Indonesia, a country deeply rooted in history and culture, is home to some of the most magnificent ancient temples (candi) in the world. These architectural wonders reflect the nation’s rich Hindu-Buddhist heritage, standing as testaments to centuries of devotion, artistry, and craftsmanship. From the world-famous Borobudur to the mystical Prambanan, here are five of Indonesia’s most renowned temples and the fascinating histories behind them.
1. Borobudur – The Largest Buddhist Temple in the World
Nestled in Magelang, Central Java, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century under the Sailendra Dynasty, this grand structure features over 2,600 intricate relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, narrating stories of enlightenment. After centuries of abandonment due to volcanic eruptions, Borobudur was rediscovered in the 19th century and restored to its former glory, attracting millions of pilgrims and travelers worldwide.
2. Prambanan – A Majestic Hindu Masterpiece
Standing tall near Yogyakarta, Prambanan is Indonesia’s most spectacular Hindu temple complex, built in the 9th century by the Mataram Kingdom. Dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), this architectural marvel consists of 240 temples, with Candi Shiva Mahadeva as its towering centerpiece. Legend has it that the temple was built overnight by a prince as part of an impossible challenge—one of many tales that add to its mystique.
3. Candi Sewu – The Grand Buddhist Temple Next to Prambanan
Although often overshadowed by Prambanan, Candi Sewu, located nearby, is an equally impressive Buddhist temple. Dating back to the 8th century, this temple complex originally consisted of 249 shrines, making it the second-largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia after Borobudur. The name “Sewu” means a thousand, inspired by local folklore about a princess and an enchanted army of stone statues.
4. Candi Penataran – The Largest Hindu Temple in East Java
Located in Blitar, East Java, Candi Penataran is the largest Hindu temple complex in the region, built during the Majapahit Kingdom (13th-15th century). It served as a royal sanctuary and a place of worship for Lord Shiva, with its intricate carvings depicting epics like the Ramayana. The temple’s strategic location on the slopes of Mount Kelud suggests its role in religious ceremonies related to volcanic activity.
5. Candi Muaro Jambi – Sumatra’s Hidden Buddhist Treasure
Unlike Java’s famous temples, Candi Muaro Jambi in Jambi, Sumatra, is an ancient Buddhist temple complex often overlooked by travelers. Built between the 7th and 13th centuries, it was once a major Buddhist learning center during the Srivijaya Kingdom. With eight main temple structures spread across a vast area, Muaro Jambi is believed to have been one of the largest Buddhist education hubs in Southeast Asia, rivaling Nalanda in India.
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