Candi Prambanan: The Magnificent Hindu Temple that Tells a Fascinating Story
Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends, are you looking for an adventure? If so, you should put a visit to Candi Prambanan on your itinerary. This place is unique in its own way as it offers more than just a temple visit. Candi Prambanan is located in Central Java, Indonesia, and is known as one of the world’s largest Hindu temples.
The temple is a masterpiece of Hindu architecture that was built in the 9th century during the Sanjaya Dynasty. It is believed that the magnificent temple is dedicated to the Trimurti gods, the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is highly regarded for its lush green surroundings, intricate carvings on the walls, and towering spires that can be seen even from afar.
Visiting Candi Prambanan is like entering another world that will transport you back in time. The great stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics are depicted on the temple’s walls and here’s where every carving holds meaning, and every statue has a story to tell.
The Legends of the Temple
The temple’s name is derived from the word ‘Prambanan,’ an ancient village located only 17 km east of Yogyakarta. The legend surrounding its existence tells the story of a wealthy man who fell in love with a poor woman. They eloped to Prambanan and lived there, building a temple as a symbol of their love.
Another story that’s told about the temple speaks of a giant who fell in love with a beautiful princess. The giant offered to marry her if she would build 1,000 temples in one night. With the help of supernatural creatures, the princess managed to complete 999 temples before her time ran out, and the giant turned her into stone.
The Architecture of Candi Prambanan
The temple is a product of a mix of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles in Java. Its three main temples, called Trimurti, represent the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple was built in a square shape, symbolizing human life with its four stages; birth, growth, decline, and eventual death.
The temple has four main parts; the outer courtyard, where the main entrance is, the middle courtyard where visitors can find the smaller shrines and the central courtyards, which hold the central Trimurti temples.
The Restoration of the Temple
Candi Prambanan was an abandoned temple for a long time, and it took several decades for the government to start its restoration. The temple was damaged during the 2006 Java earthquake, and the reconstruction effort took several years. The temple was officially reopened to the public in 2013 and is now fully restored to its former glory.
The Best Time to Visit
The temple is open all year round, but the best time to visit Candi Prambanan is in the morning or late evening. The morning is especially ideal as it’s less crowded, and visitors can watch the sunrise and the playful colors that dawn brings out.
There’s a lot to do and see in Prambanan’s complex. Visitors can explore the temple compound, learn more about its cultural significance, and view the vibrant dance performances like the Javanese ballet or Wayang Orang, a traditional Javanese puppet show.
The Significance of Candi Prambanan Today
Candi Prambanan is more than just another tourist destination. It serves as a holy place for Hindus in Indonesia, and its restored beauty continues to attract visitors from all over the globe. The temple’s significance stretches from cultural to religious, and its preservation shows how vital it is to understand and respect different cultures and beliefs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an adventure, Candi Prambanan should be on your must-visit list. The magnificent temple is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a symbol of an ancient culture and reflects a fascinating history that’s unique to Indonesia. Let’s explore more! Goodbye PikiranMedia’s Friends.