Prambanan Temple or Roro Jonggrang Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia built in the 9th century AD. This temple is dedicated to Trimurti, the three major Hindu gods of Brahma as the creator god, Vishnu as the nurturing deity, and Shiva as the god of destruction. Based on the inscription of Siwagrha the original name of this temple complex is Siwagrha (Sanskrit meaning 'House of Shiva'), and indeed in garbagriha (main room) this temple resides the statue of Shiva Mahadewa as high as three meters indicate that in this temple Shiva god is preferred.
The temple complex is located in the sub-district of Prambanan, Sleman and Prambanan sub-district, Klaten, approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta, 50 kilometers southwest of Surakarta and 120 kilometers south of Semarang, just on the border between Central Java province and Yogyakarta Special Region. Its location is very unique, Prambanan Temple is located in the administrative area of Bokoharjo village, Prambanan, Sleman, while the entrance of the Prambanan Temple complex is located in the administrative area of Tlogo village, Prambanan, Klaten.
This temple is including UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, as well as one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. The architecture of this building is tall and slender in accordance with the Hindu architecture in general with the Shiva temple as the main temple has a height reaching 47 meters looming in the middle of a smaller cluster of temple complexes. As one of the grandest temples in Southeast Asia, Prambanan temple attracts tourists from all over the world.
According to the inscription of Siwagrha, this temple began to be built around the year 850 AD by Rakai Pikatan, and continues to be developed and expanded by Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Medang Mataram empire.
The name Prambanan, derived from the name of the village where this temple stands, is allegedly a change of the name of the Javanese dialect of the Hindu-Brahman theology, which means "Brahman the Great" ie Brahman or the ultimate, immortal reality which can not be described, which is often equated with the concept of God in Hinduism. Another opinion assumes that the Brahman may refer to the glorious period of this temple which was once filled with brahmins. Another opinion suggests that the name "Prambanan" is derived from the root of the word mban in the Javanese language meaningful to bear or bear the task, referring to the Hindu gods who carry out the task of organizing and running the harmony of the universe.
The original name of this Hindu temple complex is the name of Sanskrit; Siwagrha (Siwa's House) or Siwalaya (Shiva's Realm), based on the Siwagrha Inscription dated 778 Saka (856 AD). Trimurti is glorified in this temple complex with its three main temples glorifying Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. But Shiva Mahadewa who occupies the main room in the temple of Shiva is the most glorified deity in this temple complex.
The building was first built around 850 AD by Rakai Pikatan and is continuously perfected and expanded by King Lokapala and Balitung king Maha Sambu. Based on the Siwagrha inscription dates to 856 AD, this sacred building was built to glorify the god Shiva, and the original name of this building in Sanskrit is Siwagrha (Sanskrit: Shiva-grha meaning: 'Shiva house') or Siwalaya (Sanskrit: Shiva-laya means: 'The realm of Shiva' or 'Shiva Nature')In this inscription mentioned that when construction of the temple of Siwagrha is underway, also carried out public works changes water to move the river flow near this temple. The river in question is the Opak river that flows from north to south along the west side of the Prambanan temple complex. Historians suspect that the origin of this river flow curved eastward, and is considered too close to the temple so that river erosion can harm the construction of the temple. This water supply project is done by making a new river sodetan cutting the river arch with a north-south axis along the west wall outside the temple complex. The original rivers flow and then dumped to provide a wider land for the construction of a row of perwara temples (escort temple or escort temple).
Some archaeologists argue that the statue of Shiva in garbhagriha (main hall) in the Shiva temple as the main temple is a statue of the embodiment of the Balitung king, as a statue of his posthumous pedharmaan.
The complex of this building is periodically continuously perfected by the next Mataram Medang kings, like the Dukes and Tulodong kings, and expanded by building hundreds of additional temples around the main temple. Because of the magnificence of this temple, Prambanan temple serves as a great temple of the Kingdom of Mataram, where the digelarnya various important ceremonies of the kingdom. At the height of its glory, historians suspect that hundreds of brahman priests and disciples gathered and occupied the outer courts of this temple to study the Vedas and perform various Hindu rituals and ceremonies. While the center of the kingdom or the royal palace of Mataram allegedly located somewhere near Prambanan in the Plains of Kewu.
The building of this temple is supposedly completely collapsed due to the great earthquake of the 16th century. Although it is no longer a religious center and Hindu worship, this temple is still recognizable and is known to exist by the Javanese who inhabit the surrounding villages. The temples and statues of Durga in the main building of this temple inspired the Javanese folklore of Rara Jonggrang legend. After the split of the Sultanate of Mataram in 1755, the ruins of the nearby temples and rivers of Opak became the dividing mark between the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Kasunanan Surakarta (Solo).
In 1733, this temple was discovered by CA. Lons is a Dutch national. This temple attracted the world's attention when during the British occupation of Java. When it was Colin Mackenzie, a subordinate surveyor Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, found this temple. Although Sir Thomas later ordered further investigation, the ruins of this temple remained abandoned for decades. No serious excavations were carried out during the 1880s which unfortunately cultivated the practice of looting carvings and stone temples. Then in 1855 Jan Willem IJzerman began cleaning and removing some stones and soil from the temple's cubicle. A few moments later Isaac Groneman carried out a massive demolition and the stones of the temple were stacked arbitrarily along the Opak River. The statues and temple reliefs were taken by Dutch citizens and made into garden ornaments, while the indigenous people used temple stone for building materials and foundation of the house.
Restoration
The restoration began in 1918, but serious real efforts began in the 1930s. In 1902-1903, Theodoor van Erp maintained a fragile part of the collapse. In 1918-1926, continued by the Archeology Department (Oudheidkundige Dienst) under P.J. Perquin in a more systematic way according to archaeological rules. As is known to its predecessors do the removal and dismantling of thousands of stones carelessly without thinking of any restoration business again. In 1926 continued De Haan until the end of his life in 1930. In 1931 replaced by Ir. V.R. van Romondt until 1942 and then submitted the renovation leadership to the Indonesian son and it continued until 1993.
Continuous renovation efforts are made even now. The restoration of Shiva temple is the main temple of this complex was completed in 1953 and inaugurated by the first President of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno. Many parts of the temple are renovated, using new stones, because many original stones are stolen or reused elsewhere. A temple will only be renovated if at least 75% of the original stone still exists. Therefore, many small temples are not rebuilt and only the foundations are found.
Today, this temple belongs to UNESCO protected World Heritage Site, this status was awarded by UNESCO in 1991. Now, some parts of Prambanan temple are being renovated to repair the damage caused by the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006. This earthquake has damaged buildings and sculptures.
Contemporary events
In the early 1990s the government moved markets and villages that raged wildly around the temple, displacing the village and rice fields around the temple, and memugarnya into the archaeological park. This archaeological park covers a large area on the edge of Yogyakarta-Solo highway on the south side, covering the entire Prambanan temple complex, including Lumbung Temple, Bubrah Temple, and Sewu Temple on its north. In 1992 the Government of Indonesia State-owned company, Persero PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko. This business entity is in charge of managing ancient tourism parks in Borobudur, Prambanan, Ratu Boko, and the surrounding area. Prambanan is one of the famous tourist attraction in Indonesia which is visited by many tourists in the country or foreign tourists.
Just across the Opak river is built stage complex and the Trimurti showroom which regularly holds Ramayana Ballet show. The Trimurti open stage is right across the temple on the west bank of the Opak river with the background of Prambanan Temple highlighted by the lights. The open stage is only used during the dry season, while in the rainy season, the show is moved on a closed stage. Javanese Dance The Wayang of Ramayana is a tradition of Javanese court that has been hundreds of years old, usually performed in the palace and began to be performed in Prambanan during the full moon since the 1960s. Since then Prambanan has become a major cultural and archaeological attraction in Indonesia.
After the massive restoration of the 1990s, Prambanan also again became the center of Hindu worship in Java. The revival of Prambanan's religious values is due to the fact that there are quite a large number of Hindu people, either migrants from Bali or Javanese back to Hindus living in Yogyakarta, Klaten and surrounding areas. Every year Hindus from the provinces of Central Java and Yogyakarta gather at Prambanan temple to hold ceremonies on Galungan holy day, Tawur Kesanga, and Nyepi
On May 27, 2006 an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale (while the United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale) hit the area of Bantul and its surroundings. This earthquake caused severe damage to many buildings and deaths to nearby residents. This quake centered on Opak's faulty tectonic rupture in the direction of the Opak river valley near Prambanan. One of the damaged buildings is Prambanan temple complex, especially Brahma temple. Initial photographs showed that although the building complex remained intact, the damage was significant. Large stone fragments, including carving panels, and wajra peaks fall and scatter on the ground. These temples were closed from tourist visits until the damage and the dangers of collapse can be taken into account. Yogyakarta Archaeological Center states that it takes months to find out the extent of the damage caused by this earthquake. A few weeks later, in 2006 the site was re-opened for tourist visits. In 2008, there were 856,029 Indonesian tourists and 114,951 foreign tourists visiting Prambanan. On January 6, 2009 the restoration of Nandi temple was completed. In 2009, the space within the main temple was closed from tourist visits for security reasons.
Temple complex
Entrance to this building complex is located in the four directions of the direction of the wind, but the direction facing this building is to the east, then the main entrance of this temple is the eastern gate. Prambanan temple complex consists of:
Originally there are 240 large and small temples in the Prambanan temple complex. But now there are only 18 temples left; namely 8 main temples and 8 small temples in the core zone and 2 perwara temples. Many of the unfinished perwara temples, of the 224 only perwara temples have been restored, remaining only a pile of stones scattered. The Prambanan temple complex consists of three zones; first is the outer zone, the second is the middle zone consisting of hundreds of temples, the third is the deep zone which is the holiest zone where the eight main temples and eight small temples.
The cross section of the Prambanan temple complex is based on a square plot of three sections or zones, each of which is bounded by andesite stone walls. The outermost zone is characterized by a rectangular fence with 390 meters of each side, oriented Northeast - Southwest. Except for the remaining southern gate, the other gate and the temple wall have been missing. The function of this outer page is definitely not known; possibly a sacred garden area, or a dormitory complex of Brahmins and their students. Perhaps the first building that stands in the outer courtyard is made of wood, so it was weathered and destroyed nothing left.
Prambanan temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia besides Angkor Wat. The three main temples are called Trimurti and are dedicated to the three main gods of Trimurti: Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Sustainer and Brahma the Creator. In this temple complex Shiva is preferred and more venerated than the other two Trimurti gods. Shiva Temple as the main building at once the largest and highest, towering 47 meters high.
Shiva Temple
The inner courtyard is the most sacred zone of the three temple complexes. This courtyard is elevated by its surface and is square in a stone fence with four gates in the four directions of the wind. In this sandy courtyard there are eight main temples; the three main temples called the Trimurti temple ("three forms"), dedicated to the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sanctifier, and Soul of the Destroyer.
Shiva Temple as the main temple is the largest building at the same time in Rara Jonggrang temple complex, measuring 47 meters high and 34 meters wide. Peak mastaka or kemuncak this temple crowned modification of wajra form symbolizing diamond or lightning. This wajra form is a Hindu version of the stupa found at the top of the Buddhist temple. The Shiva Temple is surrounded by a gallery hallway decorated with reliefs that tell the story of Ramayana; engraved on the inside wall on the balustrades. On top of the balustrade is fenced with ranks of peak that also shaped wajra. To follow the story in the order, visitors must enter from the east side, then do pradakshina that rotates around the temple clockwise. The story of Ramayana is continued to Brahma Temple.
Siwa Temple in the middle, contains five rooms, one room in each direction of the wind and one garbagriha, which is the main and largest room located in the middle of the temple. The eastern room is connected to the main room where the statue of Shiva Mahadewa (Shiva Embodiment as the Supreme Deity) is three meters tall. This statue has a Lakçana (attribute or symbol) Shiva, namely chandrakapala (skull above the crescent moon), jatamakuta (crown of majesty), and trinetra (third eye) on his forehead. This statue has four arms that hold the Shiva attribute, such as aksamala (tasbih), camara (horsetail hair fly fly), and trident. This statue wearing upawita (caste rope) dragon-shaped serpent (cobra). Shiva is depicted wearing a loincloth of tiger skin, depicted with a head engraving, claws, and a tiger's tail on her thigh. Some historians assume that the statue of Shiva is the embodiment of the Balitung king as the god Shiva, as the statue of his posthumous pedharmaan. So when this king died, his soul was considered to be reunited with his god of penis Siwa. The statue of Shiva Mahadewa stands on a padma of padma on a yoni-shaped square base on the north side of Nāga (cobra) snake.
The other three smaller chambers store statues of smaller size associated with Shiva. Inside the southern chamber there is Resi Agastya, Ganesha son of Shiva in the western space, and in the northern hall there is a statue of Shiva or the wife of Shiva, Durga Mahisasuramardini, describing Durga as the exterminator of Mahisasura, the giant of the Ox that attacks the swargaloka. Durga statue is also referred to as Rara Jonggrang (virgin slim) by local residents. This statue is associated with the legendary daughter of Rara Jonggrang.The statue of Shiva Mahadewa stands on a padma of padma on a yoni-shaped square pad which is inscribed on the north side of the snake Nāga (cobra).
The other three smaller chambers store statues of smaller size associated with Shiva. Inside the southern chamber there is Resi Agastya, Ganesha son of Shiva in the western space, and in the northern hall there is a statue of Shiva or the wife of Shiva, Durga Mahisasuramardini, describing Durga as the exterminator of Mahisasura, the giant of the Ox that attacks the swargaloka. Durga statue is also referred to as Rara Jonggrang (virgin slim) by local residents. This statue is associated with the legendary daughter of Rara Jonggrang.
Brahma Temple and Wishnu Temple
The other two temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the north side and the other dedicated to Brahma, located on the south side. Both these temples facing east and there is only one room, which is dedicated to these gods. Brahma temple holds Brahma statue and Wishnu Temple save the statue of Vishnu which is about 3 meter high. The size of Brahma and Wishnu temples is the same, ie, 20 meters wide and 33 meters high.
Wahana Temple
Right in front of the Trimurti temple there are three smaller temples than Brahma and Wishnu temples dedicated to the vehicles or rides of these gods; the oxen Nandi Shiva rides, the Brahma Brahmins, and the Garuda Wisnu rides. The temple rides are located right in front of the god rider. In front of Shiva temple there is Nandi temple, inside there is statue of Nandi cattle. On the wall behind the statue of Nandi is on the left and right flanking statues Chandra moon god and Surya sun god. Chandra is depicted standing on a 10-horse-drawn carriage, while Surya stands on a horse-drawn carriage. Right in front of Brahma temple there is Angsa temple. This temple is empty and there is no Angsa statue in it. Perhaps it used to reside in Angsa statue as a Brahma vehicle in it. In front of Wishnu temple there is a temple dedicated to Garuda, but the same as the temple of Angsa, inside this temple is not found Garuda statue. Maybe once the statue of Garuda ever existed in this temple. Until now, Garuda has become an important symbol in Indonesia, which is a symbol of the state of Garuda Pancasila.
Apit Temple, Kelir Temple and Patok Temple
Among the sixth row of these main temples is the Apit Temple. The size of the Apit Temple is almost the same as the size of the perwara temple, which is 14 meters tall with a 6 x 6 meter floor plan. In addition to these 8 main temples there is a small temple in the form of a small temple that may function like a pelinggihan in Hindu Temple Bali putting canang or offerings, as well as aling-aling in front of the entrance. These small temples are; 4 Candi Kelir on the four corners of the wind in front of the entrance, and 4 Temple Patok in every corner. Candi Kelir and Candi Patok shaped miniature temple without ladder with a height of about 2 meters.
Perwara Temple
Two square-shaped walls that enclose two deep pages, arranged with orientation according to the four directions of the wind. The second wall is 225 meters long on each side. Between these two walls is the second page or the second zone. The second zone consists of 224 perwara temples arranged in four concentric lines. These temples are built on four staircase terraces that are getting to the middle a little higher. Four rows of these temples are smaller than the main temple. These temples are called "Perwara Temples" ie guard temples or complementary temples. Perwara temples are arranged in four deepest concentric rows consisting of 44 temples, 52 second rows of temples, the third row of 60 temples, and the fourth row and the outer row consisting of 68 temples.
Each of these perwara temples is 14 meters tall with a 6 x 6 meter plan, and the total number of perwara temples on this page is 224 temples. All of these ancestral temples have one staircase and entrance in the direction of the main face, except for the 16 temples in the corner that have two stairs and the entrance facing both outward directions. If most of the temple roof in the courtyard in the core zone is wajra, then the roof of perwara temple is symbolic of gems.
Originally there are many temples on this page, but only a few have been restored. The shape of this perwara temple is designed uniformly. Historians suspect that these temples were financed and built by the local authorities as a sign of devotion and offerings to the king. While there are opinions linking four rows of perwara temples symbolizing the four castes, and only those members of the caste are allowed to enter and worship in them; the deepest line only by entering the Brahmin caste, next to the outer row is the row of temples for Ksatriya, Waisya, and Sudra. While the other side assume there is no connection between candi perwara and four caste. The row of ancillary temples may be used for worship, or a meditative place for the pastor and his people.
Architecture
The architecture of Prambanan temple is based on Hindu architecture tradition based on Wastu Sastra. Temple plan megikuti mandala pattern, while the towering high temple is characteristic of Hindu temple. Prambanan has Siwagrha's real name and is designed to resemble the house of Shiva, which follows the form of the holy mountain of Mahameru, where the gods reside. All parts of the temple complex follow the model of the universe according to the Hindu cosmology concept, which is divided into several layers of realm, nature or Loka.
Like Borobudur, Prambanan also has temple zone levels, ranging from the less sacred to the most sacred zone. Despite the different names, each of these Hindu concepts has its counterpart in the Buddhist concept which is essentially the same. Both the floor plan horizontally and vertically are divided into three zones:
Relief
Ramayana and Krishnayana
This temple is decorated with narrative reliefs that tell the Hindu epics; Ramayana and Krishnayana. The relief of this story is engraved on the inside wall of the balustrade along the hallway of the gallery that surrounds the three main temples. This relief is read from right to left with the movement clockwise around the temple. This is in accordance with the ritual Pradaksina, the ritual of sacred surrounds clockwise by the pilgrims. The Ramayana story begins on the east side of the Shiva temple and proceeds to Brahma temple temple. On the railing of the Vishnu temple there is a narrative relief Krishnayana that tells the life of Krishna as one of the awatara Vishnu.
The Ramayana relief illustrates how Shinta, Rama's wife, was kidnapped by Ravana. Commander of the wanara (monkey), Hanuman, came to Alengka to help Rama find Shinta. The story is also featured in Ramayana Ballet, which is a Javanese wayang performance performed regularly on Trimurti's open stage every night of full moon. Background Trimurti stage is a magnificent view of the three main temples illuminated by lights.
Lokapala, Brahmana, and Dewata
Across the narrative panel of reliefs, over the walls of the temple's bodies along the gallery are decorated with statues and reliefs depicting the gods and brahmanas. The statues of the gods of lokapala, the heavenly god of the guardian of the winds can be found in the Shiva temple. While the statues of the brahmins composing the Vedas are in the Brahma temple. In Wishnu temple there are statues of gods flanked by two apsaras or celestial nymphs.
Prambanan Panil: Singa and Kalpataru
In the outer wall below the temple is decorated by a line of niches (alcoves) that hold the statue of the lion flanked by two panels depicting kalpataru's living tree. This sacred tree in Hindu-Buddhist mythology is considered a tree that can meet human needs and expectations. At the foot of Kalpataru tree is flanked by kinnara-kinnari couple (magical animal of human-headed bird), or other animal pairs, such as birds, antelope, sheep, monkey, horse, elephant, and others. The lion pattern enclosed by kalpataru is a typical pattern found only in Prambanan, because it is called "Prambanan Panil".
Prambanan Museum
Inside the ancient archaeological complex of Prambanan temple there is a museum that holds many ancient historical objects. The museum is located on the north side of Prambanan Temple, between Prambanan temple and Lumbung temple. The museum is built in traditional Javanese architecture, a joglo house. Collections stored in this museum are various stones of temples and various statues found around the location of Prambanan temple; such as the statue of Nandi cattle, the Agastya, Shiva, Wishnu, Garuda, and Durga Mahisasuramardini statues, including the Lingga Siwa stone, as a symbol of fertility.
The replica of the famous gold treasures of Wonoboyo's findings, in the form of an ornate Ramayana bowl, scoop, bag, money, and gold jewelry, are also in the museum. The original Wonoboyo findings are now stored at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta. Replicas of architectural models of several temples such as Prambanan, Borobudur, and Plaosan are also exhibited in this museum. This museum can be accessed free of charge by visitors of Prambanan archaeological park because the entrance ticket of the park has included this museum. The audio visuals of Prambanan temple are also shown here.
Another temple around Prambanan
The Kewu Plain or Prambanan Plain is a fertile plain that runs between the southern slopes of the foot of Mount Merapi in the north and the limestone ranks of Sewu in the south, near the border of Yogyakarta and Klaten, Central Java. In addition to the Prambanan temple, valleys and plains around Prambanan are rich in archaeological remains of the earliest Buddhist temples in Indonesian history, as well as Hindu temples. Prambanan temple is surrounded by Buddhist temples. Still in the complex of ancient tourist park, not far north of Prambanan temple there are ruins of Lumbung temple and Bubrah temple. Further north there is Sewu temple, the second largest Buddhist temple after Borobudur. Further east there is Plaosan temple. In the west of Prambanan there are Kalasan temples and Sari temples. While in the south there is Sojiwan temple, Ratu Baka Site located on the hills, as well as Banyunibo temple, Barong temple, and Ijo temple.
With the discovery of so many historical remains in the form of temples only a few hundred meters away, the area around Prambanan in ancient times was an important area. Areas that have important values in terms of religious, political, economic, and cultural. It is suspected that the Medang Mataram royal center is located somewhere on this plain. The wealth of archaeological sites, as well as the sophistication and beauty of its temples make the Prambanan Plain not less than other famous historical sites in Southeast Asia, such as archaeological sites of the ancient cities of Angkor, Bagan and Ayutthaya.
The temple complex is located in the sub-district of Prambanan, Sleman and Prambanan sub-district, Klaten, approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta, 50 kilometers southwest of Surakarta and 120 kilometers south of Semarang, just on the border between Central Java province and Yogyakarta Special Region. Its location is very unique, Prambanan Temple is located in the administrative area of Bokoharjo village, Prambanan, Sleman, while the entrance of the Prambanan Temple complex is located in the administrative area of Tlogo village, Prambanan, Klaten.
This temple is including UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, as well as one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. The architecture of this building is tall and slender in accordance with the Hindu architecture in general with the Shiva temple as the main temple has a height reaching 47 meters looming in the middle of a smaller cluster of temple complexes. As one of the grandest temples in Southeast Asia, Prambanan temple attracts tourists from all over the world.
According to the inscription of Siwagrha, this temple began to be built around the year 850 AD by Rakai Pikatan, and continues to be developed and expanded by Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Medang Mataram empire.
Etymology
The name Prambanan, derived from the name of the village where this temple stands, is allegedly a change of the name of the Javanese dialect of the Hindu-Brahman theology, which means "Brahman the Great" ie Brahman or the ultimate, immortal reality which can not be described, which is often equated with the concept of God in Hinduism. Another opinion assumes that the Brahman may refer to the glorious period of this temple which was once filled with brahmins. Another opinion suggests that the name "Prambanan" is derived from the root of the word mban in the Javanese language meaningful to bear or bear the task, referring to the Hindu gods who carry out the task of organizing and running the harmony of the universe.
The original name of this Hindu temple complex is the name of Sanskrit; Siwagrha (Siwa's House) or Siwalaya (Shiva's Realm), based on the Siwagrha Inscription dated 778 Saka (856 AD). Trimurti is glorified in this temple complex with its three main temples glorifying Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. But Shiva Mahadewa who occupies the main room in the temple of Shiva is the most glorified deity in this temple complex.
History of Prambanan Temple
Development
Prambanan is the largest and most magnificent Hindu temple ever built in ancient Java, the construction of the Hindu temple of the kingdom was started by Rakai Pikatan as a counterpart of Buddhist temple of Borobudur and also Sewu temple which is located not far from Prambanan. Some old historians suspect that the construction of this great Hindu temple to mark the return of the reign of the Sanjaya family over Java, this is related to the twin theory of different faiths that compete with each other; namely the Sanjaya Hindus and the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty. Certainly, with the construction of this temple marks that the Hinduism of the Saiwa school was again supported by the royal family, after the Sailendra prefecture tended to favor the Mahayana Buddhist sect. This marks that the Medang kingdom shifted its focus of religious support, from Mahayana Buddhism to the worship of Shiva.The building was first built around 850 AD by Rakai Pikatan and is continuously perfected and expanded by King Lokapala and Balitung king Maha Sambu. Based on the Siwagrha inscription dates to 856 AD, this sacred building was built to glorify the god Shiva, and the original name of this building in Sanskrit is Siwagrha (Sanskrit: Shiva-grha meaning: 'Shiva house') or Siwalaya (Sanskrit: Shiva-laya means: 'The realm of Shiva' or 'Shiva Nature')In this inscription mentioned that when construction of the temple of Siwagrha is underway, also carried out public works changes water to move the river flow near this temple. The river in question is the Opak river that flows from north to south along the west side of the Prambanan temple complex. Historians suspect that the origin of this river flow curved eastward, and is considered too close to the temple so that river erosion can harm the construction of the temple. This water supply project is done by making a new river sodetan cutting the river arch with a north-south axis along the west wall outside the temple complex. The original rivers flow and then dumped to provide a wider land for the construction of a row of perwara temples (escort temple or escort temple).
Some archaeologists argue that the statue of Shiva in garbhagriha (main hall) in the Shiva temple as the main temple is a statue of the embodiment of the Balitung king, as a statue of his posthumous pedharmaan.
The complex of this building is periodically continuously perfected by the next Mataram Medang kings, like the Dukes and Tulodong kings, and expanded by building hundreds of additional temples around the main temple. Because of the magnificence of this temple, Prambanan temple serves as a great temple of the Kingdom of Mataram, where the digelarnya various important ceremonies of the kingdom. At the height of its glory, historians suspect that hundreds of brahman priests and disciples gathered and occupied the outer courts of this temple to study the Vedas and perform various Hindu rituals and ceremonies. While the center of the kingdom or the royal palace of Mataram allegedly located somewhere near Prambanan in the Plains of Kewu.
Abandoned
Around the 930s, the royal capital moved to East Java by Mpu Sindok, who founded Wangsa Isyana. The cause of this central transfer of power is not known for certain. However, it is very likely caused by the terrifying eruption of Mount Merapi which looms about 20 kilometers north of Prambanan temple. Other possible causes are wars and power struggles. After the displacement of the capital, Prambanan temple began abandoned and not maintained, so slowly this temple began to break and collapse.The building of this temple is supposedly completely collapsed due to the great earthquake of the 16th century. Although it is no longer a religious center and Hindu worship, this temple is still recognizable and is known to exist by the Javanese who inhabit the surrounding villages. The temples and statues of Durga in the main building of this temple inspired the Javanese folklore of Rara Jonggrang legend. After the split of the Sultanate of Mataram in 1755, the ruins of the nearby temples and rivers of Opak became the dividing mark between the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Kasunanan Surakarta (Solo).
Reinvention
Local residents of Java around the temple already know the existence of this temple. But they do not know the true historical background, who is the king and what kingdom has built this monument. As a result of the imagination, local people create local folklores to explain the origin of the existence of these temples; colored with a fantastic story about the giant king, thousands of temples built by the spirits of the genie and dedemit in just one night, as well as the beautiful princess who was cursed into a statue. The legend of Prambanan is known as Rara Jonggrang.In 1733, this temple was discovered by CA. Lons is a Dutch national. This temple attracted the world's attention when during the British occupation of Java. When it was Colin Mackenzie, a subordinate surveyor Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, found this temple. Although Sir Thomas later ordered further investigation, the ruins of this temple remained abandoned for decades. No serious excavations were carried out during the 1880s which unfortunately cultivated the practice of looting carvings and stone temples. Then in 1855 Jan Willem IJzerman began cleaning and removing some stones and soil from the temple's cubicle. A few moments later Isaac Groneman carried out a massive demolition and the stones of the temple were stacked arbitrarily along the Opak River. The statues and temple reliefs were taken by Dutch citizens and made into garden ornaments, while the indigenous people used temple stone for building materials and foundation of the house.
Restoration
The restoration began in 1918, but serious real efforts began in the 1930s. In 1902-1903, Theodoor van Erp maintained a fragile part of the collapse. In 1918-1926, continued by the Archeology Department (Oudheidkundige Dienst) under P.J. Perquin in a more systematic way according to archaeological rules. As is known to its predecessors do the removal and dismantling of thousands of stones carelessly without thinking of any restoration business again. In 1926 continued De Haan until the end of his life in 1930. In 1931 replaced by Ir. V.R. van Romondt until 1942 and then submitted the renovation leadership to the Indonesian son and it continued until 1993.
Continuous renovation efforts are made even now. The restoration of Shiva temple is the main temple of this complex was completed in 1953 and inaugurated by the first President of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno. Many parts of the temple are renovated, using new stones, because many original stones are stolen or reused elsewhere. A temple will only be renovated if at least 75% of the original stone still exists. Therefore, many small temples are not rebuilt and only the foundations are found.
Today, this temple belongs to UNESCO protected World Heritage Site, this status was awarded by UNESCO in 1991. Now, some parts of Prambanan temple are being renovated to repair the damage caused by the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006. This earthquake has damaged buildings and sculptures.
Contemporary events
In the early 1990s the government moved markets and villages that raged wildly around the temple, displacing the village and rice fields around the temple, and memugarnya into the archaeological park. This archaeological park covers a large area on the edge of Yogyakarta-Solo highway on the south side, covering the entire Prambanan temple complex, including Lumbung Temple, Bubrah Temple, and Sewu Temple on its north. In 1992 the Government of Indonesia State-owned company, Persero PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko. This business entity is in charge of managing ancient tourism parks in Borobudur, Prambanan, Ratu Boko, and the surrounding area. Prambanan is one of the famous tourist attraction in Indonesia which is visited by many tourists in the country or foreign tourists.
Just across the Opak river is built stage complex and the Trimurti showroom which regularly holds Ramayana Ballet show. The Trimurti open stage is right across the temple on the west bank of the Opak river with the background of Prambanan Temple highlighted by the lights. The open stage is only used during the dry season, while in the rainy season, the show is moved on a closed stage. Javanese Dance The Wayang of Ramayana is a tradition of Javanese court that has been hundreds of years old, usually performed in the palace and began to be performed in Prambanan during the full moon since the 1960s. Since then Prambanan has become a major cultural and archaeological attraction in Indonesia.
After the massive restoration of the 1990s, Prambanan also again became the center of Hindu worship in Java. The revival of Prambanan's religious values is due to the fact that there are quite a large number of Hindu people, either migrants from Bali or Javanese back to Hindus living in Yogyakarta, Klaten and surrounding areas. Every year Hindus from the provinces of Central Java and Yogyakarta gather at Prambanan temple to hold ceremonies on Galungan holy day, Tawur Kesanga, and Nyepi
On May 27, 2006 an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale (while the United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale) hit the area of Bantul and its surroundings. This earthquake caused severe damage to many buildings and deaths to nearby residents. This quake centered on Opak's faulty tectonic rupture in the direction of the Opak river valley near Prambanan. One of the damaged buildings is Prambanan temple complex, especially Brahma temple. Initial photographs showed that although the building complex remained intact, the damage was significant. Large stone fragments, including carving panels, and wajra peaks fall and scatter on the ground. These temples were closed from tourist visits until the damage and the dangers of collapse can be taken into account. Yogyakarta Archaeological Center states that it takes months to find out the extent of the damage caused by this earthquake. A few weeks later, in 2006 the site was re-opened for tourist visits. In 2008, there were 856,029 Indonesian tourists and 114,951 foreign tourists visiting Prambanan. On January 6, 2009 the restoration of Nandi temple was completed. In 2009, the space within the main temple was closed from tourist visits for security reasons.
Temple complex
Entrance to this building complex is located in the four directions of the direction of the wind, but the direction facing this building is to the east, then the main entrance of this temple is the eastern gate. Prambanan temple complex consists of:
- 3 Trimurti Temple: Shiva temple, Vishnu, and Brahma
- 3 Candi Wahana: Nandi temple, Garuda, and Geese
- 2 Apit Temple: located between the rows of Trimurti temples and the Wahana temples on the north and south sides
- 4 Candi Kelir: located in the 4 corners of the eye just behind the entrance of the inside page or core zone
- 4 Stake Temple: located on 4 inner page corners or core zone
- 224 Perwara Temple: arranged in 4 concentric rows with the number of temples from the deepest to the outermost rows: 44, 52, 60, and 68
Originally there are 240 large and small temples in the Prambanan temple complex. But now there are only 18 temples left; namely 8 main temples and 8 small temples in the core zone and 2 perwara temples. Many of the unfinished perwara temples, of the 224 only perwara temples have been restored, remaining only a pile of stones scattered. The Prambanan temple complex consists of three zones; first is the outer zone, the second is the middle zone consisting of hundreds of temples, the third is the deep zone which is the holiest zone where the eight main temples and eight small temples.
The cross section of the Prambanan temple complex is based on a square plot of three sections or zones, each of which is bounded by andesite stone walls. The outermost zone is characterized by a rectangular fence with 390 meters of each side, oriented Northeast - Southwest. Except for the remaining southern gate, the other gate and the temple wall have been missing. The function of this outer page is definitely not known; possibly a sacred garden area, or a dormitory complex of Brahmins and their students. Perhaps the first building that stands in the outer courtyard is made of wood, so it was weathered and destroyed nothing left.
Prambanan temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia besides Angkor Wat. The three main temples are called Trimurti and are dedicated to the three main gods of Trimurti: Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Sustainer and Brahma the Creator. In this temple complex Shiva is preferred and more venerated than the other two Trimurti gods. Shiva Temple as the main building at once the largest and highest, towering 47 meters high.
Shiva Temple
The inner courtyard is the most sacred zone of the three temple complexes. This courtyard is elevated by its surface and is square in a stone fence with four gates in the four directions of the wind. In this sandy courtyard there are eight main temples; the three main temples called the Trimurti temple ("three forms"), dedicated to the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sanctifier, and Soul of the Destroyer.
Shiva Temple as the main temple is the largest building at the same time in Rara Jonggrang temple complex, measuring 47 meters high and 34 meters wide. Peak mastaka or kemuncak this temple crowned modification of wajra form symbolizing diamond or lightning. This wajra form is a Hindu version of the stupa found at the top of the Buddhist temple. The Shiva Temple is surrounded by a gallery hallway decorated with reliefs that tell the story of Ramayana; engraved on the inside wall on the balustrades. On top of the balustrade is fenced with ranks of peak that also shaped wajra. To follow the story in the order, visitors must enter from the east side, then do pradakshina that rotates around the temple clockwise. The story of Ramayana is continued to Brahma Temple.
Siwa Temple in the middle, contains five rooms, one room in each direction of the wind and one garbagriha, which is the main and largest room located in the middle of the temple. The eastern room is connected to the main room where the statue of Shiva Mahadewa (Shiva Embodiment as the Supreme Deity) is three meters tall. This statue has a Lakçana (attribute or symbol) Shiva, namely chandrakapala (skull above the crescent moon), jatamakuta (crown of majesty), and trinetra (third eye) on his forehead. This statue has four arms that hold the Shiva attribute, such as aksamala (tasbih), camara (horsetail hair fly fly), and trident. This statue wearing upawita (caste rope) dragon-shaped serpent (cobra). Shiva is depicted wearing a loincloth of tiger skin, depicted with a head engraving, claws, and a tiger's tail on her thigh. Some historians assume that the statue of Shiva is the embodiment of the Balitung king as the god Shiva, as the statue of his posthumous pedharmaan. So when this king died, his soul was considered to be reunited with his god of penis Siwa. The statue of Shiva Mahadewa stands on a padma of padma on a yoni-shaped square base on the north side of Nāga (cobra) snake.
The other three smaller chambers store statues of smaller size associated with Shiva. Inside the southern chamber there is Resi Agastya, Ganesha son of Shiva in the western space, and in the northern hall there is a statue of Shiva or the wife of Shiva, Durga Mahisasuramardini, describing Durga as the exterminator of Mahisasura, the giant of the Ox that attacks the swargaloka. Durga statue is also referred to as Rara Jonggrang (virgin slim) by local residents. This statue is associated with the legendary daughter of Rara Jonggrang.The statue of Shiva Mahadewa stands on a padma of padma on a yoni-shaped square pad which is inscribed on the north side of the snake Nāga (cobra).
The other three smaller chambers store statues of smaller size associated with Shiva. Inside the southern chamber there is Resi Agastya, Ganesha son of Shiva in the western space, and in the northern hall there is a statue of Shiva or the wife of Shiva, Durga Mahisasuramardini, describing Durga as the exterminator of Mahisasura, the giant of the Ox that attacks the swargaloka. Durga statue is also referred to as Rara Jonggrang (virgin slim) by local residents. This statue is associated with the legendary daughter of Rara Jonggrang.
Brahma Temple and Wishnu Temple
The other two temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the north side and the other dedicated to Brahma, located on the south side. Both these temples facing east and there is only one room, which is dedicated to these gods. Brahma temple holds Brahma statue and Wishnu Temple save the statue of Vishnu which is about 3 meter high. The size of Brahma and Wishnu temples is the same, ie, 20 meters wide and 33 meters high.
Wahana Temple
Right in front of the Trimurti temple there are three smaller temples than Brahma and Wishnu temples dedicated to the vehicles or rides of these gods; the oxen Nandi Shiva rides, the Brahma Brahmins, and the Garuda Wisnu rides. The temple rides are located right in front of the god rider. In front of Shiva temple there is Nandi temple, inside there is statue of Nandi cattle. On the wall behind the statue of Nandi is on the left and right flanking statues Chandra moon god and Surya sun god. Chandra is depicted standing on a 10-horse-drawn carriage, while Surya stands on a horse-drawn carriage. Right in front of Brahma temple there is Angsa temple. This temple is empty and there is no Angsa statue in it. Perhaps it used to reside in Angsa statue as a Brahma vehicle in it. In front of Wishnu temple there is a temple dedicated to Garuda, but the same as the temple of Angsa, inside this temple is not found Garuda statue. Maybe once the statue of Garuda ever existed in this temple. Until now, Garuda has become an important symbol in Indonesia, which is a symbol of the state of Garuda Pancasila.
Apit Temple, Kelir Temple and Patok Temple
Among the sixth row of these main temples is the Apit Temple. The size of the Apit Temple is almost the same as the size of the perwara temple, which is 14 meters tall with a 6 x 6 meter floor plan. In addition to these 8 main temples there is a small temple in the form of a small temple that may function like a pelinggihan in Hindu Temple Bali putting canang or offerings, as well as aling-aling in front of the entrance. These small temples are; 4 Candi Kelir on the four corners of the wind in front of the entrance, and 4 Temple Patok in every corner. Candi Kelir and Candi Patok shaped miniature temple without ladder with a height of about 2 meters.
Perwara Temple
Two square-shaped walls that enclose two deep pages, arranged with orientation according to the four directions of the wind. The second wall is 225 meters long on each side. Between these two walls is the second page or the second zone. The second zone consists of 224 perwara temples arranged in four concentric lines. These temples are built on four staircase terraces that are getting to the middle a little higher. Four rows of these temples are smaller than the main temple. These temples are called "Perwara Temples" ie guard temples or complementary temples. Perwara temples are arranged in four deepest concentric rows consisting of 44 temples, 52 second rows of temples, the third row of 60 temples, and the fourth row and the outer row consisting of 68 temples.
Each of these perwara temples is 14 meters tall with a 6 x 6 meter plan, and the total number of perwara temples on this page is 224 temples. All of these ancestral temples have one staircase and entrance in the direction of the main face, except for the 16 temples in the corner that have two stairs and the entrance facing both outward directions. If most of the temple roof in the courtyard in the core zone is wajra, then the roof of perwara temple is symbolic of gems.
Originally there are many temples on this page, but only a few have been restored. The shape of this perwara temple is designed uniformly. Historians suspect that these temples were financed and built by the local authorities as a sign of devotion and offerings to the king. While there are opinions linking four rows of perwara temples symbolizing the four castes, and only those members of the caste are allowed to enter and worship in them; the deepest line only by entering the Brahmin caste, next to the outer row is the row of temples for Ksatriya, Waisya, and Sudra. While the other side assume there is no connection between candi perwara and four caste. The row of ancillary temples may be used for worship, or a meditative place for the pastor and his people.
Architecture
The architecture of Prambanan temple is based on Hindu architecture tradition based on Wastu Sastra. Temple plan megikuti mandala pattern, while the towering high temple is characteristic of Hindu temple. Prambanan has Siwagrha's real name and is designed to resemble the house of Shiva, which follows the form of the holy mountain of Mahameru, where the gods reside. All parts of the temple complex follow the model of the universe according to the Hindu cosmology concept, which is divided into several layers of realm, nature or Loka.
Like Borobudur, Prambanan also has temple zone levels, ranging from the less sacred to the most sacred zone. Despite the different names, each of these Hindu concepts has its counterpart in the Buddhist concept which is essentially the same. Both the floor plan horizontally and vertically are divided into three zones:
- Bhurloka (in Buddhism: Kamadhatu), is the lowest realm of mortal beings; humans, animals, also spirits and demons. In this realm humans are still bound by passions, desires, and unholy lifestyles. Landing page and the foot of the temple symbolizes the realm of bhurloka.
- Bwahloka (in Buddhism: Rupadhatu), is a tranquil nature, a place of saints, rishis, hermits, and inferior gods. In this nature man begins to see the light of truth. The central courtyard and the body of the temple symbolize the realm of bwahloka.
- Swahloka (in Buddhism: Arupadhatu), is the highest and holiest domain in which the gods reside, also called swargaloka. The inner courtyard and the roof of the temple symbolize the swahloka realm. The roof of the temples in the Prambanan compound is decorated with mastaka peak of ratna (Sanskrit: gem), Prambanan's rat shape is a modification of wajra form symbolizing diamond or lightning. In ancient Javanese Hindu architecture, Ratna is a Hindu counterpart to the Buddhist stupa, which functions as the summit or mastaka of the temple.
Relief
Ramayana and Krishnayana
This temple is decorated with narrative reliefs that tell the Hindu epics; Ramayana and Krishnayana. The relief of this story is engraved on the inside wall of the balustrade along the hallway of the gallery that surrounds the three main temples. This relief is read from right to left with the movement clockwise around the temple. This is in accordance with the ritual Pradaksina, the ritual of sacred surrounds clockwise by the pilgrims. The Ramayana story begins on the east side of the Shiva temple and proceeds to Brahma temple temple. On the railing of the Vishnu temple there is a narrative relief Krishnayana that tells the life of Krishna as one of the awatara Vishnu.
The Ramayana relief illustrates how Shinta, Rama's wife, was kidnapped by Ravana. Commander of the wanara (monkey), Hanuman, came to Alengka to help Rama find Shinta. The story is also featured in Ramayana Ballet, which is a Javanese wayang performance performed regularly on Trimurti's open stage every night of full moon. Background Trimurti stage is a magnificent view of the three main temples illuminated by lights.
Lokapala, Brahmana, and Dewata
Across the narrative panel of reliefs, over the walls of the temple's bodies along the gallery are decorated with statues and reliefs depicting the gods and brahmanas. The statues of the gods of lokapala, the heavenly god of the guardian of the winds can be found in the Shiva temple. While the statues of the brahmins composing the Vedas are in the Brahma temple. In Wishnu temple there are statues of gods flanked by two apsaras or celestial nymphs.
Prambanan Panil: Singa and Kalpataru
In the outer wall below the temple is decorated by a line of niches (alcoves) that hold the statue of the lion flanked by two panels depicting kalpataru's living tree. This sacred tree in Hindu-Buddhist mythology is considered a tree that can meet human needs and expectations. At the foot of Kalpataru tree is flanked by kinnara-kinnari couple (magical animal of human-headed bird), or other animal pairs, such as birds, antelope, sheep, monkey, horse, elephant, and others. The lion pattern enclosed by kalpataru is a typical pattern found only in Prambanan, because it is called "Prambanan Panil".
Prambanan Museum
Inside the ancient archaeological complex of Prambanan temple there is a museum that holds many ancient historical objects. The museum is located on the north side of Prambanan Temple, between Prambanan temple and Lumbung temple. The museum is built in traditional Javanese architecture, a joglo house. Collections stored in this museum are various stones of temples and various statues found around the location of Prambanan temple; such as the statue of Nandi cattle, the Agastya, Shiva, Wishnu, Garuda, and Durga Mahisasuramardini statues, including the Lingga Siwa stone, as a symbol of fertility.
The replica of the famous gold treasures of Wonoboyo's findings, in the form of an ornate Ramayana bowl, scoop, bag, money, and gold jewelry, are also in the museum. The original Wonoboyo findings are now stored at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta. Replicas of architectural models of several temples such as Prambanan, Borobudur, and Plaosan are also exhibited in this museum. This museum can be accessed free of charge by visitors of Prambanan archaeological park because the entrance ticket of the park has included this museum. The audio visuals of Prambanan temple are also shown here.
Another temple around Prambanan
The Kewu Plain or Prambanan Plain is a fertile plain that runs between the southern slopes of the foot of Mount Merapi in the north and the limestone ranks of Sewu in the south, near the border of Yogyakarta and Klaten, Central Java. In addition to the Prambanan temple, valleys and plains around Prambanan are rich in archaeological remains of the earliest Buddhist temples in Indonesian history, as well as Hindu temples. Prambanan temple is surrounded by Buddhist temples. Still in the complex of ancient tourist park, not far north of Prambanan temple there are ruins of Lumbung temple and Bubrah temple. Further north there is Sewu temple, the second largest Buddhist temple after Borobudur. Further east there is Plaosan temple. In the west of Prambanan there are Kalasan temples and Sari temples. While in the south there is Sojiwan temple, Ratu Baka Site located on the hills, as well as Banyunibo temple, Barong temple, and Ijo temple.
With the discovery of so many historical remains in the form of temples only a few hundred meters away, the area around Prambanan in ancient times was an important area. Areas that have important values in terms of religious, political, economic, and cultural. It is suspected that the Medang Mataram royal center is located somewhere on this plain. The wealth of archaeological sites, as well as the sophistication and beauty of its temples make the Prambanan Plain not less than other famous historical sites in Southeast Asia, such as archaeological sites of the ancient cities of Angkor, Bagan and Ayutthaya.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon