Prambanan – A grand temple complex
Next day we wanted to spend half a day in Prambanan temple complex. It is the tallest and one of the most extensive Hindu temple complexes in the world. Built in the ninth century AD by Hindu kings, the temple is dedicated to Shiva so that it is locally called Siwagra (Shiva Griha – a home for Shiva). The temple consists of three yards arranged concentrically and consisting of 224 of original 240 temples. The innermost yard being most sacred and consists of 16 temples including main temples of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu), three Wahana (Vahana or animal vehicle of gods) temples, four Kali temples. While main Shiva temple has four chambers housing idols of Shiva, Durga, Ganesha and Agastya Muni. Brahma and Vishnu temple have only one chamber housing respective idols only. Stone Reliefs depicting scenes from Ramayana adores the walls.
Many tourists ignore visiting the small but intricately detailed Candi Sewu (Siva temple), located at the far end ofPrambanan archeological park. Another walk down the line shall bring you to another Plaosan temple, where there should be no tourist and you will have enough solitude to contemplate the great spread of Indian culture so far from Indian peninsula.
Palaces and people
Yogjakorta Royal Palace, better known as Keraton, was located just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel. It is where the king and his family stay. The Keraton museum is a great place to visit and learn more about Javanese culture. There is a Javanese cultural show that you can enjoy almost every day either at 9 or 10 am. Adjacent Taaman sari water castle is a great place to wander around. We also let ourselves loose in the nearby village with little alleys and small mosques.
Visiting Yogyakarta is not complete without an evening stroll around Malioboro, its shopping boulevard. There is plethora of shops selling handloom and handicrafts products. Street pavements are also lined with many small cafes. Indonesian Batik prints and local foods are both attractive and inexpensive attractions.
The rhythm of Jog-ja is mainly guided by its friendly and amiable people. Indeed, while it seems to be a happening place, no one seems to be in a hurry. That was my lasting impression of the city.
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