Penataran Temple

Penataran Temple is a Hindu temple complex located in the village of Penataran, near Blitar, in East Java, Indonesia. The complex consists of several temples, the largest of which is the main temple, which is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the reign of the King Airlangga of the Kingdom of Kahuripan. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and is considered to be one of the most important and well-preserved Hindu temples in Indonesia. The complex also includes smaller temples, as well as a number of statues and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination.

Penataran Temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Airlangga of the Kingdom of Kahuripan in the 12th century. King Airlangga was a powerful king who ruled over a large kingdom in Eastern Java, and is known for his patronage of the arts, culture, and religion. He is also credited with promoting the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism in his kingdom, and is believed to have built many temples and other religious structures, including Penataran Temple. It is believed that the temple was built as a place of worship for the Hindu god Shiva and as a royal temple for King Airlangga and his family.

There are several folklores associated with Penataran Temple. One of the most popular is the story of King Airlangga's origin. According to legend, King Airlangga was born as the son of a powerful king, but was abandoned as a baby and raised by a commoner. Despite his humble beginnings, he grew up to be a wise and just ruler, and eventually regained his rightful place as king.

Another legend is associated with the construction of the temple. According to the story, King Airlangga was visited by the god Shiva in a dream, who told him to build a temple in his honor. The king followed the god's instructions and built the temple, which became a place of worship for the Hindu community in the area.

There's also a legend that says that the temple was built by the king to honor his late wife. He built the temple as a place for her soul to rest, and it is said that her spirit still dwells within the temple to this day.

It is not clear who the first person was to discover Penataran Temple, as the temple complex has been in existence for many centuries and has been a part of the local community for a long time. The temple was likely built by the Kingdom of Kahuripan in the 12th century, but it is not clear who discovered it after that.

The temple complex likely fell into disuse and was gradually covered by vegetation over the centuries, and remained hidden from view. It was rediscovered in the early 20th century by Dutch archaeologists and later by Indonesian archaeologists during the period of the Dutch colonization, who began to study and restore the temple.

It is also possible that the temple was known and visited by local people throughout its history, but it was not until the 20th century that it was rediscovered by Western scholars and became more widely known.

Penataran Temple has been restored several times in the past. The temple complex fell into disuse and was gradually covered by vegetation over the centuries, and much of the structure was in a state of disrepair by the time it was rediscovered in the early 20th century.

The first restoration work on the temple began in the 1930s by Dutch archaeologist and later by Indonesian archaeologists, who cleared away the vegetation and began to study and restore the temple. This initial restoration work focused on stabilizing the structure and making it safe for visitors.

Since then, several more restoration and conservation efforts have been carried out on the temple complex. These have included further stabilization and conservation work, as well as more detailed studies of the architecture, carvings, and inscriptions at the site. The restoration work has been carried out by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, with the aim of preserving and protecting the temple for future generations.

It is important to note that the restoration process is a delicate one, and it's important to ensure that the original structure and design of the temple are preserved as much as possible while making it safe for visitors.

Inside Penataran Temple, there are several temples, statues and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The main temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and it has a traditional structure of a typical Hindu temple. The main temple has several chambers, including a main chamber which houses a statue of Shiva, as well as several smaller chambers that contain statues of other Hindu deities.

The temple complex also includes smaller temples, which are believed to have been used for various religious rituals and ceremonies. Many of these smaller temples have been restored and are open to visitors.

The temple complex also includes a number of statues and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. These include carvings of gods, goddesses, and other figures from Hindu mythology, as well as scenes from Hindu epic stories such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Some of the carvings are quite detailed and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hindu art in Indonesia.

There is also a large courtyard that surrounds the main temple, which is believed to have been used for ceremonies and other religious rituals. The temple complex is a unique example of ancient Hindu architecture and art, and it is considered to be one of the most important and well-preserved Hindu temples in Indonesia.

The main temple of Penataran Temple houses a statue of the Hindu god Shiva, which is believed to have been the main object of worship at the temple. The statue is made of andesite stone, a type of volcanic rock, and it is believed to have been carved during the 12th century, the time when the temple was built. The statue depicts Shiva in a standing position, with four arms, and it is considered to be a fine example of ancient Javanese Hindu art.

The temple complex also includes smaller temples, which contains statues of other Hindu deities. These statues are also made of andesite stone, and they depict deities such as Vishnu, Brahma, and Ganesha.

Additionally, there are a number of statues and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. These include carvings of gods, goddesses, and other figures from Hindu mythology, such as Durga, Kali, and Garuda. These statues and carvings are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hindu art in Indonesia, and they are an important part of the temple complex's cultural heritage.

Vsitors are able to go inside Penataran Temple and view the temples, statues, and carvings. The temple complex is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.

There is an entrance fee to access the temple complex, this fee is set by the Indonesian government and is used to maintain and preserve the temple. The amount of the entrance fee is subject to change and it's recommended to check with the local authority for the most current information.

It's important to note that the temple complex is considered to be a sacred site, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully while inside the temple. This means not climbing on the statues or temples, not touching the carvings, and dressing modestly. Visitors should also respect the local customs and traditions, and be mindful of their surroundings while inside the temple.

Visitors are also recommended to hire a local guide, they can provide more detailed information about the history and significance of the temple complex and the carvings and statues inside.

When visiting Penataran Temple, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that you respect the sacred nature of the site and do not damage or deface the temples, statues, or carvings.

Do dress modestly, wearing appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.
Do remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Do respect the local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your surroundings while inside the temple.
Do hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temple complex and the carvings and statues inside.
Do not climb on the statues or temples, they are fragile and important cultural heritage.
Do not touch the carvings or statues, the oils from your skin can damage the ancient stone.
Do not take any photographs or videos inside the temple without permission.
Do not bring any food or drinks inside the temple.
Do not smoke or litter inside the temple area.
By following these guidelines, you can help to preserve the temple complex for future generations and ensure that your visit is a respectful and enjoyable experience.

There are several reasons why Penataran Temple is worth visiting:

Cultural and Historical Significance: Penataran Temple is considered to be one of the most important and well-preserved Hindu temples in Indonesia. The temple complex is a unique example of ancient Hindu architecture and art, and it provides insight into the culture and history of the Kingdom of Kahuripan in the 12th century.
Art and Architecture: The temple complex is home to several temples, statues, and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. These include carvings of gods, goddesses, and other figures from Hindu mythology, as well as scenes from Hindu epic stories such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hindu art in Indonesia.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Penataran Temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a recognition of its cultural and historical significance. This designation gives the temple complex a special status and ensures that it is preserved for future generations.
Natural Beauty: The temple complex is surrounded by beautiful natural landscape that can be enjoyed while visiting the site.
Local Culture: Visiting Penataran Temple is an opportunity to learn more about the local culture and traditions, as well as to interact with the local people.
Educational: Penataran Temple is a great place to learn about the ancient history, culture and architecture of the Hindu civilization in Indonesia.
Photography: For photography enthusiasts, Penataran Temple offers a great opportunity to capture some beautiful shots of ancient architecture, sculptures and natural surroundings.

Overall, Penataran Temple is an important cultural and historical site that offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of ancient Indonesia.

There are several ways to get to Penataran Temple from Surabaya, depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

By Bus: The most common way to get to Penataran Temple from Surabaya is by bus. There are several bus companies that operate regular services between Surabaya and Blitar, the city near Penataran Temple. The journey takes around 2-3 hours and buses leave from the Bungurasih Bus Terminal in Surabaya. From Blitar, you can take a local transportation (angkot) to the temple.
By Private Car: Another option is to rent a private car in Surabaya, this option gives you the flexibility to plan your own schedule and make stops along the way. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
By Train: Another way to get to Penataran Temple is by train. There are several trains that operate between Surabaya and Blitar. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, and trains leave from Surabaya's Pasarturi Station. From Blitar, you can take a local transportation (angkot) to the temple.
By Tour: If you prefer, you can also book a tour that includes transportation from Surabaya to Penataran Temple. This option is convenient and can take the hassle out of planning your own transportation and itinerary.

There are several ways also to get to Penataran Temple from Jakarta, depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

By Plane: The most convenient way to get to Penataran Temple from Jakarta is by plane. There are several flights per day from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, which is the closest airport to Penataran Temple. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center, and then take a bus or train to Blitar, the city near Penataran Temple. From Blitar, you can take a local transportation (angkot) to the temple.
By Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Jakarta to Blitar. The journey takes around 12-13 hours, depending on traffic and the bus company. Buses leave from several terminals in Jakarta, such as Lebak Bulus Terminal. From Blitar, you can take a local transportation (angkot) to the temple.
By Private Car: Another option is to rent a private car in Jakarta, this option gives you the flexibility to plan your own schedule and make stops along the way. The journey takes around 12-13 hours, depending on traffic.
By Tour: If you prefer, you can also book a tour that includes transportation from Jakarta to Penataran Temple. This option is convenient and can take the hassle out of planning your own transportation and itinerary.

It's recommended to check the schedule and prices for transportation options before you plan your trip, and also to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

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