South East Asian Trips

Situated in central Java Prambanan Temples is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia. Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty built the Prambanan Temples in 850 CE. The temple got damaged soon after it construction. The Prambanan Temples compound was reconstructed in 1918. Reconstruction of the main building was completed around 1953. It may be mentioned here that Prambanan Temples has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in South -East Asia.

A tall and pointed architecture is a typical sign of Prambanan Temples. Prambanan Temples has got a 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. Prambanan Temples has got the biggest temple complex in Java. There are altogether 224 temples in the complex. The three main temples are Brahma Temple in the north, Vishnu Temple in the south and the Shiva Temple within the Complex. Prambanan Temples in Indonesia is regarded as one of the imperial temples in the South -East Asia. Prambanan Temples appears to be very beautiful shortly after dawn or before sunrise. A beautiful park has been designed especially for children and the rest of your family to play in and have loads of fun while enjoying the magnetic beauty of Prambanan Temple. There is also an archeological museum in the Prambanan Temples compound where you can learn about the ancient history of Prambanan Temples and all the surrounding temples and Wanabaya's discoveries. Built in the 9th century, the Prambanan Temples is a unique example of Hindu architectural traditions. It resembles the Hindu temples in many aspects. The sculptural reliefs adorn the walls of the Prambanan Temples depicting the story of Ramayana.

The Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta are considered among the well-known temples in Indonesia. Prambanan, situated in Central Java, is a temple complex housing a group of ancient Hindu temples. It takes only 20 minutes by car to reach the Prambanan Temples from Yogyakarta, positioned at a distance of 17 Km. The Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta are frequently visited by tourists from world over.

The Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta were constructed by the 10th century Mataram Kingdom, erstwhile rulers of Central Java. The temples at Prambanan comprise a cluster of jagged pyramids. There are four colossal Hindu temples spread across a beautiful park at the main site of Prambanan. These temples are -

Candi Lara Jonggrang - Better known as Candi Prambanan, this is the largest and the most popular of the Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta. Originally 232 temples were built here, but at present only 6 exquisite temples exist. These temples are decorated with carved reliefs.

Candi Siva - This 45-meter high temple is dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer. In its forecourt there are beautiful reliefs of the Ramayana. The temple also houses four chambers with statues.

Candi Brahma - Situated on the southern end of the complex, this temple depicts the story of the Ramayana. There is a statue of Brahma the Creator inside the temple.

Candi Vishnu - Situated on the northern side of the temple complex, this temple depicts the story of Vishnu's avatar Krishna. Inside the temple there is a statue of Vishnu the Preserver.

There are also three smaller temples in the temple complex, which were initially dedicated to the vehicles of the Gods. Here you can witness the statue of Shiva's bull, known as ‘Nandi'.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prambanan Temples in Yogyakarta are certainly worth a visit. The complex remains open to the public daily from 6 am to 6 pm. To reach the Prambanan, the nearest airport where you can alight is at Yogyakarta. From the airport, located 10 Km from Prambanan, you can avail of bus or taxi to reach the Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta.