After leaving Prambanan, we crossed the archaeological grounds to the mini-train to catch a ride to Candi Sewu. This Buddhist temple is part of the archaeological grounds of Prambanan. Candi Sewu is a complex made up of 249-257 temples. It is the second largest Buddhist temple in Java and dates from the 8th Century. The original name of the temple was Manjusrigrha.
 |
| Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
Based on the Kelurak inscription (dated from 782) and Manjusrigrha inscription (dated from 792), which was found in 1960, the original name of the temple complex was probably "Manjus'ri grha" (The House of Manjusri). Manjusri is a Boddhisatva in Buddhist teaching. Sewu Temple was probably built in the 8th century at the end of Rakai Panangkaran administration. Rakai Panangkaran (746 – 784 AD) was a famous King from the Medang Kingdom. The temple was probably expanded and completed during Rakai Pikatan's rule, a Sanjaya dynasty prince whom married to a Buddhist princess of Sailendra dynasty, Pramodhawardhani. Most of his subjects retained their old religion after the return of Sanjaya dynasty. The proximity of the temple to Prambanan Temple, which is a Hindu Temple, suggests that the Hindus and Buddhist lived in harmony in the era that the temples were built. The scale of the temple complex suggests Candi Sewu was a Royal Buddhist Temple and was an important religious site of the past. The temple is located on the Prambanan Plain, that is between the southern eastern slopes of Merapi volcano and the Sewu mountain range in the south, near the present border of the Yogyakarta province and Klaten Regency, in Central Java. The plain houses many archaeological sites scattered only a few miles away, suggesting that this area was an important religious, political, and urban center.
The temple was severely damaged during the earthquake in Java in 2006. The structural damage is significant and the central temple suffered the worst. Large pieces of debris were scattered over the ground and cracks between stone blocks were detected. To prevent the central temple from collapse, the metal frame structures were erected on four corners and attached to support the main temple. Although some weeks later in 2006 the site were re-opened for visitors, the whole part of main temple remains off-limits for safety reasons.
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
Above is a Dvarapala statue. This is a guardian statue that is usually placed at a door or gate. This is a popular site in both Hindu and Buddhist religions.
I actually loved Candi Sewu !! It was so peaceful and beautiful. It struck a cord in my heart. I find a very serene feeling in Buddhism.
Most of the Buddha statues, like the one above, are missing their hands and heads. People actually steal them for souvenirs.
From Wikipedia:
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
Most of the Buddha statues, like the one above, are missing their hands and heads. People actually steal them for souvenirs.
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
The temple was severely damaged during the earthquake in Java in 2006. The structural damage is significant and the central temple suffered the worst. Large pieces of debris were scattered over the ground and cracks between stone blocks were detected. To prevent the central temple from collapse, the metal frame structures were erected on four corners and attached to support the main temple. Although some weeks later in 2006 the site were re-opened for visitors, the whole part of main temple remains off-limits for safety reasons.
 |
| Candi Sewu Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
 |
| Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
Once you leave the Candi Sewu Temple then you can walk through the rest of the park. Once you want to leave the grounds there is a very large market area to walk through. If you want to shop fantastic, bargain even better. If you are not good at either of those, then walk fast to the outside gates.
 |
| The market you have to pass through to leave the grounds. Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
If you would like to visit Java or Prambanan or Candi Sewu
then contact Adventures Abroad at 1 800 665 3998
Quote code AANK for a special
discount.
 |
| The market you have to pass through to leave the grounds. Prambanan Archaeological Grounds Jogyakarta / Yogyakarta ,Java, Indonesia |
No comments:
Post a Comment