Behind one of the most majestic hindu temples in the world, lies a temple that is different from the temples surrounding it. This temple is also breaking my hypothesis that a buddhist temple is often built around the hills just like the previous buddhist temples in my timeless architecture series. Though, perhaps Candi Plaosan is an exception.
Candi Plaosan is a buddhist temple built in the area with hindu dominated temples. It was built during the hindu reign in the mid 9th century.
So, why was this temple built in a hindu dominated kingdom?
There are some theories as to why and when the temple was built, but the simplest to our understanding is that, this temple was built by a descendant of Sailendra dynasty, a.k.a the dynasty that also built borobudur temple as she was married to Rakai Pikatan, the king who built prambanan temple, the biggest hindu temple in Indonesia and second largest in SouthEast Asia after Angkor Wat. Many local media have mentioned this temple as the eternal symbol of love but its own function and the reason why it was built is still up to debate. However, all we can deduce is that the marriage between two different families resulted in a beautiful temple that symbolizes the harmony and tolerance of inter-religion during that era.
The Architecture
Much like other typical Buddhist temples, this one comes with a stupa surrounding the top and decorating its surrounding area. The temple has two major temples with some smaller temples surrounding it. The seemingly gate area is also similar in structure to Candi Pawon, a hindu temple that is said to be the gate to Borobudur temple. Unfortunately, I could not enter the place as covid-19 restriction is still there. It is said that inside the temple, there are some statues, six Bodhisattvas, and three bronze Buddhas that are now missing.
According to the information board , this complex consists of two temples with its own page which is fenced with gates. The main temple has three chambers with two floors. Furthermore, The main temple is also surrounded by 58 ancillary temples and ancillary stupa which are now, some of it remains as ruins. Here are some of the pictures surrounding the temple and some of the ruins:
Some reliefs and statues that was captured by my camera.
I have never visited this temple prior to this. My mom and I were mesmerized by its beauty and “beautiful” was the first word we said after we reached the ticketing counter. “ How did we miss this?” I said to my mom as I prepared to take pictures and walked to the information board. Despite drizzling and cloudy, I was entirely curious as to why there’s a buddhist temple in a hindu-dominated area. And only after exploring and reading the information board, I understood why it was that way. This temple stood still for centuries and could remind us about the religious tolerance that once existed in the country. Though many modern places are built under the same notion, this timeless building is even more powerful to remind us about all of it.
As some other temples that I have previously shown, Candi Plaosan is another temple that is easily missed. Its location that is further away into the local’s housing and its name that’s not often talked about made this tranquil temple easily missed by visitors. Had it not been cloudy, from this temple, visitors (myself included)would enjoy a beautiful sunset view. I recommend that you make the time to see around this area when you visit the Prambanan temple. This Buddhist temple is as captivating as the Prambanan. It is also one of the interesting temples that was built by a princess, instead of a prince or a king.
I plan on exploring other sites around the area as I have seen there are more than 6 temples with interesting inscriptions that have also been less explored by people. Visiting these temples has opened my eyes about life in the 8 to 9th century and how they governed themselves and was able to build such mesmerizing architecture that stood still for centuries.
Please if you visit temple or any ancient structure, do not litter!!
This is a bad example!
If you want to check out other series, you can also visit these links below :
Many would miss out and even ignore the existence of this small buddhist temple called Mendut that was built around 8 to 9th century. But, they are missing out on a piece of interesting historical building and also cheap fresh coconut in front of the temple.
Surrounded by Menoreh Hills, lies a majestic religious building that also serves as a canvas to retell the glory of ancient Javanese civilization during the 8th to 9th century. Built thoughtfully carrying buddhist symbolism, Borobudur temple also represents many layers of buddhist theory.
Personally, its charm still lies on the reliefs of this temple that shows Kinnara and Kinnari, celestial musician, part human and part bird, and carved with Bodhisattva, any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood. These reliefs seem to be the clue to uncover the function of these temples in the past.
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, donut cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |
It is fascinating the strength of ancient constructions like this temple you bring us. Time passes and of course we see ruins but it is remarkable to admire what remains standing. You make a very important direction in your publication and it is towards religious tolerance, it would be very good that it also survives. Thank you for bringing these images. Blessings.
There has been some natural disaster around the area and once it was covered with volcanic ashes. Yet it's still there which is one of the reason I am always mesmerized with these type of structures. I would visit more places, so if you like series like this, stay tuned in my blog. Cheers.
I love temples. There is a great power and beauty to them. I visited loads of them in Camdodia, Thailand and Laos around 15 years ago. Bayon and Tah Prohn were the highlights for me, both in Ankor Wat
Did you know that temples in Cambodia and Thailand are having a connection to temples in Indonesia? Actually, I started this series to trace all the temples that are connected to one another and from my recent finding, there are some temples in Cambodia and Thailand that I wanted to visit. Since Thailand has reopened, I could see myself going there soon. I would love to visit the temples you mentioned too, especially Angkor Wat as it's the biggest in terms of area in the world.
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They are timeless indeed (^_^)
Hence the title hehe
(^_^)
This is a beautiful historical temple, worthy to see in life :D
You should come here! plenty of ancient structures like that one.
I hope one day, let's see when I can travel...
I have always liked that ancient architecture, amazing ... happy to be there.
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