Prambanan : The Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World

Prambanan is the masterpiece of Hindu culture of the 10th century. The building is slim and 47 meters tall create incomparable architectural beauty.

Prambanan is the extraordinarily beautiful building that was built in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan Balitung. 47 meters tall (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder, show Hindu triumph in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle of the area that is now a beautiful park.

There is a legend that always told the Java community about this temple. Once upon a time, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Jonggrang. Because of his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue-1000 because he felt cheated.

foto: 1001malam.com

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The third temple is the symbol of the Hindu Trimurti. The third temple was facing east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are two temples wedge, 4 temples of the screen, and 4 temples corner. In the second there are 224 temples.

Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4.. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (son of Shiva). Durga is touted as the statue Jonggrang in the legend above.

fhoto:id.wikipedia.org

In the Vishnu Temple is located in the north of the temple of Shiva, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Brahma temple, which is located south of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of a half-bird named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white face, red wings, beak and wings like eagles. It is estimated that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shining', usually associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda can save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda is born handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the country. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, for the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

fhoto: flickr.com

Prambanan also has a load relief Ramayana story. According to experts, the relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as the tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking lions. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just like Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol Environmental Forum (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environmental conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. The tree of life can also be found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One was relief Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that question. Why, the bird was actually only in Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, what kind it was once widely available in Yogyakarta? Please find out the answer yourself. Because, until now no one person who can solve the mystery. Indonesia Awesome

(suorce: explorerpariwisatajogja)