Prambanan Temple, The Most Graceful Hinduism Complex: Overview and Information

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The legends say that the Prambanan temple was constructed overnight. It was built under Roro Jonggrang's demand for Bandung Bondowoso, a man who wanted to marry her.

At the end of the story, Roro Jonggrang deliberately thwarted Bandung Bondowoso's attempt to marry her because, at the very start, Roro Jonggrang had no feelings for him. The angry Bandung Bondowoso then cursed Roro Jonggrang to become the 1000th Temple in the complex. Finally, this temple complex was also called the Roro Jonggrang Temple.

In this article, we will talk about the Prambanan temple, the Roro Jonggrang temple. This Hindu Temple is well-known for its elegance and beauty in Indonesia. If you're here, this is a sign for you to plan your trip to Prambanan Temple or at least put the plan on your bucket list!

Please read this article to its end to learn more about the Prambanan Temple!

Overview

Located on the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java, The Prambanan Temple is close to Borobudur Temple. The location of the two adjacent temples was considered a symbol of tolerance by Hindus and Buddhists at that time.

Prambanan is a tenth-century Hindu cultural masterpiece. The beautiful architecture of this building can't be compared to anything else. The highest point of the main shrine is 47 meters in the air, making it visible from considerable distances and towering over the shattered remnants of the ancient temples.

Prambanan Temple Complex

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Prambanan Temple has three courtyards arranged in a concentric pattern, with each courtyard bounded by a fence. The courtyards are named Yard I (Halaman I), Yard II (Halaman II), and Yard III (Halaman III).

Yard I (Halaman I)

In Yard I (Halaman I) or also known as the main yard, you can find 16 Temples, including:

1. 3 main Temples: Shiva Temple, Wisnu Temple, and Brahma Temple. These three temples are lined up close to each other, with the Shiva Temple as the main Temple. The size of Shiva Temple is the largest, while the Wisnu Temple and Brahma Temple are on the right and left sides, with shapes that are almost similar and smaller in size than the Shiva Temple.

2. 3 Wahana Temples : Garuda Temple, Nandi Temple, and Angsa Temple.

3. 2 Apit Temples: North Apit Temple and South Apit Temple

4. 4 Patok Temples

5. 4 Kelir Temples

Yard II (Halaman II)

On this yard there are 224 Perwara Temples, but not all of them are intact; some have even completely collapsed. The 224 temples are arranged in a row with each row numbering 68 temples, 60 temples, 58 temples and 44 temples.

Yard III (Halaman III)

Here, you can only find gate structures and fences.

History of The Prambanan Temple Complex

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The original name of Prambanan Temple was Shivagrha Temple, which means "the house of Shiva." Overall, the Prambanan Temple is a shrine to the three most important Hindu gods (Trimurti): Shiva, the god of destruction, Brahma, the god of creation, and Wishnu, the god of preservation.

Unfortunately, the Prambanan Temple's construction's history remains in mystery. However, based on what is written on the Shivargha inscription, it is thought that the Prambanan Temple was built during the reign of Rakai Pikatan, which was around 850 AD. It was also written that Balitung Maha Sambu built on and grew the Prambanan Temple.

The Prambanan Temple has been through a lot since then. This beautiful Temple was once covered with ash from a volcanic eruption, left alone until a forest surrounded it, and then fell down because of earthquakes. The Prambanan Temple underwent extensive repairs from 1930 to 1953. From that point forward, the Prambanan Temple was under constant watch and maintenance. Finally, in 1992, Prambanan Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Activities You Can Do at Temple Prambanan

Your visit to Prambanan Temple is undoubtedly motivated by a desire to take in the structure's breathtaking beauty and possibly to study its history. But did you know there are still many other things you can do here?

Prambanan Temple is today more than just a stunning religious site; it is also a major international tourist attraction. You'll find full-service facilities here, with a wide range of exciting entertainment options.

So, what exactly can one do in this area? Check the list below:

1. Taking Pictures

Photo by Wendy Winarno on Unsplash

As one might expect, the Prambanan Temple Complex is stunning in its elegance and finesse. To this day, the area around the Prambanan Temple is beautifully maintained, with a large, verdant park providing a scenic backdrop. Take some selfies and pictures of the beautiful Prambanan Temple Complex so you don't miss the golden point of the Temple.

2. Buying the Prambanan Gift at Its Gift Market

After you've had enough fun at the Prambanan Temple, it's time to buy some typical Prambanan Temple souvenirs. As you walk toward the exit gate, you'll pass a traditional Prambanan Temple souvenir market, where you can buy a variety of items that remind you of the Temple and the city of Yogyakarta. So, make sure you buy some for yourself and your loved ones!

3. Interact and Feed the Friendly Animals

The existence of these various animals is one of the steps taken by the Prambanan Temple Tourism Park to present the one-stop vacation concept. Uniquely, the various animals presented in this area reflect the Prambanan Temple reliefs.

There are animal motifs, plant motifs, and Prambanan motifs on the Prambanan Temple reliefs. Most of the animals engraved on are the family of birds and mammals. Along with that fact, we can find animals such as peacocks, rabbits, deer, goats and cassowaries in the animal area. What's more, we can interact with and feed these animals!

4. Get Around with Shuttle Car

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Prambanan Temple in a more relaxed way, then renting a shuttle car is the answer. Only by paying IDR 20,000 per person you will be taken around the Prambanan Temple area.

5. Watch the Ramayana Ballet Show

Prambanan Temple does not sleep after the main gate is closed. Instead, it will present you with a performance of 200 professional dancers to present the story of Rama and Shinta in a cinematic and theatrical way.

One of Hinduism's most significant works of literature is the story of Ramayana. This story is even carved into the Prambanan, Indonesia, Shiva temple's reliefs. The visualization will be elevated to a new level by the inclusion of a musical performance by a gamelan orchestra along with traditional Javanese dancing.

To enjoy this performance, you only need to pay for a ticket ranging from IDR 125,000 to IDR 400,000 per person.

Tips on Going to Prambanan Temple Complex

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Until now, Prambanan Temple is still used as a place of worship for Hindus in Indonesia. Along with that, you are required to maintain your attitude and appearance, both to respect the Prambanan Temple as a place of worship and to protect the Prambanan Temple as a world-historic site.

Take note of the following tips before travelling to Prambanan Temple:

1. Use comfortable footwear, because a large area requires you to walk a lot. Even though you can actually ride the shuttle car provided here,

2. Visit in the morning or evening to avoid the hot sun

3. f you have to go during the day, bring an umbrella, glasses, or a hat. Sunscreen or sunblock should also be recommended.

4. Put on nice and decent clothes

5. You should not bring food from outside because the staff here will check your bags to ensure you don't bring any.

6. It's okay to bring mineral water.

7. Buy a pass ticket if you want to continue your trip to the Borobudur Temple or other temples like the Ratu Boko, Plaosan, or Sojiwan Temples. Depending on the package you buy, this ticket pass can be used for up to 7 days.

Final thoughts

Unlike the Roro Jonggrang legend, which claims that the Temple was built in a single night, the actual history of Prambanan Temple notes that its construction took place over several years. But still, the beauty of the Prambanan Temple Complex is something that deserves to be adored. Don't you think?

If you intend to visit Prambanan Temple, remember the tips I gave you and remember to maintain it clean!

Happy holiday, peeps!