamber) of the temple, houses the 3-meter-high statue of Shiva Mahadewa which shows the importance of God Shiva.

Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex was built by Rakai Pikatan or King Pikatan of Dynasty Sanajaya who married the queen Dyah Pramodhawardani of Dynasty Syailendra. This temple It represents a harmonization between Hinduism and Buddha. At the top of this Hindu temple is the Mustaka, which resembles a stupa in Buddhist architecture.

Prambanan is considered the center of Hindu Buddhist culture. This temple is surrounded by hundreds of smaller temples in Hindu and Buddhist architecture, such as:

Temple Sewu 

Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences in its architecture. The marriage between Rakai Pikatan of the Hindu Dynasty and Queen Pramodhawardani of the Buddha Dynasty resulted in this architectural fusion. "Sewu" means "thousand," referring to the large number of temples within the complex.

However, the actual number is only 240 temples. Sewu is located just one kilometer from Prambanan Temple. During Waisak Day, this temple is used by Buddhists in the area for ceremonies.

The Bubrah Temple 

Bubrah means damaged in Javanese. It is named ‘Bubrah’ because of the temple's condition when it was discovered. However, we have always made an effort to restore it. The Bubrah temple complex also includes Prambanan, Lumbung, and Sewu.

Lumbung Temple 

Lumbung is one of the Buddhist temple complexes in Prambanan. It is located closest to the main temple complex. This temple was used as a rice barn by the locals at that time. That is why it is called Lumbung, or The Barn.

Plaosan Temple 

Plaosan is a Buddhist temple located not too far from Prambanan. However, this temple is not included in the Prambanan Park complex. It consists of two complexes: Plaosan Lor (North Plaosan) and Plaosan Kidul (South Plaosan). Plaosan Lor contains two large temples, often referred to as the twin temples, which serve as the main temple complex. Plaosan Kidul, on the other hand, contains only small Perwara temples.

Sojiwan Temple 

Sojiwan Temple is a Buddhist temple located 2 kilometers from Prambanan. This temple was built between 842 and 850 AD. The temple's name comes from the name of the temple guardian mentioned in the ancient inscription. Nini Haji Rakryan Sanjiwana.

Ijo Temple 

Temple Ijo is located atop a hill, 4 kilometers from Temple Boko. It is still used for Hindu ceremonies. Locals named this temple 'Ijo' because it is situated on a hill called Gumuk Ijo. From this temple, you can see the cityscape of Yogyakarta from the sky. You can even see the runway of Adi Sucipto International Airport. You can also watch the sunset.

Barong Temple 

Barong Temple is located in Candisari, Sambirejo, Yogyakarta. The architecture of this temple may differ from other temples in the region. It has a large foundation that supports the two smaller temples above it.

Boko Temple 

Temple Boko is a Hindu temple named after the father of Loro Jonggrang, King Baka, also known as the Stork King. Loro Jonggrang is a princess figure in local mythology and is believed to be the creator of Temple Prambanan. The Prabu Boko temple is more accurately described as an ancient palace. It is a park within a fortress that once surrounded the site. Built in the 8th century, this ancient palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Boko is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Yogyakarta.

Kalasan Temple

Kalasan Temple is a small temple located 100 meters south of the Yogya-Solo highway. This Buddhist monument has 52 stupas and was used as a vihara. Kalasan Temple is renowned for having some of the finest bas-reliefs in Indonesia. However, the main gate is badly damaged.

The Sari Temple

This temple is located not too far from Prambanan and Kalasan. Similar to other temples in the region, it was built in the 8th century during the reign of King Penangkaran. This monument consists of several stories. The upper story was used to store religious artifacts, and the lower story was used for prayer and other religious activities.

Sambisari Temple

Sambisari Temple is a Hindu temple located 4 kilometers from Prambanan. It was built in the 9th century during the reign of King Garung. The temple lies underground, approximately 6 meters below the normal ground level. This condition may be due to the eruption of Mount Merapi. Sambisari Temple is rediscovered by farmers while working in their fields.

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