Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends! Welcome back to another interesting article. Today, we are going to talk about a magnificent masterpiece of Southeast Asia’s ancient architecture – Candi Prambanan! Situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Candi Prambanan is a group of 240 temples that stretches to approximately 2 kilometers wide and 100 meters long.
The History of Candi Prambanan
Candi Prambanan was built in the 9th century during the Sanjaya dynasty, a Hindu dynasty that ruled central Java. The construction of the temple began during the reign of Rakai Pikatan and finished during the reign of Rakai Balitung. The temple was a place of worship for the Hindu Trimurti, consisting of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. However, after the decline of the Sanjaya dynasty, the temple was abandoned and fell into ruin for several centuries due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
It wasn’t until the 18th century when the Dutch colonial government began to restore the temple complex. Despite the restoration efforts, some of the temples remain in ruins to this day.
The Architecture of Candi Prambanan
Candi Prambanan is a marvel of ancient architecture. The temples are made of gray andesite stone and are intricately carved with reliefs depicting scenes from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. The main temple, the Shiva temple, stands at 154 feet tall and is adorned with reliefs of Lord Shiva, his consort, and other Hindu deities.
In addition to the Shiva temple, there are two smaller temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. There are also several smaller temples surrounding the main temples, each with their own unique carvings and reliefs.
The Legend of Candi Prambanan
According to legend, Prambanan was named after a Hindu princess named Roro Jonggrang, who was forced to marry Bandung Bondowoso, a powerful sorcerer. To avoid marrying Bandung Bondowoso, Roro Jonggrang challenges him to build 1,000 temples before dawn. However, with the help of supernatural beings, Bandung Bondowoso nearly succeeds in completing the task, leaving just one temple left to build. To prevent Bandung Bondowoso from completing the final temple, Roro Jonggrang and the local villagers light torches and scream roosters, tricking Bandung Bondowoso into thinking that dawn has come. Furious with Roro Jonggrang’s deceit, Bandung Bondowoso turns her into stone, which is said to be the image of the last incomplete temple.
Visiting Candi Prambanan
If you’re planning to visit Candi Prambanan, it’s important to note that the temple complex is a sacred place of worship for Hindu worshippers. As such, visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
The temple complex is open to visitors every day from 6 am to 6 pm. Entrance fees start at IDR 325,000 for international visitors and IDR 17,000 for Indonesian visitors. Visitors can also rent an audio guide for IDR 75,000 to learn more about the temple’s history and architecture.
Closing Thoughts
Candi Prambanan is truly a masterpiece of Southeast Asia’s ancient architecture. The intricate carvings and reliefs depicting Hindu deities are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who built it. Visiting Candi Prambanan is not only an opportunity to learn about Indonesian culture and history but also a chance to marvel at the beauty of one of the world’s great architectural wonders.
In conclusion
Thank you for reading this article about Candi Prambanan with us. We hope that you found it informative and inspiring. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might be interested in learning more about this beautiful temple complex. Until next time!