A peaceful journey to Prambanan Temple

A beautiful temple is where you can embrace the way history makes the best of the surroundings while still enjoying the whole sun sets to the other side of the earth. That is what you will find when you visit prambanan temple. Built in tenth century, the temple becomes one of the world heritage stated by UNESCO.

STORIES OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION

The colonilaztion of Java Island has been started since the very long ago. One of those that gives a big footprint is Syailendra Dynasty. That huge kingdom has stated its grandeur from Borobudur temple. A Buddhist site that will give so many people all around the world amazed. Few years later, this kingdom began its collapse. Few major defeats happened. And year by year, its greatness faded. But that was when Hindu came. The reign became one of the greatest Hindu kingdom. Not less than the Syailendra Dysnasty, this Hindu reign came along with Sanjaya Dynasty. The dynasty then built one of the biggest Hindu temple in the world. It is called as Prambanan Temple.

Started at 850 AD, Prambanan temple initiated by Rakai Pikatan. Few years later, the beauty of Prambanan Temple continued by king Lokapala dan King Balitung Maha Sambu. Till then, how this temple becomes huge and stunning can still be touched. The temple is built mainly to glorify god Shiva. That is why the name is close to god Shiva. It is a Sanskrit derived from Siwagrha or Shiva-grha, means Shiva’s house. Another Sanskrit term is Siwalaya or Shiva-laya, means Shiva’s sphere or nature of Shiva. The built of Prambanan Temple is not merely about the temple. It is about its surrounding. The Opak River that comes from north to south on the western side of the temple complex is also taken care of.

STORIES OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE ABANDONMENT

There were many rumors about why the prambanan Temple was abandoned. The very valid one is because when the temple is finished, which is around 930s, the capital of the kingdom was moved to east Java. Why they should move the capital? The first reason was that at that time, the Merapi eruption caused so many damages. If it came to the capital, then the whole kingdom would collapse. The second reason is that there were so many problems there and that made so many rebellion grew. When the rebellion became greater, the power also struggled. This capital movement had the effect. The beautiful Prambanan temple was left unkempt. What made it more miserable was that there was an earthquake stroke Prambanan at 16^th century. That is why It slowly began to collapsed and ruined.

STORIES OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE REDISCOVERY

Early 19^th century was the moment when Prambanan temple found its glory again. In 1811, when the British short occupation spread its colonization, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles began his journey along with all his teammates. One of his teammate, the subordinate surveyor position, named Colin Mackenzie has discovered Prambanan Temple. At that time, the report had brought to Raffles and continued to the high commander. But the further and complete investigation had never been finished.

Two century later, when the Dutch in its reign, the restoration of Prambanan temple began, specifically in 1930s. The restoration was then continued by Indonesia themselves after the Dutch began to surrender in 1942. It was continued till 1993. But the main temple complex was finished restored in 1953 and inaugurated by Sukarno, as the first president of Republic of Indonesia.

STORIES OF RORO JONGGRANG

As many people already know, especially local people, Prambanan temple has a very popular folklore. The folklore tells about how Prambanan temple was built. There was a powerful and popular king who fell in love to a beautiful princess. To make her became his wife, the king should make a thousands of temples overnight as the oath. As the result, with the help of so many genies, the king succeed to make a nine hundred and ninety nine temples in just one night. One temple was still missed. Then, the genie decided to curse the princess to fulfil the last piece. The legend then was called as Roro Jonggrang.

The idea of the folklore is actually just an imagination from the local people to describe how the temple was built. It is because they have no idea where the temple comes from. They do not know the historical background of the temple. Then, the folklore becomes the choice.

STORIES OF RELIEF AND RAMAYANA BALLET

What makes Prambanan temple becomes so stunning is that there are reliefs in each of the temple. The relief tells so many stories about how the Prambanan was built and about Ramayana. From the relief, then the Ramayana stories was brought to the real life through a harmonious colossal dance performance. The story is originally taken from Sanskrit and it is one of the famous legendary story.

STORIES OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE SUNSET

There was a magic when you come to a historical site. And you will feel that too when you visit Prambanan Temple. If you come there in first light in the morning, you need to stay a while little longer. It is because the magic happens when the daylight comes. When the clock moves from the middle of the day towards the dusk, you should be there. That when the magic happens. The sun sets will begin to sink. And in every moment it moves, the sacred and silence will bring you magical peace. That is the moment when Prambanan gives his best appearance and atmosphere.

DESCRIPTION OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

The location if Prambanan temple is actually in-between. The Central Java and Yogyakarta special region has almost equal distance towards the temple. But because so many people are eager to go from Yogyakarta, then the approximate distance is about 30 km east.

There are three major gods in Hindu. Those are Brahma as the god of creation, Vishnu as the god of nurture, and Shiva as the god of destruction. Prambanan temple is built in dedication to those three gods. And then it is called as Trimurti. If you come and arrive at the main gate of this temple, you will be welcome by statue of Shiva Mahadewa. It means that this temple is specifically dedicated to Shiva.

The historical background and beauty of Prambanan temple has attracted so many people all rround the world, included UNESCO. In 1991, UNESCO has declared that Prambanan as one of the world heritage site that should always be protected and preserved. Moreover, it is also one of the most beautiful temples all over the world, especially in Southeast Asia. The beauty comes from its uniqueness. The whole architecture of the temple is taller and more slender rather than common Hindu architecture. The grand Shiva temple in the middle of the temple complex, with 47 meters high, states that this temple is so magnificent and powerful.

LOCATION OF PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

Village             : Prambanan

Sub-district    : Bokoharjo

Regency          : Klaten

Province         : Central Java (Jawa Tengah)

ROUTE TO GO TO BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

By Private Car

A family of five will be best if using a private car. No strangers. No unnecessary conversation. No sharing seats. It all can be your own tour. But if you are more than five people, you can request and we will get you a larger car.

The private car tour includes:

1. Comfortable private transport with air conditioned and fuel on.
2. Area for parking
3. English-speaking Driving buddy.
4. Mineral water.
5. Local guidance
6. Go back to your stay.

BY SHARING CAR

The minimal amount of the passenger is two people. If you love to go travelling on your own, you can get this kind of transportation. Besides, you will get a chance to meet new people. Moreover, you can keep your budget tight since the fee will be shared as well.

The sharing car tour includes:

1. Comfortable private transport with air conditioned and fuel on.
2. Area for parking
3. English-speaking Driving buddy.
4. Local guidance
5. Go back to your stay.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Adisucipto Airport: After landed, you need to take Trans Jogja with 1A route and stop at Prambanan shelter. From there, take a short walk to the Prambanan complex.

Giwangan Bus Station: After arrived, you need to take Trans Jogja with 3A route and stop at Adisucipto airport Shelter. Still with Trans Jogja, take 1A route and stop at Prambanan shelter. From there, take a short walk to the Prambanan complex.

Tugu Railway station: After arrived, you need to take Trans Jogja with 1A route and stop at Prambanan shelter. From there, take a short walk to the Prambanan complex.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS

Via Prambanan public gate: At 06.00 AM – 5.00 PM (Everyday)

FACILITIES

Tandem Bicycle for IDR 20k, Souvenirs Shops, Information Office, Museums (free), Official Local Guide Service, Audio Visual Documentary, Restaurant, Wheel Chair. Free coffee/Tea or Mineral water.