Prambanan
Explore Prambanan: Indonesia’s Majestic Hindu Temple Complex
A visit to Yogyakarta is incomplete without exploring the magnificent Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Indonesia’s most iconic landmarks. This beautiful Hindu temple complex, showcases architecture and is dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva making it a significant site for both history and spirituality.
The Prambanan is built in the same period (around the year 850) and is located close to the Borobudur temple, which proves that on Java, Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another.
Architectural Marvel
Prambanan is renowned for its towering spires and elaborate carvings that tell stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana.
The Prambanan complex consists of three main temples (up till 47 meters high) and three smaller temples. The three main temples represent the Hindu gods Brahma (creator), Shiva (destroyer) and Vishnu (sustainer) and the three smaller temples are dedicated to the animals these gods used for their transportation: a goose, a bull and an eagle.
Next to the six bigger temples there are many smaller temples. Up till today not all of the 224 little temples are restored yet. You can still walk between the ruins and stones from the smaller temples. Imagine how the complex would have looked like 1250 years ago!
A Spiritual Experience
Walking through Prambanan is not just a visual delight; it’s also a spiritual journey. Many come to Prambanan not only for its beauty but also to experience the mystical atmosphere.
Cultural Performances
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the enchanting Ramayana Ballet, performed in the evenings at the nearby open-air theater. This traditional dance recounts the epic tale of Rama and Sita, beautifully choreographed against the backdrop of the illuminated Prambanan Temple, creating a magical experience that combines art, culture, and history.
The Prambanan temple is still mystical. Locally Prambanan is known as “Roro Jonggrang” after a legend that Javanese people tell about the temple. “Once there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who fell in love with Roro Jonggrang. Roro Jonggrang was not pleased with his love, and to be able to refuse his love, she asked him to do something that seemed impossible: to build her a temple with 1000 statues, in just one night. But Bandung Bondowoso’s love for her was so strong, that he almost fulfilled her wish. Afraid she had to keep her promise, Roro Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice (a traditional dawn activity) and set a fire (to imitate the sunrise) in order to pretend the morning had broken. Bandung Bondowoso who stopped building, assuming the night was over, only completed 999 statues, felt cheated and cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.” Prambanan also has panels of relief, describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation.Old legend
Getting There
Prambanan is located about 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta city center.