Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple, also known as Candi Prambanan, is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the largest and most magnificent Hindu temples in Southeast Asia and is dedicated to the Trimurti: the three main gods of Hinduism — Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

The construction of Prambanan is believed to have been commissioned during the reign of the Sanjaya Dynasty, specifically by King Rakai Pikatan in the 9th century, around the year 850. It is thought that the temple complex was built to honor the Hindu gods, particularly Shiva, as it is most famous for the towering Shiva temple at the center, which stands at 47 meters tall.

The Prambanan Temple complex originally consisted of over 240 temples, but only around 18 major temples remain today, with the central temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The complex is famous for its intricate carvings, which depict scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, as well as other mythological stories.

Throughout its history, the temple complex suffered from various natural disasters, including earthquakes, which led to the destruction of parts of the structure. In the 16th century, the temple was abandoned, and it remained in a state of neglect for centuries. However, efforts to restore Prambanan began in the 19th century under Dutch colonial rule, with significant restoration work continuing into the 20th century.

Today, Prambanan is not only a historical and cultural heritage site but also a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its stunning architectural beauty and historical significance. The temple remains an important symbol of Indonesia’s rich Hindu heritage and continues to attract visitors from all over the world.