Uncover the Secrets of Candi Prambanan: A Journey Through History and Architecture
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Are you fascinated by history and architecture? If your answer is yes, then you must visit Candi Prambanan, which is a UNESCO world-heritage site located in Central Java, Indonesia. Candi Prambanan is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world and dates back to the 9th century.
The History of Candi Prambanan
Candi Prambanan was built during the reign of the Sanjaya dynasty, which was a Hindu dynasty that ruled Central Java from the 8th to 10th centuries. The construction of the temple complex is said to have started in the early 9th century and was completed in the mid-10th century.
The temple complex was dedicated to the Trimurti, which consists of the Hindu gods Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The temple complex has a total of 240 temples, with the main temple dedicated to Shiva.
The Architecture of Candi Prambanan
The architecture of Candi Prambanan is unique, as it combines elements of Hindu and Javanese architecture. The temple complex is divided into three zones: the outer zone, the middle zone, and the inner zone.
The outer zone consists of a large courtyard surrounded by a wall with 224 small temples. The middle zone contains the main temples, which are dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The inner zone consists of four smaller temples, which are dedicated to the gods’ vehicles: Nandi, Hamsa, Garuda and Angsa.
The main temple of Candi Prambanan is 47 meters high and has three levels. Each level is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
Uncovering the Secrets of Candi Prambanan
Despite being one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia, Candi Prambanan still holds many secrets that are waiting to be uncovered. One of the most interesting secrets of Candi Prambanan is the story behind the reliefs on the temple walls.
The reliefs depict the famous Hindu epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, but if you look closer, you will notice that there are many differences between the stories depicted in the reliefs and the original texts. These differences have led archaeologists to believe that the reliefs were not created based on the original texts but on a local version of the epics.
Another secret of Candi Prambanan is the mystery surrounding its construction. Despite its size and complexity, it took only a little over a century to build the temple complex. Archaeologists are still trying to uncover how such a magnificent temple complex could have been built in such a short amount of time.
Visiting Candi Prambanan
If you want to visit Candi Prambanan, it is best to plan your visit between April and September, as these months have the most pleasant weather. You can also visit during the temple’s annual festival, which takes place in the month of May.
When visiting Candi Prambanan, it is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide you with insights into the temple’s history and architecture. You can also watch the Ramayana ballet, which is performed every night at the temple complex.
The Final Word
Candi Prambanan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. Its unique blend of Hindu and Javanese architecture, combined with its fascinating history and mysteries, make it one of the most intriguing tourist attractions in Indonesia.
So, when you plan your next trip to Indonesia, don’t forget to visit Candi Prambanan and uncover its secrets for yourself.
Goodbye till we meet again with another interesting article!