The Enchanting Legends Behind the Magnificent Candi Prambanan

Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends, have you ever heard of Candi Prambanan? Candi Prambanan is a magnificent temple located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is not only a testament to the rich cultural history of Indonesia but also a masterpiece of ancient Javanese architecture that has managed to survive for over a thousand years. Let’s explore the enchanting legends behind its creation.

The Legend of the Love Triangle

One of the most popular legends associated with Candi Prambanan is the love story between the prince Bandung Bondowoso and Princess Roro Jonggrang. The prince proposed to the princess to marry him, but she refused as she didn’t have any feelings for him. The prince then threatened to invade the kingdom, and the princess agreed to marry him if he could complete a seemingly impossible task of building 1,000 temples in one night. The prince, being a powerful magician, completed the task with the help of spirits, leaving only one temple incomplete. In the end, the princess refused to marry him, leaving the love-struck prince heartbroken. The incomplete temple is said to be the current Candi Sewu.

The Legend of the Lost Princess

Another legend surrounding Candi Prambanan is that it was built by a Javanese king named Rakai Pikatan to commemorate the lost princess. The king’s daughter, Princess Lara Kidul, disappeared into the sea one day while playing, and the king searched for her endlessly. As he couldn’t find her, he built Candi Prambanan as a dedication to the lost princess. The temple served as a place where the king could mourn his daughter and pray for her safety.

The Legend of the Cursed Loro Jonggrang

There is a legend that Candi Prambanan was cursed by Princess Roro Jonggrang by turning her into a statue. The curse was pronounced when Prince Bandung Bondowoso attempted to marry her against her wishes. In the legend, the princess’s curse turned her into a statue, making her the last temple of the complex, and the prince failed to marry her. In the real world, there was a temple left unfinished, which some believe to be the statue of the princess herself.

The Architecture of Candi Prambanan

Despite the numerous legends surrounding its creation, Candi Prambanan’s architecture is what draws tourists worldwide to witness its beauty every year. It is a compound of remarkably sculptured towers, decorated walls, and perfectly ornate carvings built in the 9th century. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and features three main temples in the inner courtyard, with each temple dedicated to their respective gods.

The Demise of Candi Prambanan

The temple complex of Candi Prambanan has endured centuries of destruction, from natural disasters like earthquakes to human-led destruction. In the 16th century, the temple complex largely lay abandoned until rediscovered by the British in the 19th century. Despite significant restoration work, many of the smaller temples remain in a state of ruin. However, the three main temples of the Candi Prambanan complex remain remarkably well preserved, making it a popular tourist destination.

Conclusion of The Legend Behind the Magnificent Candi Prambanan

In conclusion, Candi Prambanan is not just another temple. It is a testament to the rich culture and history of the Javanese people. The legends surrounding it serve as a reminder of the jaw-dropping beauty of this temple, a temple that has managed to survive for over a thousand years. If you are visiting Indonesia, be sure to visit Candi Prambanan and experience its majesty in person.

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