Behind one of the most majestic hindu temples in the world, lies a temple that is different from the temples surrounding it. This temple is also breaking my hypothesis that a buddhist temple is often built around the hills just like the previous buddhist temples in my timeless architecture series. Though, perhaps Candi Plaosan is an exception.

Candi Plaosan is a buddhist temple built in the area with hindu dominated temples. It was built during the hindu reign in the mid 9th century.

So, why was this temple built in a hindu dominated kingdom?

There are some theories as to why and when the temple was built, but the simplest to our understanding is that, this temple was built by a descendant of Sailendra dynasty, a.k.a the dynasty that also built borobudur temple as she was married to Rakai Pikatan, the king who built prambanan temple, the biggest hindu temple in Indonesia and second largest in SouthEast Asia after Angkor Wat. Many local media have mentioned this temple as the eternal symbol of love but its own function and the reason why it was built is still up to debate. However, all we can deduce is that the marriage between two different families resulted in a beautiful temple that symbolizes the harmony and tolerance of inter-religion during that era.

The Architecture

Much like other typical Buddhist temples, this one comes with a stupa surrounding the top and decorating its surrounding area. The temple has two major temples with some smaller temples surrounding it. The seemingly gate area is also similar in structure to Candi Pawon, a hindu temple that is said to be the gate to Borobudur temple. Unfortunately, I could not enter the place as covid-19 restriction is still there. It is said that inside the temple, there are some statues, six Bodhisattvas, and three bronze Buddhas that are now missing.

According to the information board , this complex consists of two temples with its own page which is fenced with gates. The main temple has three chambers with two floors. Furthermore, The main temple is also surrounded by 58 ancillary temples and ancillary stupa which are now, some of it remains as ruins. Here are some of the pictures surrounding the temple and some of the ruins:

The temple from outside of the gate

smaller temple before the main temple complex. As you can see some parts of it hasn't been reconstructed.

The other main temple and you can see the gate that connects it from one temple to the other one.

A stupa that was reconstructed. There are many ruins around the are with the top of the stupa.

An example of what could possibly be another stupa

The Outer part of the temple. Smaller temples that also functions as the fences.

Commonly found in temples that acts as the "guardian" of the temple and marking the entrance of the temple.

Some reliefs and statues that was captured by my camera.

I have never visited this temple prior to this. My mom and I were mesmerized by its beauty and “beautiful” was the first word we said after we reached the ticketing counter. “ How did we miss this?” I said to my mom as I prepared to take pictures and walked to the information board. Despite drizzling and cloudy, I was entirely curious as to why there’s a buddhist temple in a hindu-dominated area. And only after exploring and reading the information board, I understood why it was that way. This temple stood still for centuries and could remind us about the religious tolerance that once existed in the country. Though many modern places are built under the same notion, this timeless building is even more powerful to remind us about all of it.

As some other temples that I have previously shown, Candi Plaosan is another temple that is easily missed. Its location that is further away into the local’s housing and its name that’s not often talked about made this tranquil temple easily missed by visitors. Had it not been cloudy, from this temple, visitors (myself included)would enjoy a beautiful sunset view. I recommend that you make the time to see around this area when you visit the Prambanan temple. This Buddhist temple is as captivating as the Prambanan. It is also one of the interesting temples that was built by a princess, instead of a prince or a king.

I plan on exploring other sites around the area as I have seen there are more than 6 temples with interesting inscriptions that have also been less explored by people. Visiting these temples has opened my eyes about life in the 8 to 9th century and how they governed themselves and was able to build such mesmerizing architecture that stood still for centuries.

Please if you visit temple or any ancient structure, do not litter!!

This is a bad example!

If you want to check out other series, you can also visit these links below :

• Timeless Architecture : 9th Century Temple Candi Mendut

Many would miss out and even ignore the existence of this small buddhist temple called Mendut that was built around 8 to 9th century. But, they are missing out on a piece of interesting historical building and also cheap fresh coconut in front of the temple.

• Timeless Architecture : 8th Century Majestic World's Largest Buddhist Temple In the World Borobudur

Surrounded by Menoreh Hills, lies a majestic religious building that also serves as a canvas to retell the glory of ancient Javanese civilization during the 8th to 9th century. Built thoughtfully carrying buddhist symbolism, Borobudur temple also represents many layers of buddhist theory.

• Timeless Architecture : The Gate To Nirvana 8th Century Temple Candi Pawon

Personally, its charm still lies on the reliefs of this temple that shows Kinnara and Kinnari, celestial musician, part human and part bird, and carved with Bodhisattva, any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood. These reliefs seem to be the clue to uncover the function of these temples in the past.

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Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, donut cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated.