The Temples of Central Java

The Borobudur temple is world renown for its stupa, bell towers, depicting the life of Lord Buddha. For this reasons it has become a main tourist destination in Central Java. It has been proclaimed a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and attracts tourists from all over the world.
But little does visitor realize that Central Java has other temple sites of its past Hindu and Buddhists periods in Java. Called ''candi'' (pronounced chaan-dee) which stands for temple or sanctuary, some of them have been restored, but even in a partly ruined state, they are reminders of Indonesia's classical past.
Once linked to Borobudur, is Candi Mendut, about 3 km away. It has a single chamber and impressive is the 3-metre high statue of Lord Buddha in the pose of delivering his first sermon. Not far, and belonging to the pilgrimage circuit between Mendut and Borobudur, is the smaller Candi Pawon, built in the same architectural style.
Another Buddhist sanctuary is the 9th century Candi Sari, between Yogyakarta and Prambanan. Oblong, it has 2 stores and contains 3 chambers and upstairs rooms, reaching through a wooden stairway. The upper floor is believed to have been used as a library or storeroom, to accommodate monks.
Candi Sambisari was discovered in 1966 in the village of Sambisari, located in the Special Territory of Yogyakarta. Excavation followed as the candi lay buried 6 meters below the surface. A Hindu sanctuary, it was probably built by one of the rulers of the Mataram kingdom.
The temple complex of Prambanan lies at the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta. Famed for the Ramayan performances held on its vast open-air stage, the group of temples dedicated to Hindu gods has been restored. The largest, dedicated to Shiva, stands at a height of 47 metres. Prambanan is famous not only as the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia but for the artistry of the Ramayan period.
Next to the Prambanan temple complex is Candi Sewu. Located in a large compound, there is an impression here that once a great multitude of temples existed, that were given the name, Sewu, meaning a thousand. The central candi built to the glory of Buddha in the 8th century, was originally surrounded by 240 small candi.
In the Klaten area not far from Candi Sewu, is Candi Plaosan. Built by a princess of the Buddhists Syailendra dynasty, and married to Hindu ruler of Mataram, the temple reflects religious tolerance.
In the same area on the road between Yogyakarta and Solo is Candi Kalasan, built in the late 8th century in honour of Tara, the female Bodhisatva. No statue remains, although the size of the main chamber could mean that it was once as high as 6 metres.
Candi Sukuh, standing on the slopes of Mt. Lawu, differs from the other temples. Elements of a fertility cult are plain in its decorations, whilst its sculptures are of the Wayang period. Mystery surrounds this temple, which has 3 stone-built courtyards leading to the pyramid-like temple.
Further north is Central Java, on the Dieng plateau over 2,000 meters above sea level is the oldest Hindu candi in Java. Possibly the plateau was the site of a large town and when the mist descends on the six small candi, it takes on a mysterious picture. The candi are all named after heroes and heroines in the Wayang stories of the great Mahabarata Hindu epic, such as Bima, Arjuna, Gatot Kaca, Semar, etc.
Closer to Semarang on the foothills of Mt. Ungaran, and 5 km from Bandungan, is Candi Gedong Songo, a group of 9 small Hindu temples. Almost as old as the story of Central Java's past, the Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist kingdoms, influenced each other by earlier indigenous beliefs.
The rulers, sometimes portraying themselves by leaving inscriptions of their identities, built the Hindu sanctuaries. These archaeological sites are the cultural heritage of the nation, to be preserved for future generations, and for the world.
For more information, contact the Central Java Tourism Office at Jalan Madukoro Blok-BB/1, telephone (62-24) 7608570 or fax (62-24) 7608573