Prambanan Temple - Yogyakarta

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

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Roro 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 be a statue of the 1000 because he felt cheated.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. The three temples are a symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face 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 2 temples wedge, 4 color temples and 4 corner temples. 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 (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.

In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Brahma temple 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 half-bird human being 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, 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 succeeded in saving 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 that which 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, with the same reason but the adaptation of different shape and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known or Krut Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. 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 a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described middle flanking a lion. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the people of the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol of Forum for Environment (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. The tree of life can also be found on 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 are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One was relief of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird was actually found only in Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, whether the type that were once numerous in Yogyakarta? The answer please find out for yourself. Because, until now no one who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more which can be extracted at Prambanan. You certainly should not be bored. If it is finally exhausted, you can relax in the beautiful garden.Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter zone 1 Prambanan though does not get into the temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo