Central-East Java: Sewu Temple

As expected, my trip in Jogja involved a lot of temple visiting, I mean not visiting for praying, but more to fathom history of ancient people and their civilization that they left us to witness so we could instill the good one to our life. And it is no surprise to know some of our behaviour/act today is influenced by them.

After spending some time in Prambanan Temple, I proceeded to other temples less enormous but still have remarkable built and history.

Sewu Temple, still located within the Prambanan temple complex is 800 meters away from Prambanan temple. And contrary to Prambanan, Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple - and in fact it's the second largest Buddhist temple in Central Java after Borobodur.  

The little walking I did to Sewu was worth it. I was stunned by its amazing structure when it first came into sight although I know nothing about architecture nor building. I appreciated it as a piece of history from the eyes of a commoner.

Walking into Sewu temple compound was like entering into another world. That's how I felt, seriously. Once you crossed the main entrance with twin Dvarapala statues guarded on both sides that separated the temple compound from the now world, you got the ancient-world feeling. The compound was completely quiet and colour of andesite that made the structure gave a laid back mood.

With lesser people visiting this place than Prambanan, I had the whole temple to myself to admire, imagining how life was like and how religious ceremonies were conducted before. 

Sewu Temple was established by Rakai Pikatan, Sanjaya (Hindu) Dynasty prince whom married Buddhist princess, Pramodhawardhani of Sailendra Dynasty. It is easy to notice both Hindu and Buddha elements were found in Sewu design - high towering spire from Hindu and stupas at its crests from Buddha.

The proximity to Prambanan Temple also suggest that Hindus and Buddhist lived harmoniously in that area.

Originally the complex consisted of main temple in the centre and 240 small temples surrounded it. After an earthquake in 2006, many temples were severely damaged and now the main temple is reinforced with support to prevent it from collapsing. The rest are still in the restoration process.

In Javanese, 'Sewu' translates to 'a thousand temples' which relates with Loro Jonggrang legend in Prambanan Temple. There is another remnant of history found nearby that linked to both Prambanan and Sewu Temple - Ratu Boko. So, with my combine ticket I was eligible to visit it with free transport.

Next, I'll put up an entry about Ratu Boko - another great site you shall not miss in Yogyakarta. How do you like Yogyakarta so far?



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