Standing firmly and majestically, Prambanan Temple has a long historical story that proves the existence of Hindu civilization in the archipelago. Located between Yogyakarta and Central Java, Prambanan Temple became one of the symbols of the glory and transfer of Hindu power after the previous Buddhist in the Syailendra Dynasty succeeded in building Borobudur Temple.
Being the largest Hindu temple in Central Java, Prambanan Temple is also inseparable from the legend of Bandung Bondowoso, who intends to build a thousand temples for Roro Jonggrang.
History of Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is a relic of the Medang or Ancient Mataram Kingdom in the 9th century AD, precisely during the leadership of King Rakai Pikatan of Wangsa. The purpose of the construction of Prambanan Temple is to honor the three gods (trimurti), namely Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
The main temple in Prambanan is the Shiva Temple. The temple has a height of up to 47 meters and is located in the middle of the complex. Two other temples, Brahma Temple and Vishnu Temple ,are located next to Shiva Temple and have a height of about 33 meters.
Until now, Prambanan Temple is believed to be a symbol of Hindu glory in Central Java, after previously being ruled by Buddhists, especially the Syailendra Dynasty. During its heyday, the Syailendra Dynasty first built the temple that is now known as Borobudur Temple.
However, after dominating the glory in Central Java and shifting to East Java, Prambanan Temple slowly began to be abandoned. Since it was abandoned, Prambanan Temple has been damaged by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The existence of Prambanan Temple returned after it was discovered by the Dutch colonials in the 18th century and began to be restored periodically. The overall restoration of the temple took place in 1953 and was inaugurated directly by President Soekarno.
Having stunning cultural, historical, and architectural values, UNESCO designated Prambanan Temple in 1991 as one of the world's heritage sites.
Legend of 1,000 Bandung Bondowoso Temples for Roro Jonggrang
The history of Prambanan Temple is also closely related to the legend of Bandung Bondowoso's thousand temples for Roro Jonggrang. This story has been cultivated and passed down from generation to generation as a legacy of the Javanese people.
The legend tells of a princess of the Kingdom of Baka named Roro Jonggrang who was forcibly persuaded to marry a prince named Bandung Bondowoso. The invitation was made when Bandung Bondowoso successfully fought Roro Jonggrang's father, King Prabu Baka, in a battle.
Roro Jonggrang did not want to accept the invitation. Therefore, Roro Jonggrang proposed conditions for Bandung Bondowoso. The condition was that Bandung Bondowoso must build 1,000 temples in one night.
Feeling powerful, Bandung Bondowoso agreed to this. He immediately summoned reinforcements in the form of spirits to help him build the temple.
Seeing this, Roro Jonggrang thought of a plan to thwart Bandung Bondowoso. Assisted by the royal court ladies, Roro Jonggrang burned straw and pounded rice. The goal was to make the cock crow as if it were morning.
Hearing the cock crow, the spirits ran away, even though 999 temples had been made.
Bandung Bondowoso felt cheated. He cursed Roro Jonggrang into stone. Many believe that the statue of Dewi Durga in Shiva Temple is the form of Roro Jonggrang, who was cursed into stone. This legendary folklore certainly enriches the history of Prambanan Temple.
Beautiful Architecture at Prambanan Temple
In addition to its interesting historical and cultural values, the allure of Prambanan Temple also lies in its building style or architecture. Prambanan Temple is said to be the largest Hindu architectural masterpiece in Indonesia.
The Prambanan Temple complex has 240 temples. Today, many of these temples remain only as ruins. Even so, the layout is mesmerizing because it has the concept of a mandala in Hindu cosmology.
A touch of Hindu culture
The shape of the Prambanan Temple building is said to adapt a mountain that is the residence of the gods in Hinduism, the name is Mount Meru. The mountain is described as a tall pyramid, just like the building of Prambanan Temple.
The building of Prambanan Temple is also made of andesite stone, without cement (dry masonry), but miraculously can stand firmly.
The uniqueness of Prambanan Temple's architecture is also expressed in the Ramayana relief of saving Sita and Ravana, carved in a circle on the inner wall of the temple fence. The relief begins at the Shiva Temple and ends at the Brahma Temple.
The Ramayana story, packaged in the form of the Ramayana Ballet, is also still performed on an open stage with Prambanan Temple in the background.
Prambanan Temple as a Place to Visit
One of the cultural heritages that still continues to burn is Prambanan Temple, a relic of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. This temple not only offers historical and cultural values but also beauty through its towering buildings.
Prambanan Temple also does not stop in the past. Until now, Prambanan Temple is still used as a center of activities ranging from Ramayana Ballet, annual cultural festivals, to a means of educating history for the current generation.
How to Get to Prambanan Temple?
To get to Prambanan Temple, you will head to the border area of Yogyakarta and Klaten (Central Java). The temple is located about 17 km east of the center of Yogyakarta, making it very easy to access, especially from Yogyakarta. Here is the complete guide:
From Yogyakarta City Using Trans Jogja
- Take the Trans Jogja bus route 1A or 1B from stops around Malioboro, Tugu Station, or Giwangan Terminal.
- Get off at the Prambanan bus stop (right in front of the temple complex).
- The fare is only around Rp3,500, and the travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
From Yogyakarta, Using Taxi or Ojek Online
- You can book a Grab/Gojek or rent a motorcycle in the city center.
- The trip to Prambanan Temple only takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Online taxi fares from Malioboro to Prambanan range from Rp40,000 to Rp70,000 (depending on time of day and type of vehicle).
From Yogyakarta Airport (YIA)
- Take the shuttle DAMRI or Airport Train to the city center (Tugu or Lempuyangan Station).
- Continue traveling as above (Trans Jogja, ojek, or rental car).
- The total trip is about 1.5 to 2 hours, as the airport is located quite far away in Kulon Progo.
From Solo or Klaten
- Take a local train from Solo to Yogyakarta and get off at Brambanan Station (not Prambanan).
- Continue by ojek or walk about 2 to 3 km.
- Another alternative: take a bus to Jogja from Tirtonadi Terminal (Solo), get off in front of the temple complex.
The location of Prambanan Temple is at a strategic point on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java, making it easy for visitors from various regions to visit. Moreover, Prambanan Temple is equipped with adequate facilities that make visitors feel comfortable.
Let's experience the magic of Prambanan Temple, where love stories, architectural splendor, and historical traces blend into one mesmerizing panorama.
Let your steps trace every relief, and let your heart be swept away in the fairy tales of past centuries that still live today.
