Sewu Temple
Java Region
Sewu Temple, also known as Candi Sewu, is an eighth-century Mahayana Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia, about 800 meters north of the Prambanan Hindu temple. It is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia after Borobudur. The complex originally comprised 249 temples, arranged in a mandala layout symbolizing the Buddhist universe. Archaeological evidence suggests its original name was Manjusrigrha, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Manjusri, symbolizing transcendent wisdom. Built at the end of the eighth century during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran and completed under King Indra, Sewu served as the royal Buddhist temple of the Medang Mataram Kingdom. The temple complex reflects religious harmony, as it stands near the Hindu Prambanan temple, indicating peaceful coexistence between Buddhist and Hindu communities. Sewu was a major religious site with stately ceremonies and guardian temples protecting the cardinal directions. The temple's architecture and layout demonstrate advanced ancient Javanese craftsmanship and cosmological symbolism. Despite damage from natural disasters, the site has been restored and remains a significant cultural heritage site managed by Indonesia's Ministry of Culture.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sewu Temple is during the dry season to avoid rain disruptions. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry. The site offers discounts for students and groups. Since the main temple suffered damage in the 2006 earthquake, some areas may have restricted access for safety reasons. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the temple's historical and architectural significance.
Interesting facts
- •Sewu Temple means 'a thousand temples' in Javanese, reflecting local folklore, although the complex has 249 temples.
- •It is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia after Borobudur.
- •The temple complex is arranged in a mandala layout representing the Buddhist cosmological universe.
- •Sewu Temple predates the nearby Prambanan Hindu temple by over 70 years.
- •The temple was built by Rakai Panangkaran, a devoted Mahayana Buddhist king of the Medang Mataram Kingdom.
- •Local legends associate Sewu and Prambanan temples with supernatural origins and demons, preserving the site through centuries.
- •The temple suffered significant damage in the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake but has since been restored for visitors.
History
Sewu Temple was constructed in the late eighth century under the reign of Rakai Panangkaran and completed during King Indra's rule.
Its original name was Manjusrigrha, meaning 'House of Manjusri.' The temple predates the nearby Prambanan Hindu temple by over 70 years and Borobudur by about 37 years.
It served as the royal Buddhist temple of the Medang Mataram Kingdom and was central to religious ceremonies.
The complex was expanded during the reign of Rakai Pikatan, symbolizing religious tolerance between Buddhism and Hinduism.
Over centuries, local legends infused the site with myths, preserving it from destruction.
The temple was rediscovered and documented in the 18th and 19th centuries by European explorers and archaeologists.
In 2006, an earthquake caused significant damage, prompting restoration efforts to preserve this historical monument.
Place Guide
Main Temple (Manjusrigrha)8th century
The central and largest temple in the Sewu complex, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Manjusri. It exemplifies the architectural grandeur of the site and served as the primary place of worship.
Guardian Temples (Bubrah and Gana Temples)8th century
Smaller temples surrounding the main temple, likely serving as guardians at the cardinal points to protect the complex.
Dwarapala Statues at Entrances8th century
Statues of temple guardians standing approximately 2.3 meters tall, positioned at the main entrances, especially the eastern gate, symbolizing protection.
