Kalasan Temple

Kalasan Temple is an 8th-century Buddhist temple located in the Indonesian province of Central Java. It is believed to have been built during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism. The temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Kalasan Temple is one of several temples in the area, including Prambanan and Borobudur, that form a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "Buddhist Monuments of Central Java."

Kalasan Temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty in the 8th century. The Sailendras were a powerful dynasty in ancient Java, and they were known for their patronage of Buddhism. They built several Buddhist temples in the region, including Kalasan Temple, Prambanan, and Borobudur, which form a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "Buddhist Monuments of Central Java." The exact name of the king who built Kalasan temple is not known but it is said that it was built by the order of King Samaratungga the ruler of the Sailendra dynasty.

Folk Story Kalasan Temple

There is a local folk story about the origins of Kalasan Temple. According to the story, the temple was built by a king named Rakai Panangkaran, who was the ruler of the kingdom of Medang Kamulan. The king had a beautiful daughter named Dewi Tara, who was renowned for her beauty and intelligence. One day, a prince from a neighboring kingdom named Prince Banawa fell in love with Dewi Tara, and asked for her hand in marriage. The king, however, was not willing to give his daughter to a prince from a neighboring kingdom, and so he refused the prince's request.

In his sorrow, Prince Banawa decided to build a temple in honor of Dewi Tara, in the hope that it would change the king's mind. He gathered his kingdom's finest artisans and architects, and together they built the temple of Kalasan Temple. The temple was so beautiful and grand that the king was moved by its splendor, and he relented, giving his daughter's hand in marriage to Prince Banawa.

This is a folk story and it is not clear how much of it is true, but it is a popular local legend that tells how the temple of Kalasan Temple came to be.

Inside Kalasan Temple

Kalasan Temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Some of the most notable features of the temple include:

The main entrance, which is adorned with a statue of the goddess Hariti, who is said to protect children.

The main chamber, which houses a large statue of the Buddhist deity Maitreya, who is also known as the "Future Buddha." The statue is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Indonesia.

The walls of the main chamber are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as scenes from Buddhist mythology.

The temple also features several smaller shrines and statues, including statues of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who is known as the "Compassionate One," and the bodhisattva Manjusri, who is known as the "Gentle Glory."

The temple's architecture is a mixture of Indian and Javanese architectural styles and the temple is a good example of the harmony between two different cultures.

The walls of the main chamber of Kalasan Temple are adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as scenes from Buddhist mythology. These carvings include:

Scenes from the life of the Buddha: such as his birth, enlightenment, and death.

Depictions of the Jatakas, which are stories that tell of the previous lives of the Buddha before he attained enlightenment.

Images of the bodhisattva and other deities and figures from Buddhist mythology, such as the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Maitreya.

Carvings of various animals, including lions and elephants, which are often seen as symbols of strength and power in Buddhism.

Floral and geometric designs that are common in traditional Javanese architecture and art.

These carvings are not only a form of art but also a way of teaching the people who could not read or write about the stories and teachings of Buddhism.

The main chamber of Kalasan Temple houses a large statue of the Buddhist deity Maitreya, who is also known as the "Future Buddha." The statue is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Indonesia, and is considered one of the most important and valuable artifacts of the temple.

The statue is made of andesite stone, a volcanic rock that is common in the area, and stands at around 3 meters tall. It depicts Maitreya sitting in a meditative pose, with his hands resting on his knees and his fingers in the Bhumisparsha mudra, which symbolizes the earth witness gesture. This mudra represents the moment when the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, called the earth to witness his attainment of enlightenment.

Maitreya is an important figure in Buddhism and is believed to be the next buddha who will appear on earth to bring enlightenment to all beings. He is often depicted with a serene expression, as well as a protruding belly, which is said to symbolize his generosity and compassion.

The statue of Maitreya in Kalasan Temple is considered a masterpiece of ancient Javanese art and it is an important representation of the spread of Buddhism in Indonesia. It is also a testament to the skill of the artisans and architects who created it, and the patronage of the Sailendra dynasty who built the temple.

The temple is open to visitors and you can explore the main chamber and see the statue of Maitreya and the other carvings and sculptures.

Admission to the temple is subject to the Indonesian government's regulations regarding heritage sites and tourist attractions. Typically, you will need to pay an entrance fee to enter the temple, which goes towards the maintenance and preservation of the site. The fee may change depending on the current regulations and it is also a good idea to check the official website of the temple or ask the local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Rule and Regulation Kalasan Temple

It is also important to be aware that there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed when visiting the temple, such as dress code, no smoking, no vandalizing and respecting the site.

Visiting Kalasan Temple can be a great way to learn about the history and culture of ancient Java and to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the temple's carvings and sculptures, but it is important to be respectful of the site and to follow the rules and regulations.

When visiting Kalasan Temple, it is important to be respectful of the site and to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure that the temple is preserved for future generations. Some general guidelines to follow include:

Dress modestly: Visitors are expected to dress modestly when entering the temple. This means avoiding revealing clothing and covering the shoulders and legs.
Remove shoes: Visitors are typically required to remove their shoes before entering the temple.
No smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside the temple.
No food or drinks: Eating and drinking inside the temple is not allowed.
Do not touch or climb on the sculptures: The temple's sculptures and carvings are valuable and delicate artifacts, and they should not be touched or climbed on.
No vandalism: Vandalism or damaging the temple in any way is strictly prohibited.
Do not take any kind of souvenirs: It is illegal to take any kind of artifact or souvenirs from the temple.

Follow the guide: It is recommended to follow the guide if there is any, as they will provide you with valuable information and ensure that you are following the rules and regulations.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that Kalasan Temple is preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Guide service is provided for visitors at Kalasan Temple. A guide can provide valuable information about the temple's history, architecture, and carvings, and can answer any questions you may have. They can also ensure that you are following the rules and regulations of the temple, and can give you a deeper understanding of the site.

The guide service is usually available for a fee and you can usually find them at the entrance of the temple or nearby. It's a good idea to inquire about the availability of guide service when you buy the ticket and to make sure to check the prices and schedule of the service.

However, it's also possible that the guide service is not always available, and you may need to explore the temple on your own. In that case, you can also read the information panels or brochures provided by the local authorities for more information about the temple.

Visiting Kalasan Temple with a guide can enhance the experience and deepen the understanding of the site, but it's also possible to appreciate the temple without a guide.

To get to Kalasan Temple from Jakarta, you can take a bus or train to the city of Yogyakarta, which is located near the temple. From Yogyakarta, you can then take a taxi or other transportation to the temple itself. Alternatively, you can also fly to Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, and then take a taxi to the temple.

Kalasan Temple is considered to be one of the most important and well-preserved Buddhist temples in Indonesia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a national cultural treasure. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, and is considered a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Indonesia.

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