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Prambanan Temple

 

Prambanan Temple is one of the most famous temples in Indonesia. It is located near Yogyakarta and it was built in the 9th century by a Hindu king named Rakai Pikatan. The temple complex consists of three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. 

The legend behind Prambanan Temple tells the story of Roro Jonggrang, a beautiful princess who lived in nearby village. She was courted by Bandung Bondowoso, an evil prince from East Java who wanted to marry her against her will. To prevent this from happening, she asked him to build 1,000 temples overnight as proof of his love for her. 

Bandung Bondowoso accepted the challenge and used supernatural powers to summon demons that helped him build 999 temples before sunrise but he failed to complete the last one due to interference from Roro Jonggrang's friends who lit up fires around them so that they could see what was going on during night time. Furious at being tricked out of his victory, Bandung Bondowoso cursed Roro Jonggrang into stone which later became known as "Lingga Buana" or "Stone Man". 

Today visitors can still visit Prambanan Temple and admire its beauty while learning about its fascinating history and legend behind it! Whether you're looking for a spiritual experience or just want some great photo opportunities - Prambanan Temple has something for everyone! So if you ever find yourself in Yogyakarta make sure not miss out on visiting this incredible temple complex!


Prambanan Temple, also known as Rara Jonggrang, is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The temple is dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple complex consists of eight main shrines, each dedicated to one of the manifestations of Shiva, and more than 200 smaller shrines, most of which are dedicated to Vishnu. Prambanan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in Indonesia.

Rara Jonggrang is a legend and folklore of the Central Java that explains the origins of the Prambanan temple complex, also known as Prambanan Temple. According to the legend, a prince named Bandung Bondowoso fell in love with a beautiful princess named Rara Jonggrang, who was a daughter of King Boko, the king of the area where the temple was built. However, the king did not approve of their relationship and asked the prince to build a temple with 1,000 statues as a condition for him to marry his daughter. The prince accepted the challenge and built 999 statues in one night, but when he was about to complete the last one, Rara Jonggrang tricked him by asking him to turn around and look at the temple, and then rang the temple bell, causing him to think that it was dawn. Because of this, the prince was unable to complete the last statue, and Rara Jonggrang was turned into the last statue as punishment. This legend is said to be the origin of the name "Rara Jonggrang" which means "slender virgin" and the temple complex is also known as "Candi Rara Jonggrang".

The legend of Rara Jonggrang states that a prince was asked to build 1,000 statues as a condition to marry the princess Rara Jonggrang, but in reality, the Prambanan temple complex, which is believed to be the temple built by the prince in the legend, does not have 1,000 statues. The temple complex consists of eight main shrines, each dedicated to one of the manifestations of Shiva, and more than 200 smaller shrines, most of which are dedicated to Vishnu. The statues found at the temple are primarily of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, as well as many other deities from the Hindu pantheon. The temple also contains many reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu myths and stories.

The Prambanan temple complex, also known as Prambanan Temple, was rediscovered in the 19th century. The temple had been abandoned for centuries and was in a state of disrepair, covered by thick jungle growth and overgrown by weeds. The temple was first documented by Dutch archeologist H.C. Cornelius in 1733, but it was not until 1834 when the Dutch colonial government began official restoration work on the temple. The restoration work continued for several decades and was completed in 1953. Today, Prambanan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination in Indonesia.


The Prambanan temple complex consists of several structures, including several main shrines and many smaller shrines. The main shrines are:

  • The Trimurti temple, which is the largest and most important temple in the complex, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva).
  • The Vishnu temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu.
  • The Brahma temple, dedicated to the god Brahma.
  • The Shiva temple, dedicated to the god Shiva.

The complex also features many smaller shrines, which are dedicated to various Hindu deities, as well as many reliefs and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu myths and stories. The temple complex is surrounded by a large walled courtyard, which contains several other structures such as gates, and smaller shrines, and statues.

Visitors can explore the complex and see the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the temples, as well as learn about the history and significance of the site. The temples are open to visitors, and guided tours are available to learn more about the history and significance of the complex.

The reliefs and carvings found at the Prambanan temple complex, or Prambanan Temple, primarily depict scenes and stories from Hindu mythology. Some of the notable reliefs and carvings include:


  • Ramayana: The Ramayana is a Hindu epic that tells the story of Prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Many of the reliefs at Prambanan Temple depict scenes from the Ramayana, including the battle between Rama and Ravana.
  • Mahabharata: The Mahabharata is another Hindu epic that tells the story of a dynastic struggle for the throne of Hastinapura. Some of the reliefs at Prambanan Temple depict scenes from the Mahabharata, including the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
  • Other Hindu Deities: Many of the reliefs and carvings at Prambanan Temple depict various other Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and many other deities from the Hindu pantheon.
  • Apsaras: Apsaras are celestial dancers, many reliefs at Prambanan Temple depict apsaras in various poses and actions.

All of these reliefs and carvings are masterfully crafted and display the high level of skill and artistry of the ancient Javanese artisans who created them. They are considered important examples of ancient Javanese art and architecture and are a major draw for visitors to the site.

The entrance fee for visiting Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temples in Indonesia, varies depending on the type of ticket and the time of year. As of 2021, general admission for adults is IDR 80,000, while discounts are available for students, children, and groups. It is best to check the official website or the ticket booth at the temple for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Prambanan Temple does provide guided tours for visitors. The cost of a guided tour can vary depending on the tour provider and the type of tour being offered. Typically, you can expect to pay an additional fee on top of the entrance fee for a guided tour. It is best to check with the tour provider or the ticket booth at the temple for the most up-to-date pricing information on guided tours.

There are several ways to get from Jakarta to Prambanan Temple, and the cost will depend on the mode of transportation you choose.

  • By plane: You can fly to Adisucipto International Airport which is around 17km from Prambanan Temple, then you can take taxi or public transportation to get to the temple.
  • By train: You can take a train from Gambir Station in Jakarta to Yogyakarta. From Yogyakarta, you can take a taxi or public transportation to get to the temple.
  • By bus: You can take a bus from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. From Yogyakarta, you can take a taxi or public transportation to get to the temple.

The cost will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose and the specific route you take. It's best to check with the transportation providers for the most up-to-date pricing information.


There are many reasons to visit Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Indonesia.

  • Firstly, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a testament to its historical and cultural significance.
  • Secondly, the temple complex is a beautiful example of ancient Javanese architecture and art, dating back to the 9th century.
  • Thirdly, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and is visited by a large number of tourists every year.
  • Fourthly, it is also a pilgrimage site for Hindu worshippers, so you can experience the religious and spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
  • Lastly, The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, making it a great place to explore and take in the natural beauty of the area.
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