Prambanan Temple Compounds, Yogyakarta

The Prambanan Temple Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a stunning example of Hindu temple architecture. This ancient temple complex, also known as Rara Jonggrang, dates back to the 9th century and is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.

Comprising over 240 temples, Prambanan is dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Sustainer (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compounds are an architectural tour de force with soaring towers and intricate carvings that illustrate the grandeur of Javanese culture.

The central compound of Prambanan consists of eight main shrines or candi, surrounded by smaller subsidiary structures. The three largest temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, each adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. The temple of Shiva, the tallest at 47 meters, is particularly remarkable for its grand scale and elaborate stone carvings.

Prambanan was built during the reign of the Mataram Kingdom and is thought to have been a response to the construction of the Borobudur, a nearby Buddhist complex. Despite being abandoned for centuries following a major earthquake in the 16th century, restoration efforts in the 20th century have brought much of the site back to its former splendor.

Today, Prambanan is not only a significant archaeological and cultural attraction but also a place of spiritual importance. It hosts the annual Ramayana Ballet, an enchanting performance that takes place against the backdrop of the lit-up temples, blending Javanese dance, drama, and music to retell the epic tale.