PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Until now can’t be ascertain when this temple was built and on whose command, but strong allegations that Prambanan Temple was built around the mid-9th century by the king of Wangsa Sanjaya, the King Balitung Maha Sambu. The allegations are based on the contents of the Syiwagrha Inscription found around Prambanan and presently preserved at the National Museum in Jakarta. The inscription dates to 778 Saka (856 AD) was written during the reign of Rakai Pikatan.

The original plan of Prambanan Temple is rectangular, consisting of outer courtyard and three courtyards, namely Jaba (outer court), Tengahan (middle court) and Njeron (inner courtyard). The outdoor courtyard is an open area surrounding the outer court. The outer courtyard is longitude with an area of ​​390 m2. This courtyard was once surrounded by a stone fence that is now living ruins. The outside courtyard is currently an empty courtyard. Not yet known whether there was originally a building or other decoration in this yard. In the center of the outer court, there is a second platform, the rectangular central square 222 m2. The central courtyard was also surrounded by stone fences that are now also collapsed. This courtyard consists of four terraces of terraces, the deeper the higher. On the first terrace, the lowest terrace, there are 68 small temples lining the streets, divided into four rows by the connecting road between the gate of the court. In the second terrace there are 60 temples, on the third terrace there are 52 temples, and on the fourth terrace, or the top terrace, there are 44 temples.

All the temples in the central courtyard have the same shape and size, ie the basic floor plan 6 m2 and height 14 m. Almost all the temples in the central courtyard are currently destroyed. All that remains is only the ruins. The inner courtyard is the highest platform and is considered the most sacred place. The courtyard is in a rectangular area of ​​110 m2, with a height of about 1.5 m from the surface of the central terrace of the central courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by plaster and stone fences. On the four sides there are gate-shaped gate paduraksa. Currently only the gate on the south side is still intact. In front of each gate of the upper courtyard there is a pair of small temples, designed base square of 1, 5 m2 with a height of 4 m. In the inner court there are 2 rows of temples stretching north-south direction. In the western row there are 3 temples facing east. The most northern temple is Vishnu Temple, in the middle is Shiva Temple, and in the south is Brahma Temple. In the eastern row there are also 3 temples facing west. These three temples are called temple rides (rides = vehicles), because each temple is named according to the beast which is the gods ride that the temple is located in front of it. The temple facing Wisnu temple is Garuda temple, which faces the Shiva temple is Nandi temple (bull), and facing Brahma temple is Candi Angsa. Thus, these six temples face each other forming the aisle. Wisnu, Brahma, Goose, Garuda and Nandi temples have the same shape and size, which is a basic floor area of ​​15 m2 with a height of 25 m. At the northern and southern ends of each aisle there is a small temple facing each other, called the Apit Temple.

The Ramayana Story

Opener
King Janaka, king of Mantili kingdom has a daughter named Dewi Shinta. A contest held king to look for a husband for Dewi Shinta. Prince of the Ayodya kingdom Raden Rama Wijaya, won the contest. Meanwhile Prabu Ravana, the ruler of Alengka also wanted to marry Dewi Shinta. Rahwana believes that Shinta is the reincarnation of Widowati, someone she has long desired.

Dandaka Forest.

Rama and Shinta are accompanied by Lakshmana walking in the Dandaka forest. There Rahwana secretly watched Shinta and wanted to get it. Ravana orders one of his followers to become Kijang Kencana to attract Shinta’s attention. Shinta who was attracted to Kijang Kencana then asked Rama to capture the deer. Rama then left Lakshmana and Shinta to hunt Kijang Kencana. Long gone back, Shinta worried and sent Lakshmana to catch up with Rama. Lakshmana then draws a magic circle around Shinta to protect her. Rahwana then tried to kidnap Shinta after she was left alone, but failed because of the magic circle. Rahwana then turned into an old beggar, Shinta who feels sorry out of the circle to help the beggar. After Shinta comes out of the circle, Rahwana then kidnaps Shinta and takes him to Alengka.

Caught Kijang Kencana.

Rama shoots the antelope with his magic arrow, but the deer turns into a Giant (Marica). The fight takes place between Rama and Marica, Rama defeats Marica with an arrow shot. After that Lakshmana then asked Rama to return to Shinta’s place.

Shinta Abduction

On his way to Alengka, Rahwana meets a bird named Jatayu. Jatayu recognizes Shinta as the daughter of King Janaka then attempts to release her, but she is defeated by Ravana. Meanwhile Rama is just realizing that Shinta has lost meeting with injured Jatayu. Angry Rama thinks Jatayu is kidnapping Shinta and trying to kill him, but is prevented by Lakshmana. Jatayu then explains what really happened and died. Moments later, a white monkey named Hanuman came. Hanuman was sent by his uncle Sugriwa to seek help in order to kill Subali. Subali is the one who kidnaps Tara Goddess, the beloved woman of Sugriwa. Rama then decided to help Hanuman fight Subali.

Kiskendo Cave

Sugriwa arrived at Kiskendo Cave with Rama’s help. Sugriwa then defeats Subali and saves Dewi Tara. As a thank you, Sugriwa helps Rama to seek Sinta by sending Hanuman as envoy to the kingdom of Alengka.

Argasoka Park

Rahwana’s niece, Trijata is in charge of accompanying and comforting Shinta in the garden. Rahwana asks Shinta to be his wife, but Shinta always refuses. Rahwana was angry that he wanted to kill Shinta, but he was always prevented by Trijata. Shinta then hears the singing that comes from Hanuman. Hanuman tells Shinta that he was sent by Rama to help her. Hanuman then damaged Alengka Park. Indrajid, the son of Rahawana arrested Hanuman. Kumbakarna who tried to help Hanuman instead expelled out of the kingdom. Hanuman who was sentenced to be burned alive then burned Alengka’s palace with his burning body.

Rama Bridge

After sending Hanuman, Rama and his troops build a bridge to Alengka. After the bridge became Hanuman back and give news about the strength of Alengka troops. Rama then gave orders to Hanuman, Hanggada, Hanila, and Jambawan to attack Alengka.

Great War

The Great War took place between Alengka’s giants and Rama’s monkey troops. In this fight, Indrajid was killed by Lakshmana, Kumbakarna, Rahwana’s sister was also killed. Rahwana was later killed by Rama and Sumawana arrows thrown by Hanuman.

Meeting Rama and Shinta

After Ravana’s defeat, Shinta finally meets Rama again. But Rama refused the return of Shinta for fear he was no more holy. To prove his sanctity, Shinta burns himself. With the help of the fire god, Shinta survived the burn. Shinta’s proofs make Rama happy and accept Shinta back.