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Jogjakarta region was once the territory of the Kingdom of Mataram Classical (Hindu-Buddhist) that debuted in the 8th century AD and 9. The kingdom is leaving a trail that shows how high civilization in the land of Java at the time, in the form of temples that have been very popular in the world of tourism such as Borobudur, Pawon, Mendut, Prambanan, and Boko. In addition there are so many small temples heritage of this kingdom are not popular like the temples above. It is estimated that the temples around Yogyakarta has been around since the 1st century and rapidly expanding construction at 8-10 AD. Although in the year 928 AD Mataram Classical government center was moved to East Java, but the development of small temples still lasted until the 13th century (Sri Mulyaningsih, 2006). This fact suggests that Java man was very religious, thoughtful, fond of purification and worship to God. Here some small temples are often missed to be visited that are actually very nice to be your the next tourist objects reference :
SAMBI SARI TEMPLE (unique temple is located 6.5 meters below ground surface)
Sambisari temple is a Hindu temple (Shiva), built in the 9th century in the reign of Rakai Garung in 812-838 AD in the kingdom of Mataram Classical era. Located about 12 miles to the east of the Yogyakarta city or about 4 miles before the Prambanan temple complex in the Sambisari Village Purwomartani, Kalasan, Sleman.
Around the year 1966, this temple was discovered by a farmer, named Karyowinangun, who was hoeing his field. Inadvertently spade on carved stone. In 1987, restoration and reconstruction of the temple complex can be finished by the position of the temple at a depth of 6.5 meters from the ground so that the temple Sambisari often referred to as the underground temple. This is most likely due to buried under lava from Mount Merapi, which erupted on a large scale at the beginning of 9th century. This is proved from the many volcanic rock material around the temple. But some experts of archaeological predict the temple was above the soil surface like as other temples.
Sambisari temple complex surrounded by original walls of the temple with a size of 50 mx 48 m, and has a main temple accompanied by three Perwara temples (supporting temple). Inside the temple there are statues of Durga (the north), the statue of Ganesha (east), the statue of Shiva Agastya (south), and on the west there are two gods statues of gate guard: Mahakala and Nadisywara. Inside the main temple there are statues of Linga and Yoni in sizes large enough. Linga-Yoni represents God Shiva and Goddess Parvati who refers to the nature of men and women, so that meaningful fertility and the beginning of life. The main temple building is unique because it does not have a base like as other temples in Java. Foot of the temple also functions as a base so that parallel to the ground. The foot of the temple left plain, without reliefs or decorations. Various decorations are generally in the form of new simbar found on the body until the top of the temple exterior. At the time of excavation was found also other historical objects such as some pottery, jewelry, metal mirror and a gold plate inscription.
The temple is very unique ecause not visible from a distance! Please visit to the temple to see the uniqueness!
SARI TEMPLE (a place to teach prospective monks and religious book store)
Candi Sari is a Buddhist temple located in Bendan Village, Tirtomartani, Kalasan, Sleman. Built in the 8-9th during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran. Construction of this temple is mentioned in the inscription Kalasan (700 Saka / 778 AD), explained that the religious advisers of Syailendra dynasty have suggested the King Maharaja Tejapurnama Panangkarana (Rakai Panangkaran), founded a shrine to worship the goddess Tara, and a monastery for Buddhist monks. To worship the goddess Tara was built Kalasan, while for the dormitory was built Buddhist temple priest Sari. Function as a dormitory or residence visible from the overall shape and parts of the building and from the inside. The temple is a Busdhist building visible from the Buddhist stupa located on the top. The shape of the temple is very beautiful that consists of legs, body and roof, with a height of 17 meters, 17.3 meters long and 10 meters wide.The temple foot is only visible in part, because many stones are missing, a part of the body temple is terraced, has shape of rectangle, entrance is located in the middle facing east, and at the bottom, there are sculptures of people who are riding an elephant. On each side are evenly split window which surrounds the upper and lower levels.
