Dieng Temple

 

Dieng Temple is a group of ancient Hindu temples located in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia. The temples were built in the 8th century AD and are dedicated to the god Shiva. The site is considered to be one of the oldest Hindu temple complexes in Indonesia and is believed to have been a center of religious and spiritual activity during the time it was built. The temples are made of andesite stone and are decorated with reliefs and statues of Hindu deities. The complex includes several small temples and shrines, as well as a larger main temple known as Candi Arjuna. The temples are considered to be important examples of ancient Javanese architecture and are now a popular tourist destination.

The Story

The story of Dieng Temple is not well documented and much of it is based on local folklore and legends. According to one legend, the Dieng Plateau was created by the god Brahma as a place for the gods to live. Another legend states that the Dieng Plateau was a sacred place where the god Shiva descended to earth to spread the teachings of Hinduism. The temples at Dieng Temple are thought to have been built during the 8th century AD, during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, which was known for its strong adherence to Hinduism.

The temples are dedicated to Shiva, who is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and is considered to be the god of destruction and regeneration. The main temple, Candi Arjuna, is thought to have been built as a place of worship and pilgrimage for the local population. The temples were likely used for religious ceremonies and festivals, as well as for the study of Hindu philosophy and theology.

Over the centuries, the temples fell into disrepair and were abandoned. They were rediscovered in the 19th century by Dutch archaeologists and have since been restored and preserved as a historical site. Today, the Dieng Temple is a popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage for Hindus.

The Dieng Temple is a complex of ancient Hindu temples located on the Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia. The complex includes several small temples and shrines, as well as a larger main temple known as Candi Arjuna.

The temples are made of andesite stone and are decorated with reliefs and statues of Hindu deities. The temples are considered to be important examples of ancient Javanese architecture, and the complex is an important archaeological site.

Candi Arjuna

Candi Arjuna is the largest and most impressive temple in the complex, and is thought to have been built as a place of worship and pilgrimage for the local population. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and features a central chamber with a lingam, which is a symbol of the God. The temple is also decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the story of the battle of Kurukshetra and the story of the descent of the Ganges.

The other temples in the complex are smaller and less well-preserved, but also have carvings and reliefs depicting Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology.

The Dieng Temple is also an important site for geology and geothermal study as it is situated in an active volcanic area and several hot springs can be found in the vicinity.

Here is a list of the statue at the Dieng Temple:

Candi Gatutkaca: This temple is dedicated to the God Gatutkaca, who is the grandson of the god Bima and is known for his strength and courage.

Candi Semar: This temple is dedicated to the God Semar, who is a figure in the Javanese version of the Ramayana and is known for his wisdom and kindness.

Candi Srikandi: This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Srikandi, who is a figure in the Mahabharata and is known for her bravery and loyalty.

Candi Puntadewa: This temple is dedicated to the God Puntadewa, who is the son of the God Arjuna and is known for his bravery and martial skills.

Candi Arjuna: This is the main temple and the largest temple in the complex. It is dedicated to the God Arjuna, who is one of the heroes of the Mahabharata and is known for his archery skills.

Candi Dwarawati: This temple is dedicated to the God Dwarawati, who is a figure in Javanese mythology and is known for his wisdom and knowledge.

Candi Bima: This temple is dedicated to the God Bima, who is one of the heroes of the Mahabharata and is known for his strength and courage.

These are the main temples in Dieng Temple, there are several other temples and shrines in the complex. Each temple has its own unique architectural style and features, and are decorated with reliefs and statues of Hindu deities, it's a great opportunity to learn about the ancient Hindu culture and architecture.

There is an admission fee to visit the Dieng Temple. The cost of the ticket varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase, and may also change based on the time of year or any special events taking place at the site.

The ticket price for domestic tourists is around IDR 20,000 - 25,000 for adult and IDR 15,000 - 20,000 for children. For international tourist is around IDR 50,000 - 75,000 for adult and IDR 25,000 - 50,000 for children.

It's important to note that the prices may change over time, and I recommend checking the official website or contacting the local tourism office for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices.

It's also worth noting that the money collected from the admission fee will be used for the preservation and maintenance of the temples and the site, and to support the local communities in the area.

The Dieng Temple is considered to be one of the best things to see in Central Java, Indonesia because of the following reasons:

Historical significance: The temples at Dieng Temple are some of the oldest Hindu temples in Indonesia and are considered to be important examples of ancient Javanese architecture.

Cultural heritage: The temples are an important part of Indonesia's cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the country's rich history and religious traditions.

Scenic location: The Dieng Plateau is a beautiful and scenic area, surrounded by mountains and lush green forests. The temples are located at an altitude of 2,093 m above sea level, so the view is quite stunning.

Unique experience: Visiting the Dieng Temple provides a unique experience as it is one of the few remaining ancient Hindu temple complexes in Indonesia and give a chance to learn about the history and culture of the country.

Geothermal activity: The Dieng plateau is an active volcanic area and several hot springs can be found in the vicinity which is a unique experience.

Overall, the Dieng Temple is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty.

There are several ways to get to the Dieng Temple from Jakarta:

By bus: The most popular and convenient way to get to the Dieng Temple from Jakarta is by bus. Buses depart from Jakarta's Lebak Bulus Terminal and take around 10-12 hours to reach the Dieng Plateau. The cost of a one-way bus ticket is around IDR 100,000 - 150,000.

By train: Another option is to take a train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta and then transfer to a bus or minivan that goes to the Dieng Plateau. The train journey takes around 8-9 hours, and the cost of a one-way train ticket is around IDR 75,000 - 100,000.

By car: You can also rent a car or hire a driver to take you to the Dieng Plateau from Jakarta. This option is more expensive, but it gives you more flexibility and allows you to stop and explore other places along the way. The cost of renting a car or hiring a driver is around IDR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000.

By plane: You can fly from Jakarta to Yogyakarta and then take a bus or minivan to the Dieng Plateau. This is the fastest way to get to the Dieng Temple, but also the most expensive. The cost of a one-way flight ticket is around IDR 800,000 - 1,500,000.

Whether you should spend the night at the Dieng Temple or in Yogyakarta depends on your personal preferences and travel plans.

Spending the night at the Dieng Temple: If you want to fully experience the natural beauty and serenity of the Dieng Plateau, it would be worth spending the night at a nearby hotel or guesthouse. This will allow you to explore the temples and the surrounding area at your own pace, without feeling rushed. Additionally, you will be able to see the temples during the day and night, as the temples are illuminated at night, which gives a different atmosphere.

Spending the night in Yogyakarta: If you're interested in exploring more of Central Java and want to experience the vibrant culture and nightlife of Yogyakarta, it would be best to spend the night in Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is a famous city known for its historical and cultural heritage, such as Borobudur and Prambanan temples, traditional markets, and local cuisine. You can also visit the Dieng Plateau as a day trip from Yogyakarta.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can decide based on your time, budget and interests.

If you choose to spend the night at the Dieng Temple, there are several accommodation options available, including:

Hotels: There are several hotels in the Dieng Plateau area that offer comfortable accommodations and various facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools and spa. The prices vary depending on the type of room and amenities offered, but generally range from IDR 200,000 to IDR 600,000 per night.

Guesthouses: For budget-friendly options, you can consider staying in one of the guesthouses in the Dieng Plateau area. These guesthouses offer simple but comfortable accommodations, and prices typically range from IDR 100,000 to IDR 300,000 per night.

Homestay: Another option is to stay in a homestay with a local family. This is a great way to experience traditional Javanese culture and hospitality, and prices typically range from IDR 150,000 to IDR 250,000 per night.

It's worth noting that the prices above are approximate and may change depending on the time of year or other factors, and it's always best to check with the hotel or guesthouse for the most up-to-date prices.

Also, it's highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as the Dieng Temple is a popular tourist destination.

The best time to visit the Dieng Temple depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. However, here are a few things to consider when planning your trip:

Weather: The Dieng Plateau has a cool climate year-round, with temperatures averaging around 15-20 degrees Celsius. The weather can be quite chilly and damp in the early morning and late evening, so it's recommended to bring warm clothing.

Rainy season: The rainy season in Central Java is from November to April, and during this time the weather can be unpredictable with heavy rain and fog. If you don't mind the rain and are looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience, this could be a good time to visit.

Peak season: The peak season for tourists in Central Java is from May to September, and during this time the weather is generally dry and sunny. This is also the best time to visit if you want to enjoy the temples and the surrounding area without getting rained on.

Festivals: The Dieng Plateau is also home to several traditional festivals such as the "Dieng Culture Festival" which usually held in August, it's a great opportunity to see traditional performances, and learn about the local culture.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Dieng Temple depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. If you're looking for good weather and want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the dry season from May to September. If you're looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience and don't mind a little rain, the rainy season from November to April could be a good time to visit.

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