Beside many temples in Indonesia, there’s one magnificent temple, Prambanan. Prambanan temple is the most beautiful temple in the world. It’s also the largest Hindu relic in Indonesia exist in Central Java and Yogyakarta.
However, its located approximately 17-20 kilometers in east of Yogyakarta. The main temple on the Prambanan temple complex leads to the east, with the temple height reaching about 47 meters. Prambanan Temple is often also known as the name of Roro Jonggrang temple.
Prambanan Temple or Roro Jonggrang Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. This temple is dedicated to Trimurti, the three major Hindu gods. Consist of Brahma as the creator god, Vishnu as the keeper god, and Shiva as the god of destruction. Also in the Garbagriha (main room) there is statue of Shiva Mahadewa as high as three meter. That shows that in this temple Shiva god takes the highest place. (read: Hinduism in Bali)
In addition, based on the Siwagrha Inscription, the Prambanan temple was built around the year 850 AD. The king of the Sanjaya Dynasty, Rakai Pikatan build it. It was later more developed by Balitung Maha Sambu during the Medang Mataram empire. (read also: Indonesian Cultural Festival)
The occurrence of several natural disasters and the displacement of Sanjaya Dynasty government to East Java has destroyed its complex. Prambanan Temple was discover again when a Dutchman named C.A.Lons, when he’s visiting the island of Java in 1733 and find the ruins.Â
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History
Many people of Indonesia know this story. Once upon a time a king named Prabu Boko had a desire to expand his palace and also controlled Pengging Kingdom. Which at that time became a very strong kingdom.
Then, he negotiate with his commander Patih Gupala. Then, they set up various strategies to rebel and attack the Kingdom Pengging and the King, Prabu Damar Moyo.
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When all the preparations are completed and all the power has gain, then Prabu boko, with his commander, also all the troops of Keraton Boko march to attack Pengging Kingdom. The battle between the two kingdoms is very fiercely and many soldiers from both kingdoms died.
Moreover, not just soldiers dying, the common people also losing hope and many of them also became victims. Then. not only casualties, it turns out the empire economy became paralyzed, many people suffer from hunger, disease, and so forth. (see also:Â Disaster in Indonesia)
Knowing the deterioration of this situation, Prabu Damar Moyo sent his son, Prince Bandung Bondowoso to fight Prabu Boko and take his life. Got orders from father, Bandung Bondowoso go to the battlefield. The fight between Bandung Bondowoso and Prabu Boko was fierce. In this duel finally Prince Bandung Bondowoso can defeat Prabu Boko and kill him. (See also:Â Hijab in Indonesia)
Meanwhile, after knowing his king’s lose, Patih Gupala run back to Boko. Seeing that, Bandung Bondowoso not stay put. He feel the need to destroy this rebellion completely. Then, he was pursuing Patih Gupala to Keraton Boko.
When Bandung Bondowoso arrived at Keraton Boko, he saw that Prabu Boko had a very beautiful daughter. Seeing the beauty of Roro Jonggrang is very tempting, make Bandung Bondowoso fell in love with her, and intend to marry her.
When knowing the intentions of Bandung Bondowoso, Roro Jonggrang also launched a strategy that she already make. She tell Bandung Bondowoso that she was willing to be the wife of Bandung Bondowoso, but there are 2 conditions.
Because already falling to deep with beautiful Roro Jonggrang, Bandung Bondowoso is willing to meet the 2 requirements before marrying Roro Jonggrang. (see also:Â Buddhism in Indonesia)
At beginning, he built the well requested by Roro Jonggrang. After the well was done, Roro Jonggrang asked Bandung Bondowoso to enter the well. When Bandung Bondowoso had entered the Jalatunda well, Roro Jonggrang ordered Patih Gupala to stockpile the well with soil and dirt, bury Bandung Bondowoso alive in it.
Apparently scheme of Roro Jonggrang and the Patih did not run smoothly. Bandung Bondowoso exerting his magic science, and managed to save himself out of the well. Knowing that he was trapped purposely, Bandung Bondowoso was very angry to Roro Jonggrang and came to her.
However, thanks to her beauty and persuasion, Roro Jonggrang making the angry Bandung Bondowoso more calm. Then Bandung Bondowoso willing to meet the second requirement, which build 1000 temples in one night. (See also: History of West Papua)
Then, he put all his strength and magic, then asking the the spirits to make 1000 temples for him, and the spirits were willing to help. Knowing that Bandung Bondowoso asking for the help of the spirits, Roro Jonggrang ain’t happy if Bandung Bondowoso can complete 1000 temples overnight.
Therefore, Roro Jonggrang spin her brain and issued another strategy. In order to destroy the efforts of Bandung Bondowoso building 1000 temples, she asked the help of the girls from his palace. (See also: History of Chinese in Indonesia)
The girls were order to burn the hay and hit the lesung (the traditional tool of Java to pound rice). The straw purposely burn to make it looks bright, like the morning when the sun begin to rise. Then the lesung were hit to the wake up the roosters, just like a sign that morning has arrived. (See also: Table Manners in Indonesia)
While the spirits were working to build the temple saw the sky begin to light and the roosters begin to crow, also thought that the day already morning. Knowing the morning has arrived they stop their work to build the temple. Seeing the spirits suddenly stop working, Bandung Bondowoso was surprised and suspicious of what happened.
Then, Bondowoso summon Roro Jonggrang to count all the temples. After counting the number, it turns out that the temple are only 999. (See also:Â Wildfire in Indonesia)
Realizing the trickery of Roro Jonggrang, Bandung Bondowoso was wrathful. He finally curse Princess Roro Jonggrang into the 1000th temple. It was magical, instantly the body of Princess Roro Jonggrang turn into a stone statue. Not only that, Bandung Bondowoso also condemned the girls who have helped Roro Jonggrang tricks to become old maids and their whole life never married.  (see also: Daily Phrases in Indonesia)
Etymology
The name Prambanan, comes from the name of the village. It is actually a change if the name of the Javanese dialect of the Hindu-Brahman theology. Which means “Brahman the Great”. Brahman or ultimate reality of the highest and the most unseen. Which is often the same as the concept of God In Hinduism.
Another opinion assumes that the Brahman may refer to the glorious period of this temple which was once gain with brahmins. Another opinion suggests that the name “Prambanan” comes from the root of the word “mban” in Javanese which means bear or bear the duty.
Referring to the Hindu gods who carry out the task of organizing and running the harmony of the universe.
Architecture
Entrance to this building complex is located in the four directions, based to 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, Vishnu, and Brahma
- 3 Wahana Temple : Nandi, Garuda, and Geese Temple
- 2 Apit Temple: located between the rows of Trimurti temples and the Wahana temples on the north and south sides.
- 4 Kelir Temple : located in the 4 corners, just behind the entrance of the inner courtyard or core zone.
- 4 Patok Temple : located on 4 corner core zone. (See also: Why is Indonesia Important)
- 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. (See also:Â Deforestation in Indonesia)
Then there are a total of 240 temples in the Prambanan complex. Originally there are 240 large and small temples in the Prambanan temple complex. But now, there are only 18 temples. 8 main temples and 8 small temples in the core zone and 2 Perwara temples. Many unfinished perwara temples, only 2 of 224 perwara temples restored, the remaining are only a pile of scattered stones.
However, 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 last is the third is the deep zone which is the holiest zone where the eight main temples and eight small temples.
See also: History of Bandung – History of Toba Lake
Finally, that’s it, all you need to know about Prambanan Temple, especially its history. Well this is a must visit temple in Indonesia, don’t forget to come here. You must feel the greatness of it, yourself. Okay, enjoy it and have a great day !
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