prambanan temmle explain

Prambanan Temple, also known as Candi Prambanan or Loro Jonggrang Temple, is a Hindu temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia and one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The temple was built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sanjaya dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Prambanan Temple complex consists of 240 temples, with the main temple standing at 47 meters tall. The complex is divided into three zones, with the central zone containing the main temple, which is dedicated to Shiva, and two smaller temples dedicated to his consort, Parvati, and their son, Ganesha. The other two zones contain temples dedicated to other Hindu deities, including Vishnu and Brahma.

The temple complex was built between the 8th and 9th centuries during the reign of the Sanjaya dynasty, which ruled over central Java at the time. It is believed that the temple was built as a symbol of the power and prestige of the dynasty, and as a center of Hindu worship and learning. The temple complex was abandoned in the 10th century and was later rediscovered in the 19th century by Dutch colonialists.

The temple complex is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and the everyday life of the people who lived in the area at the time. The carvings are made of volcanic stone and were created by master craftsmen who were skilled in the art of stone carving.

The main temple, dedicated to Shiva, is the largest temple in the complex and stands at 47 meters tall. It is a towering structure with four levels, each of which contains galleries with carvings and sculptures. The main chamber of the temple contains a statue of Shiva, which stands at 3 meters tall and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hindu sculpture in the world.

The two smaller temples in the central zone are dedicated to Parvati and Ganesha. The Parvati temple is located to the north of the main temple and is smaller in size, but no less intricate in its carvings and sculptures. The Ganesha temple is located to the south of the main temple and is also smaller in size, but is known for its exquisite carvings of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and learning.

The other two zones of the temple complex contain temples dedicated to other Hindu deities, including Vishnu and Brahma. The Vishnu temples are located in the north zone of the complex and are known for their elaborate carvings and sculptures of Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi. The Brahma temples are located in the south zone of the complex and are


Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is considered one of the most significant and largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, along with Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur Temple in Indonesia.

The temple complex is made up of several individual temples and shrines, each dedicated to a different deity or aspect of Hinduism. The largest and most impressive of these is the central temple, which is dedicated to the god Shiva. This temple stands 47 meters tall and is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

History of Prambanan Temple

The history of Prambanan Temple dates back to the 9th century, during the reign of the Sanjaya Dynasty. The temple was built by Rakai Pikatan, a king of the Mataram Kingdom, to honor his consort, Princess Pramodhawardhani. The temple complex was also designed to serve as a center of Hindu worship and learning.

Construction of the temple complex is b

elieved to have taken around 50 years to complete. The temple was built using a combination of red brick and volcanic stone, and was originally adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depicted various scenes from Hindu mythology.

Over the centuries, the temple complex suffered significant damage due to natural disasters and human conflict. In the 16th century, the temple complex was abandoned and gradually fell into disrepair. It was not until the 19th century that efforts were made to restore and preserve the temple complex.

In 1811, the temple complex was rediscovered by British colonizers, who noted its impressive size and intricate carvings. Restoration work began in the 20th century, with the most significant efforts taking place between 1918 and 1953. Today, the temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Architecture of Prambanan Temple

The architecture of Prambanan Temple is a mix of Hindu and Javanese styles. The temple complex is made up of several individual temples and shrines, each of which has its own unique design and purpose.

The central temple, dedicated to Shiva, is the largest and most impressive of the temples. It stands 47 meters tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is built on a raised platform and has four entrances, each guarded by a statue of a demon.

The temple is divided into three parts: the base, the body, and the roof. The base of the temple is decorated with reliefs that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, including the story of Rama and Sita. The body of the temple features niches that house statues of various Hindu deities, including Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The roof of the temple is adorned with a large and elaborate carving of a lotus flower.

Surrounding the central temple are several smaller temples and shrines, each of which is dedicated to a different deity or aspect of Hinduism. These include the temples of Brahma and Vishnu, as well as several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.

The temple complex is surrounded by a series of walls and moats, which were designed to protect the temple from invaders. The outermost wall is decorated with reliefs that depict scenes from the Ramayana, an epic poem from Hindu mythology.

Religious Significance of Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is considered a significant site for Hindu worship and pilgrimage. The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and is believed to have been constructed to serve as a center of Hindu learning and worship.