The Sari temple was originally a two-story building. The upper floor was used to store goods for the religious interests, while the lower floor is used for religious activities, such as teaching and learning, discussion, etc. On the top of this temple there are 9 stupas as seen on the stupa at Borobudur and arranged in three parallel rows, the temple walls decorated with Dhyani-Bodhisattva. Candi Sari-rise buildings, each has three interconnected rooms, are used a ladder to climb. In the outer parts of the body temple carved statues are placed in two rows of windows. This statue is God Bodisatwa and Goddess Tara amount 36 statues, ie, 8 on the east side, 8 on the north side, 8 on the south side and 12 on the west side. In general, this statue holds a red or a blue lotus, and all statues are described in a graceful manner, namely by Tribangga attitude, as well as his features are illustrated much more calm, smooth and not too fancy ornaments adapted with the Buddhist shrine. More over, on the left-right window is a sculpture Kinara Kinari or heavenly beings in the form of half-man half-bird. On the outside of the temple is coated with Vajralepa intended to soften the stone walls and preservatives that do not quickly wear out.
Inside the temple there are three rooms lined each measuring 3.48 m x 5.80 m. The middle room and the two other rooms connected by doors and windows. Cubicles was originally built as a multilevel booths. High walls were divided in two with a wooden floor supported by fourteen wooden cross beams, so in the temple is contained six rooms. Wall of the plain room with no decoration. On the back wall of each room there is a kind of rack was located high, formerly used as a place of religious ceremony and put the statue. Downstairs there are several placemat of statues and niches to put statues. On the north wall and south rooms there are niches to put lighting. Based on these data, there is no doubt that the temple is a monastery, which is a place of meditation for the Buddhist monks, monk dormitory for monks to teach their students, in which there are a temple and also to keep religious books.
In this beautiful Sari Temple, you can slightly to imagine the daily lives of the monks who studied religious sciences. Do not miss to visit this temple!
KALASAN TEMPLE (the oldest Buddhist relics and the worship of a mother figure)
Kalasan Temple or famous also with Kalibening Temple is the oldest Buddhist relics in the area of Yogyakarta and Central Java, located in the Kalasan village on the edge of the roadway Yogya-Solo at km 13 bit into about 50 meters. Construction of this temple is mentioned in the inscription Kalasan (700 Saka / 778 AD), explained that religious advisers of Syailendra dynasty have suggested Maharaja Tejapurnama Panangkarana (Panangkaran Rakai, the second king of the Kingdom Matarm Classical), founded a shrine to worship the Goddess Tara and a monastery for Buddhist monks. To worship the goddess Tara was built the Kalasan temple, beside dedicated to Goddes Tara is also representation of the sacred figure of Java Maharaja's mother, in-law of King Tejahpurnapana Panangkaran.
Tara itself is a figure of Buddha's holy woman (Bodhisattvas) who are still practiced and preserved until now as Tantra Buddhas in Tibet Buddhism. Tara Or goddess Tara is the symbol of freedom or independence of spirit. It also claimed success, and achievement of real life and is sacred. Tara is also a symbol of compassion and emptiness (sunyata, lack of worldly existence and non eternity) is taught in Buddhism.
Kalasan temple built in honor of Mother-in-law Rakai Panangkaran, in Syailendra dynasty. Because of that, the building is very luxurious, beautiful and has a unique ornaments. Around the temple there is Balekambang. The body temple is decorated by 52 stupas and has four rooms. There are the Goddess Tara statue in the largest space of the middle room as high as 3-6 meters. The top body of the temple there is a statue of Dhyani-Buddha on the four corners of the wind that is Aksobhya, Amogasidhi, Amitabha and Ratnasambhawa. Kala Makara arch with heaven ornaments on it engraved above the entrance so beautifully.
In addition Kalasan temples and other supporting buildings there are also three small temples outside of the main temple building, shaped stupa. In the southern part of the temple there are two reliefs of bodhisattvas, while the roof consists of three sections. There are 8 rooms in the top roof, second roof is in octagonal, while the lower roof of the temple is similar with a square 20 which is equipped rooms on each side. Ornaments of the temple are carved with smooth and coated with "vajralepa", a yellowish material made from the sap of certain trees. The function of Vajralepa is as a protector of moss and mold, smooth the carving to be good.
Kalasan built to honor the death of the king's mother-in-law. This illustrates how the moral heights of the Javanese Kings at that time. You should see the splendor of the Kalasan that was built by the king with great strength, which is dedicated to the figure of a mother!
IJO TEMPLE (the most high temple that is located in Jogjakarta)
Ijo Temple is a Hindu temple. Situated on a hill named Gumuk Ijo (Gumuk = Hill, Ijo = green) in the Groyokan Village, Sambirejo, Prambanan, Sleman. Ijo Temple Complex was built around 9th-10th century was found by HE Doorpaal, administrators of Sorogedug sugar factory in 1886. In the same year, C.A.Rosemeier found three areas of stone. In 1887 archaeological research and excavations the main temple by DR. J. Groneman found gold pieces lettered, gold rings, and several types of seeds.Ijo Temple is a temple that located on highest place compared other temples in Yogyakarta area. This temple is at 375 m above sea level. So that the temple is also known as "the Highest Temple in Jogjakarta ".
Highest temple not because the high of the temple building but because it is at a high place. This temple consists of 11 terraces are increasingly rising backward. Rearmost part is as the center of the temple. This pattern is very different from the pattern of enshrinement area of Prambanan temple is mostly patterned concentrated in the middle. On the eleventh terrace to which is the center of the temple found a main temple and three supporting temples that are in front of the main temple(west). Inside the main temple there are lingga-yoni statue with a large enough size. Linga-Yoni in Ijo temple is one of the Linga-Yoni of the largest in Indonesia. In the middle of supporting temple (Candi Perwara), there are cow statue named Nandini and Padmasana statue. In Hindu mythology Nandini regarded as the god Shiva's vehicle. In the supporting temple on the south side there is a Yoni with the shape almost similar to the smaller main temple. Temple building on a lower terrace, (terrace number 1 until 10) the building has crumbled, just a stone temple can be seen here, may have many missing , so it can not be united again.
The primary function of the Ijo temple is unknown until now but it is interesting to visit the temple because you will see the temple built on a hill combined with a very beautiful natural scenery around it. Try to imagine about how the construction of the temple on the hill without equipment as it is now!
BARONG TEMPLE (worship to the gods and goddesses of fertility)
Barong temple is one of the unique temples located in the south of Prambanan temple, precisely in theBatur Agung hills, Sari Temple, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan, Sleman. Named Candi Barong by locals because of the Kala decoration on each side of the temple. The decoration resembles a lion / barong.
Barong Temple is built around the 9th -10th century to. The temple was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century in collapse condition by a Dutch around 1913 when the expansion of sugar plantations to support the production of sugar mills. At that time, the condition of the temple still in ruins and difficult to identify its original form. Candi Barong restoration began in 1987 until 1992. Barong Temple is a ritual complex to worship the God Vishnu and his wife, Goddess Laksmi or known by the name of Dewi Sri (the goddess of fertility for agriculture). There are ornament of winged shells (Sankha) which is one of the symbols (laksana) the god Vishnu, and the top of the building (kemuncak) in the form of jewels (ratna). Worship to the God Vishnu and Goddess Sri is probably caused by soil conditions around the temple are barren and infertile. Thus, by worshiping God Vishnu and Goddess Sri expected it to be fertile soil conditions.
Page of the temple complex is three terraces that higher to the east, which is the back. On the highest terrace there is a hallway and two temples which have no windows and doors. The highest terrace is the most sacred pages. The difference between of them lies in the decoration and statue. Based on those two things, it is estimated the first temple built to worship for the god Vishnu, while the second temple for the Goddess Sri. On page two there is a building structure sized12.30 mx 7.80 m and some pile of stones sized the octagonal. Allegedly this structure is the foundation building the gazebo with a roof of wood. While on the first terrace page not found building structure.
Dewi Sri in Java is very popular and regarded as the Goddess of Rice. There is no loss if you take the time to visit the temple dedicated to worship of the farmer goddess in Java!
BANYUNIBO TEMPLE (temples with reliefs of fertility goddess and the god of wealth)
Banyunibo Temple (which in Javanese means falling water-dripping) is a Buddhist temple located south of Cepit, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman, about 14 km east of Yogyakarta. The location is shown alone in the agricultural area with the background hills of Gunung Kidul in the south. The temple is named Banyunibo because according to local residents when viewed from a distance resembles a moisture (water) that drips or tibo (Javanese), which means fall.This temple was built around the 9th century during the reign of King Balitung in Mataram Kingdom Classical era. This temple was built on a wide enough area and surrounded by hills on the north side, east, and south.
On these hills are also located many other temples such as Boko temple, Dawangsari temple or Saragedug temple, Site Gupala, and Ijo temple. There is stupa on the top of the temple is the hallmark of Buddhism. The condition of the temple still look strong and sturdy with kala-makara relief carvings and other forms of relief are still visible.
The temple was first discovered and repaired again in the 1940's to 1962 it consisted of one main temple, facing west, is surrounded by 6 (six) Candi Perwara (supporting temple) in the form of stupas are arranged in an array on the south and east of the Main Temple. Foot of the temple which has a height of 2.5 m was built on a stone floor. On the western side of the foot of the temple there are stairs inside. At each corner of the foot of the temple and in the middle of each side of the temple legs (except the west side), there is an ornament of "Jaladwara" that is placed on the floor above the foot of the temple and serve as channels for rainwater. On the front side of the temple there is a stall door of the temple. Because of the size of the temple with an area smaller than the foot of the temple then not all parts of the upper floor of the temple is covered by the foot of the temple. Body parts that are not closed is called the temple hall and serves as a corridor for the surrounding temples.
Banyunibo Temple including Buddhist shrine that is quite rich in ornamentation. Almost in every part of the temple is filled by a variety of ornaments and reliefs, although part of one another often found the same decorative motifs. On the walls, the south entrance of the temple, there are reliefs depicting a male figure. The Relief of his own figure has been damaged lived part of his left hand. To the left there is a follower (pariwara) in a sitting position "ardha paryangka". The right hand above the right thigh, the left hand acted as if protecting a large bag. The reliefs depict Gods Kauravas, who was considered the god of wealth, but in Indonesia the god is known by Buddhists. Above of the reliefs field there is ornament in the form of "recalcitrant" or "selur gelung". On the north wall there are reliefs of female figures in a sitting position. The left foot bent upwards, the right leg in a cross-legged position. The right hand ride on the thigh while his left hand carrying (cradle) child. Around it there are little children that many in number, gathered around the woman. Both reliefs depict Hariti, the goddess of fertility in Buddhism and her husband, Vaisaravana (the god of wealth).
In the Banyunibo temple reliefs you can enjoy the reliefs of the goddeses of wealth and fertility combined with the natural beauty surrounding such as the shooting rice field. Evidence of religious harmony can also be found here by looking at the position Banyunibo temple not far even mingle with the temples that are Hindu.
In this temple you can enjoy prosperity and fertility goddess relief combined with the natural beauty surrounding such as the rice field. Evidence of religious harmony can also be found here by looking at the Banyunibo position temple that is not far even mingle with the temples that are Hindu.
KEDULAN TEMPLE (inscription of village tax exemption for dam and irrigation)
Kedulan temple is a Hindu temple located not far from Temple Sambisari, namely Kedulan, Village Tirtomartani, Kalasan, Yogyakarta. This temple was built around the 8th century and 9th during the kingdom of Mataram Classic. Kedulan temple was found on November 24, 1993 in collapsed and buried in sand conditions. The discovery of the temple happened by accident, when a group of society was being mined the sand. If viewed from the sand material that was stockpiled Kedulan Temple, estimated material was come from the eruption of Mount Merapi, which occurred in several periods. Judging from the type of soil that covers temple, visible there are 13 layers of lava types, estimated that the lava that buried the temple is derived from 13 times the eruption of Mount Merapi. The base of the temple located at a depth of about seven meters.
Since found in 1993 until 2010 Kedulan temple restoration is still not over. On June 12, 2003, found two inscriptions, Pananggaran and Sumudul in Kedulan Temple area at the excavation site. Inscriptions written in Sanskrit Pallawa and is successfully read by two epigraf from the Department of Archaeology, University of Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, namely Dr. Riboet Darmoseotopo and Tjahjono Prasodjo MA.The inscription dates to the year 791 Saka (869 AD, or about 10 years after the Prambanan temple stands), the contents of the land tax exemption at the Pananggaran and Parhyangan village, making dams for irrigation, establishment of the sacred building called Tiwaharyyan and threats of condemnation for anyone who does not obey the rules. Some archaeologists suspect that the inscription relating to the establishment Kedulan Temple.The Tiwaharyyan sacred building is estimated Kedulan itself. Pananggaran village as told in the inscription believed to be in the area around the temple, as well as the dam. But until now have not found traces of an ancient dam in question. Perhaps the dam was built on the River Opak within ± 4 km from the location of the temple, or perhaps also in the river which is now no longer exists as it is covered by lava eruption of Mount Merapi, a thousand years ago. Kedulan temple facing the east and art decoration approached with Ijo and Barong temple ornament. In the Kedulan temple there are also stairs at Supporting Temple (Candi Perwara).The ornaments on the stairs is shaped a snack and at the mouth of the snake carved bird figure. There are distinctively at Kedulan Temple located at Kala reliefs. In Central Java, relief of Kala had no lower jaw as in East Java. But Kedulan Temple that is located in Central Java, the relief of Kala has the lower jaw. Because of that, it is estimated Kedulan temple built in the late period of the Hindu kingdoms of Central Java, which was shifted to East Java around the 8th century and 10th.
Kedulan temple is one more proof that the Javanese Kings at classical era not only religious but also pay attention to the prosperity of its people by build dams and irrigation which is very meaningful for irrigating rice fields at that era. So you should make time to see tangible evidence of how religious and wise of the Javanese Kings at that time!
GAMPINGAN TEMPLE (place of worship to the god of fortune)
Gampingan temple is a Buddhist temple, situated in the Gampingan, Sitimulyo, Piyungan, Bantul, the south of the Jogja City. Based on the art of building style and statue, this temple is built in the 9th century. The temple was discovered in 1995 by a brick maker, Sarjono who then reported to the Asylum and Archaeological Heritage DIY. Rescue excavations conducted by the SPSP DIY on August 3-10, 1995. Excavation found four of white stone structure. The fourth building consists of a main building, two of building stupas and buildings located in the southwest of the southern stupa. Others artifacts that were found in the form of a statue of Bodhisattva, three Buddha statues, nine plates of gold, pottery fragments, and fragments of pottery.
Although until now not been fully completed restoration, the ruins of this temple complex has seven buildings of the temple that is not intact, with the main building measuring approximately 5m x 5m and height of 1.2 meters. The main temple building facing to the west. This is indicated by the rest of the stairs as much as seven traps on the west side of the main building. This stairs has a makara decoration at the ends. Inside the main building there are three of Dhyani Buddha Wairocana statues made from bronze, two statues of Jambhala and Candralokesvara from andesite stone, the objects of gold, and some ceramic objects. Gampingan temple which is built between the years 730-850 AD is believed to be a place of worship Gods Jambhala (God of fortune, the son of the God Shiva). Jambhala is described as being in a meditation position, sitting cross-legged while his eyes is closed. The body is decorated by iconographic elements (asana) formed a lotus leaf amounted to eight pieces as a symbol of chakra in the human body.
Although its small size and incomplete, Gampingan temple is still rich in amazing relief. At the foot of the Gampingan Temple there are various kinds of animals reliefs such as frogs, roosters, and various species of birds. There are reliefs crows appear to have a large beak, sturdy body, the wing inflates upward and fan-shaped tail. There are also reliefs of woodpecker that has a crest on the head, beak rather long and pointy and wings that do not expand. In addition, there is also a rooster that has swollen chest and inflate the wing down. Making large quantities of bird reliefs in this temple as it related to public belief that the bird is the manifestation of the gods as well as natural messengers of the gods, or heaven. Birds are also associated with human absolute freedom that is achieved after successfully left the world, the symbol of the human soul is separated from the body.
Relief of many other animals are depicted is a frog. Javanese people at that time believed that frogs have supernatural powers that can bring rain, so the frog is also believed to increase productivity because the rain that is brought frogs could improve yields. Frogs are often emerge from the water also symbolizes the renewal of life and resurrection to a better direction . While the figure of Jambhala in this temple is different from other temples. Generally, Jambhala other temples is depicted with wide eyes that looked at the devotees along with a variety of ornament that symbolizes prosperity and luxury. Believed, different depictions is based on worship motivation, not to invoke prosperity but guidance in order to achieve true happiness.
Do not miss to visit this temple. Take a look at various kinds of animals that are considered have sepernatural power at that time in any reliefs of the temple , especially birds that brought message of paradise
MORANGAN TEMPLE (the temple that has many kind of animals relief)
Morangan temple is a Hindu temple located in Morangan, Sindumartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta and occupies the most northerly position of the whole temple complex in the region of Jogjakarta. The temple is very close to the river Gendol (100 meters west) and the northernmost approached Mount Merapi. This temple was built in approximately the 9th - 10th century in the kingdom of Mataram Classical era, contemporaneous with the founding of Hindu temples, such as Prambanan and others. This temple damaged one of the causes of damage caused by flooding rivers Gendol that is located not more than 200 meters on the east side of the temple complex.
This temple was discovered since the Dutch colonial era. After the Dutch left Indonesia temple was re-covered with soil. Excavation in 1982, managed to show two of temple building that are the main temple and ancillary temple, previously buried 6.5 meters below ground. The main temple consists of legs, body and roof of the temple. This temple has many reliefs that is carved on the trunk legs and torso of the temple. Ancillary temples facing east, is currently building that can be found is part of the body and the foot of the temple of the temple. The north, west, and south side of the temple has a niche containing the statue, but the statue has been secured by the local archaeological government. One thing that distinguishes the Morangan temple with other temple is the presence of a relief panel that is expected is part of Tantri Kamandaka story about a tiger that were deceived by a goat, because during this time, Tantri Kamandaka relief is only found in a Buddhist temple.
In Morangan temple complex is also found Yoni statues, hermit sculptures and a number of other statues in the niches of the temple. The reliefs depict two men flanking the pile of flowers, the two women flanking a large jug with bring a small jugs, two women riding elephants, three hermits, head of sculture in the niche, and the rooster is propped Gana. In addition there are kind of birds such as sparrows, parrots and peacocks. Other animals reliefs are cows, deer, and mouse deer. Carvings of animals and lotus flowers dominate the walls of this temple reliefs. The number of animal reliefs show the closeness of human relationships with the environment. The majority of Hindu temples is richer with Kresnayana the Ramayana story. But Morangan temple look more unique in that it carries a lot of animal life. Relief of these animals spread over on two buildings that had assembled, either in the form of the main temple and ancillary temples. So this temple other than as a medium of meditation or prayer, it is also used as a learning media-friendly nature to safeguard the environment by not cutting trees. Temple for Hindu's people is like dwelling of gods that is very beautiful and comfortable, inhabited by various animals with the forest and the plants are still preserved.
Please come to the Morangan temple! You can see the harmony between human life and nature here.
GEBANG TEMPLE (small temple in the middle of village)
Gebang temple is located in Gebang, Wdomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman. The name of the temple is taken from the village name where people found the Ganescha Statue on November 1936. This temple is without relief or plain that indicates that the temple was derived from old period, between the years 730-800 AD, or about the 8th century AD when the Sanjaya dynasty which ruled the kingdom of Mataram Classical era (Hindu). The temple is restored by Prof. Dr. Ir. Van Romondt years 1937-1939, is a square with a single chamber, measuring about 5 x 5 meters with a height of about 8 meters.
Location Gebang temple is now in the middle of residential, west Maguwoharjo Stadium. To go to the temple Gebang have to enter residential areas and walkways are pretty quiet from the crowd. Gebang Temple is a Hindu temple. This is proven by the peak of the roof-shaped Lingga cylinder that is placed on the Seroja bearing, besides that it is also a statue of Ganesha, Nandhiswara and Yoni are respectively located on the west niche, niche of the east and to the left of the entrance and the chambers of the temple.
You have to visit to this small beautiful temple in the middle of the village. Small but describes the glory of the ancestor in the past!
The description of temples above are small temples in Yogyakarta that can still be identified although the overall not yet fully revealed. There are many other temples and sites in the Yogyakarta area that has not been identified even abandoned. The temples are a wealth of priceless relics of our ancestors and we have to take care of these heritage which shows just how high on the classical civilization on the island of Java. The heritage also show the identity of this nation are very religious and harmony in difference.
(compiled from various sources/Augus, 2011/Tour Department-wi2n)