Sewu Temple Indonesia

 

Sewu Temple is a large Buddhist temple complex located in the Prambanan area, near Yogyakarta in Central Java, Indonesia. The temple complex is believed to have been built during the 8th and 9th centuries under the Sailendra dynasty, one of the powerful ancient kingdoms of Indonesia.

The Sewu Temple complex was originally called the Manjusri Temple, named after the bodhisattva of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The temple was dedicated to the worship of Buddha and was used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

The temple complex consists of one main temple, known as the Sewu Temple, and 249 smaller temples. The Sewu Temple is a large square-shaped structure, measuring 29 meters by 29 meters, with four entrances and surrounded by four smaller temples. The temple is constructed of volcanic stone and features intricate carvings and detailed reliefs.

The temple's architectural style is a blend of Indian and Javanese influences, reflecting the syncretic nature of Buddhism in Indonesia during this period. The temple's design also incorporates elements of Hinduism, reflecting the close relationship between the two religions during this time.

The temple complex was abandoned in the 10th century, possibly due to a shift in political power and religious beliefs. The temple complex was rediscovered in the 19th century and underwent extensive restoration efforts in the 20th century, which included the reconstruction of several of the smaller temples.

Today, the Sewu Temple complex is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also used for cultural and religious events. The temple complex is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Prambanan Temple complex and Borobudur Temple, another famous Buddhist temple located in Central Java.

In summary, the Sewu Temple is an impressive and significant example of ancient Buddhist architecture in Indonesia. It reflects the syncretic nature of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region during the 8th and 9th centuries, and it continues to be an important cultural and religious site in Indonesia today.

Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Central Java province of Indonesia. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, which ruled the region at the time. The temple was likely built as a place of worship for the Sailendra royal family and their subjects.

The name "Sewu" means "thousand" in Javanese, and it is believed to refer to the many small Buddha statues that adorn the temple's walls. The temple complex covers an area of around 2.5 hectares and includes a main temple surrounded by smaller temples and shrines.

Sewu Temple was rediscovered in the 19th century by a Dutch archaeologist named H.C. Cornelius, who undertook extensive restoration work on the site. The temple underwent further restoration in the 20th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

The main temple of Sewu is a large, rectangular structure with four entrances, each adorned with a carved kala head. Inside the temple, there is a central chamber that houses a large, seated Buddha statue surrounded by smaller statues of other Buddhist deities.

The walls of the temple are covered in intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, as well as everyday life in 8th-century Java. Many of these carvings are remarkably well-preserved and provide valuable insights into the art and culture of the period.

Surrounding the main temple are numerous smaller temples and shrines, each with their own unique architectural style and decorative motifs. Some of the most notable of these include the Perwara temples, which were likely used for various ceremonial purposes, and the Manjusrigrha temple, which is dedicated to the bodhisattva Manjusri.

Today, Sewu Temple is a popular tourist attraction and a significant cultural landmark in Central Java. Its impressive architecture and intricate carvings continue to inspire visitors from around the world, and it remains an important site of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage.