Lectures and Presentations
Temples of the Prambanan Valley
Nowhere in Indonesia is there such a concentration of temples as in the Prambanan Valley near the city of Yogyakarta. Surrounded by a backdrop of mountains, the most imposing of which is the smoking Merapi volcano, these temples all stem from the Central Classical Javanese period between the 8th to the 10th centauries. They are within easy within each reach of each other, surrounded by rice fields and traditional villages. They make an interesting half or full days tour.
Candi Prambanan.
This is the largest Hindu Temple complex outside of India. Very Indian in style, it has three main temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, these magnificent towered structures, with beautiful carvings, bare witness to the fact that the local Javanese were apt and able craftsmen. Known particularly for its bas-relief of the Ramayana carvings and the Prambanan lion motive on all the three temples, the entire complex has been seriously damaged by a strong earthquake the Yogyakarta area in May 2006. However it is still very well worth a visit.
Candi Plaosan.
An important Buddhist sanctuary, the main group consists of two large structures. The largest of which has a second floor with traces of a space for a staircase. and was probably used as a monastery. The third cella of this building has a bas-relief of a Khmer King, recognized by his Khmer headdress, presumed to be Jayavarman 11. Built by the Buddhist wife of the Hindu King who constructed the great Prambanan Complex, this points to a peaceful co-existence between both religions at that time. Candi Plaosan is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.
Candi Sambisari.
This little Hindu temple is in almost perfect condition. As if packed in cotton wool, layers of volcanic ash have protected it from the ware and tare of over a thousand years. Discovered in 1966 when a farmer ploughng his field accidentally struck against part of the stone base. Built between 9th and 10th century, it has one cella and is facing west. Inside a flat and up right stone, known as the yoni and lingam, represent the male and female forces of creation, according to the Hindu belief. It is still used to day as a place of worship for the Hindus in this area.
Candi Kalasan.
One of the oldest Buddhist temples to be built in this area, a dating has been found referring to a sanctuary that was first built on this sight in AD 778, but covered up by later renovations. Considered to be a masterpiece of its time, it is known for its beautiful carvings of monster heads – “makaras”, and “kalas” - symbols of protection. Of the three chambers, the largest and most important of has an alter, thought to support a large bronze statue of a Tara. Remnants of white stucco are still visible in some places.
Candi Ijo.
The name of this temple comes from the colour of it’s building stones (Ijo means green) This Hindu temple, facing west, is recently restored, and is composed of a main sanctuary with a beautiful lingam inside, and three secondary shrines, with an enclosing wall. The terraces below this complex are scattered with ruins and the remains of an internal courtyard leading to the top of the hillcan be observed. Candi Ijo complex and the panorama at the top of the hill make the site one of the undiscovered treasures of the region.