Prambanan Temple

      Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan Balitung. Rise up as high 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple). This temple complex is located in the Prambanan subdistrict, Sleman and Prambanan sub-district, Klaten, approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta, 50 kilometers southwest of Surakarta and 120 km south of Semarang, just on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. It is very unique, Prambanan temple is located in the administrative region Bokoharjo village, Prambanan, Sleman, while the entrance of the Prambanan temple complex located in the administrative region Tlogo village, Prambanan, Klaten

      There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bandung  Bondowoso love Roro Jonggrang. Because Jonggrang don't love him, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue in 1000 because he felt cheated

     Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. The third temple is the symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All three temples were facing east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are 2 temples wedge, 4 color temples and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, the second page had 224 temples.

Vishnu tample

brahma tample

shiva tample

      Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find 4 rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the legend above.

statue of  Roro Jonggrang

       In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Brahma temple is located south of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

statue of Brahma.

statue of vishnu

      Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who has gold body, white face, red wings, beak and wings like eagles. It is estimated that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shining', associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

       The ability to save was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the country. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

        Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. According to experts, the relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described middle flanking a lion. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the people of the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.

relief ramayana

      Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol of Forum for Environment (Walhi). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. The tree of life can also be found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

relief kalpataru

      Well, there are many more that can be extracted at Prambanan. Of course you can not lose. If it was finally exhausted, you can relax in the garden around the temple.