Sewu Temple

 

Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD during the Sailendra dynasty, and is considered to be one of the largest Buddhist temples in the region. The temple is noted for its intricate carvings and reliefs, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Sewu Temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the most important examples of Javanese Buddhist architecture.

There is a legend surrounding Sewu Temple that relates to the temple's name, which means "a thousand temples" in Javanese. According to the legend, there were originally 999 temples in the complex, but a prince who was in love with a princess built the 1000th temple in order to win her hand in marriage. The princess, however, was already in love with another prince, and so she rejected the first prince's proposal. Heartbroken, the first prince ordered all of the temples to be destroyed except for the one he had built himself, which is the only one that remains standing today.

Another legend is that Sewu Temple was built by a powerful king who wanted to create a temple complex that would rival the famous temple complex of Borobudur. He ordered the construction of many temples and one day, a hermit came to the king and told him that the temple should be named "Sewu", meaning thousands, because there were thousands of temples in the complex. However, the king was not satisfied and ordered to build one more temple, to make it one thousands of temples.

It's important to note that these legends are not supported by any historical records, and the actual history and purpose of the temple complex is not well understood.

Sewu Temple was rediscovered in the early 20th century by Dutch archaeologists who were conducting research in the area. The temple had been covered by thick jungle growth and was in a state of disrepair, and it took several years of excavations and restoration work to uncover the full extent of the complex. The first archaeological excavations at the site were carried out by Theodor van Erp and his team between 1907 and 1911, these excavations revealed the main temple and several other structures. They were followed by later excavations, conducted by various team of archaeologists and researchers, which uncovered more structures and provided more information about the layout and design of the complex.

It's important to note that the temple complex was known and used by local people before the arrival of the Dutch colonial in Indonesia, but it was not well-preserved. With the Dutch colonial government's interest in preserving the cultural heritage of the colony, the temple complex was officially discovered and brought to the attention of the world.

Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple complex that consists of several structures including the main temple, smaller temples, shrines, and gateways. The main temple, also known as the Vihara Loro Jonggrang, is the largest and most well-preserved structure in the complex. It is a multi-tiered temple that rises to a height of over 30 meters, and is noted for its intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.

The smaller temples and shrines are scattered throughout the complex and are believed to have been used for various ceremonial and religious purposes. Some of these structures are decorated with carvings and reliefs, while others are plain and unadorned.

The complex also includes several gateways, which are decorated with carvings and reliefs, and are believed to have been used as entrances to the temple complex. One of the most notable features of Sewu Temple is the reliefs that decorate the temple walls, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and daily life, such as battle scenes, dancers and musicians, and even Portuguese traders.

Sewu Temple is notable for the many statues and carvings that decorate the temple walls and structures. These statues and carvings depict a variety of subjects, including scenes from Buddhist mythology, as well as daily life and cultural scenes. The statues are typically made of andesite stone, which is a type of volcanic rock that is abundant in the region.

One of the most notable statues at Sewu Temple is the statue of Durga Mahisasuramardini, which is located in the main temple. Durga is a Hindu goddess who is also revered in Buddhism and is often depicted as a fierce warrior goddess. The statue depicts her standing on the chest of a defeated demon, and is noted for its intricate details and expressive facial features.

Another important statue is the statue of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who is a benevolent and compassionate figure in Buddhism, who is believed to help those who call upon him. He is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which symbolizes his ability to rise above the muck and mire of the world.

Other statues found in Sewu Temple are depicting different characters from Buddhist mythology such as Tara, Hariti and other celestial beings and protectors of Buddhism.

Overall, these statues and carvings are considered to be some of the most important examples of Javanese Buddhist art and are an important part of the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

The carvings and reliefs at Sewu Temple are considered to be some of the most intricate and detailed examples of Javanese Buddhist art. They decorate the walls and structures of the temple complex and depict a wide variety of subjects, including scenes from Buddhist mythology, daily life, and cultural scenes.

One of the most notable features of the carvings and reliefs at Sewu Temple is their level of detail and realism. The carvers were able to create a sense of depth and movement in the scenes depicted, which gives the carvings and reliefs a lifelike quality. The carvings and reliefs are also noted for their expressive facial features, which give the figures a sense of individuality and emotion.

The carvings and reliefs depict a wide variety of scenes from Buddhist mythology, including stories of the Buddha's past lives, as well as scenes from the Javanese daily life such as market scenes, battle scenes and depiction of animals. Some of the carvings and reliefs also depict the influence of other cultures on the region, such as the presence of Portuguese traders.

It's also important to note that the carvings and reliefs at Sewu Temple are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also serve to convey Buddhist teachings and moral values to the temple's visitors. Many of the carvings and reliefs depict stories and teachings that were intended to instruct and inspire the devotees who visited the temple.

Visitors can go inside the Sewu Temple temple complex, and it is open to the public. There is an entrance fee to enter the complex, the cost of which can vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It's usually around IDR 20.000-30.000 (Indonesian Rupiah) for domestic visitors and around IDR 150.000 for foreign visitors.

It is possible to hire a guide to show you around the complex and provide more information about the history and significance of the temple. The cost of a guide can vary, but it's usually around IDR 150.000 - 250.000. It's worth noting that hiring a guide is not necessary, but it can be helpful if you want to learn more about the history and significance of the temple.

It's also worth noting that the condition of the temple complex is not the same as it was in the past, and some of the structures and carvings are in a state of disrepair. The authorities are working to preserve and restore the temple, but it's still a work in progress.

There are several ways to get to Sewu Temple from Jakarta, which include:

By Train: The most convenient and affordable way to travel from Jakarta to Sewu Temple is by train. There are several trains that run daily from Jakarta to Solo (also known as Surakarta) which is the nearest city to Sewu Temple. The cost of a train ticket from Jakarta to Solo can vary, but it's usually around IDR 50.000 - 100.000. Once you arrive in Solo, you can take a bus or a taxi to Sewu Temple, which is located around 15 kilometers from the city.

• By Bus: It's also possible to travel from Jakarta to Sewu Temple by bus. There are several bus companies that run daily bus services from Jakarta to Solo, which take around 8-10 hours. The cost of a bus ticket can vary, but it's usually around IDR 100.000 - 150.000. Once you arrive in Solo, you can take a bus or a taxi to Sewu Temple, which is located around 15 kilometers from the city.
• By Car: You can rent a car or hire a driver to take you from Jakarta to Sewu Temple. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to travel at your own pace and schedule, and it's also a good option if you're traveling with a group. The cost of renting a car or hiring a driver can vary, but it's usually around IDR 600.000 - 1.000.000 for one way trip.

There are also several good accommodation options near Sewu Temple, which include:

• Hotels: There are several hotels located in and around Solo (also known as Surakarta), which is the nearest city to Sewu Temple. These hotels offer a range of amenities and services, and are a convenient option for those who want to explore the city as well as the temple complex. The cost of a hotel room can vary, but it's usually around IDR 300.000 - 500.000 per night.
• Guesthouses: There are also several guesthouses located in and around Solo, which are a budget-friendly option for those who want to visit Sewu Temple. These guesthouses typically offer basic amenities and services, and are a good option for those who are on a tight budget. The cost of a guesthouse room can vary, but it's usually around IDR 150.000 - 250.000 per night.
• Homestays: There are also several homestays located in and around Solo, which are a good option for those who want to experience local hospitality and culture. These homestays are typically run by local families, and offer a more authentic experience of Javanese culture. The cost of a homestay can vary, but it's usually around IDR 150.000 - 250.000 per night.

Keep in mind that the cost mentioned above is an approximate and can vary depending on the time of travel, the type of transportation, and other factors. It's always a good idea to check the prices and schedules in advance to plan your trip.

There are many reasons why one should visit Sewu Temple.

• Firstly, Sewu Temple is considered to be one of the most important examples of Javanese Buddhist architecture, and is a significant historical and cultural site in Indonesia. It is a beautiful and impressive temple complex that showcases the skill and artistry of the ancient Javanese builders.
• Secondly, the intricate carvings and reliefs that decorate the temple walls and structures are considered to be some of the most detailed and realistic examples of Javanese Buddhist art. They depict a wide range of subjects, including scenes from Buddhist mythology, daily life, and cultural scenes, and offer a glimpse into the beliefs and culture of the ancient Javanese people.
• Thirdly, Sewu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's one of the most visited tourist destinations in Central Java. Visiting Sewu Temple gives you an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the cultural heritage of the region.
• Lastly, visiting Sewu Temple can be an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and its impact on the Javanese culture. It's a place of spiritual significance that can provide a sense of peace and tranquility, as well as an opportunity for reflection and contemplation.

Overall, Sewu Temple is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, art, culture, and spirituality, and it's a great way to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Javanese culture and Buddhism.

I hope this article will help you when you learn more obout temple heritage in Indonesia, there is many of the you can find in this blog. Thank you for visit and reading our article.

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