Kalasan Temple
Kalasan Temple is a real ancient wonder nestled between Yogyakarta and Solo, just a hop from Prambanan Temple in Central Java, Indonesia. It’s said to be even older than the colossal Borobudur! Talk about history vibes!
This temple's home turf is in Tirtomantani Village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. This place dates back to 778 AD and has a story etched in stone. Built by Guru Sang Raja Sailendravamçatilaka, it was all about honoring the goddess Tara and housing Buddhist monks from the Sailendra royal families.
When you step inside, it's like walking into a treasure trove of art. The temple’s got these awesome rooms and gates. Each is decked out with these intricate Kala-Makara designs that make you go, "Wow!" Here's a cool nugget: the rooms once held statues of bodhisattvas. There are no statues there now, just lotus pedestals, hinting at its history. Step outside, and you'll spot carvings that tell celestial tales—the kind that used to be the abode of gods.
Now, the roof's a standout feature. It's shaped like an octagon and flaunts carved images of Buddha and his buddies, the bodhisattvas. It's like an ancient art gallery up there! Facing east, the main room used to house this massive bronze statue of Boddhisattvadevi Tara. Imagine a statue reaching around 4 meters tall, sitting all regal on a throne adorned with makara, lions, and elephants.
Kalasan Temple deserves to be one of the best Buddhist temples in Indonesia. This is truly a journey into the cultural tapestry of ancient Java, where history and art come together in the midst of the lush Prambanan valley.
Address: 6FMC+3WW, Jl. Raya Yogya, Solo, Suryatmajan, Danurejan, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Monday–Sunday)
