Center Of World Tourism

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 feet (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire, to show Hindu triumph in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle area that is now a 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 when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. New Bondowoso can make the 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue-1000 because he felt cheated.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. The third temple is the symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All three temples were facing 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 two temples wedge, four of the temple curtain, and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, the second page had 224 temples.

Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find four pieces of the room. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other three 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 in the legend above.

In the Vishnu temple is located on the north side Shiva temple, you will only see one room that contains a statue of Vishnu. Similarly, Brahma temple is located south of Shiva Temple, you will also find only one room contains a statue of Brahma.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is a temple located near the Garuda Wisnu Temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, the golden body, white face, red wings, beak and wings like an eagle. It is estimated that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shine' that is 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 was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the symbol of the state. That said, creator of the emblem for inspiration in this temple. Other countries that 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 lions flanking the center. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the ninth century had wisdom to manage their environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, 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. 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 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 species was once numerous in Yogyakarta? 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 was finally exhausted, you can rest in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone first Prambanan not even get into the temple. The damage caused by earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.
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