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Unveiling the Mysteries of Candi Prambanan
Indonesia has many wonderful and mysterious places to explore, but Candi Prambanan holds a special place in the hearts of the local people. This Hindu temple complex is not only spectacular in its design and architecture but is also steeped in fascinating history that you may not have known. In this article, we will unveil the mysteries of Candi Prambanan so that you can more fully appreciate the grandeur of this ancient site.
The Legend of Candi Prambanan
As with many ancient sites, there are various legends and folklore surrounding Candi Prambanan. The most famous of these is the story of the rivalry between two powerful kings, Bandung Bondowoso and Prabu Boko. The latter was in love with Roro Jonggrang, a beautiful princess, and asked her to marry him. She initially refused, but he promised to stop the construction of the temples if she agreed to his proposal. However, Roro Jonggrang devised a plan to keep Prabu Boko from progressing. The princess proposed to build 1,000 temples before dawn, as a wedding gift, to the prince if she could see the temple light. With the help of supernatural beings, the princess managed to achieve this feat. When Prabu Boko saw that Roro Jonggrang had tricked him, he became angry and cursed her to become the thousandth statue in the temple.
Another interesting legend is that Candi Prambanan was built by a man who was assisted by a spirit named Kyai Slamet. According to the legend, Kyai Slamet was rewarded with the title “Raden Bondowoso” or “The Master Builder” and became a mythical figure in Javanese society. The temple complex was built in honor of the Hindu Trimurti, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The Architecture of Candi Prambanan
Candi Prambanan is an example of Hindu architecture and design and is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. It is believed to have been constructed in the 9th century during the rule of the Sanjaya Dynasty. The complex consists of 240 temples with the largest being 47 meters high. These temples alone are a breathtaking sight, but the architecture and intricate details make them truly extraordinary. The temples are decorated with carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two significant Hindu epics.
Restoration and Preservation
In more recent times, Candi Prambanan has undergone significant restoration and preservation activities. Over the years, the temples suffered from the effects of natural disasters, human activity, pollution, and improper restoration work. A significant earthquake in 2006 damaged the temples significantly, but restoration work has been ongoing since then to ensure the protection and preservation of this historical and cultural site.
Visiting Candi Prambanan
If you plan to visit Candi Prambanan, there are a few things to keep in mind. The temple complex is located close to Yogyakarta, and you can easily access it by car or public transportation. The entrance fee is relatively low and includes access to the entire complex. Getting a guide recommended as they will be able to provide you with details about the different temples and their history. Furthermore, it is advisable to visit Candi Prambanan in the morning when it’s still not too hot.
Conclusion
Candi Prambanan is a remarkable site, and it’s easy to see why it is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions. Its unique history, stunning architecture, and intricate carvings make it a sight to behold. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates beautiful architecture, Candi Prambanan is not to be missed. So, why not plan a visit to Candi Prambanan soon and experience the wonders of this ancient and mystical site yourself? We hope you enjoyed reading our article, and see you in another interesting article soon.
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