Prambanan Temple Historical Facts and Pictures

Located in central Java, Indonesia, Candi Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. This 9^th century temple worships the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, embodying the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple Images

Structure of Prambanan

Based on Vaastu Shastra, the structure of the temple displays traditional Hindu architectural designs of mandala (a spiritual symbolic representation of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist religions) and spiral towers. The temple compound consists 240 temples that include 3 Trimurti temples, 2 Apit and Vahana temples, 4 Patok and Kelir temples, and 234 Pervara temples.

Prambanan Temple Photos

Prambanan Temple Pictures

Inside of the Complex

The Tirmurti Temples are dedicated to the three main Gods of the Hindu Trinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. In front of the Trimurti Temples are located the three Vahana Temples that worship the vahanas or the carriers of the three Gods – Hamsa, Garuda and Nandi respectively. A total number 8 shrines are located in the 4 Kelir and Patok temples. The square planned temple complex consists 3 zone yards, surrounded by four pierced walls with large gates. The holiest of the 3 zones, the central zone is assembled of eight focal shrines, of which the 3 Trimurti shrines are the manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Nandi Statue Prambanan Temple Inside

Inside of Prambanan Temple Sign

Prambanan Temple Inside Compounds

Prambanan Temple Inside Statue

Interiors of Prambanan

The Shrine of Shiva is located at the center of Shiva Temple that contains five chambers. The main big chamber contains a 3-meter high statue of Lord Shiva on Yoni pedestal, carved with Naga serpent designs. The other two main shrines of Vishnu and Brahma are located in the north and south side of the Shiva temple, respectively, each containing only one big chamber dedicated to their worshiping Gods.

Brahma Statue in Prambanan Temple

Interiors of Prambanan Temple

The temple was actually a response to the nearby Borobudur and Sewu temples of the Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty. It has been suggested by historians that, the temple marked the return of Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty in power over central Java after the domination of Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty.