The Loro Jonggrang complex

Posted on August 26th, 2008 in favorite places prambanan, prambanan temple, prambanan temple complex, the loro jinggrang complex

If you wish for more information about Prambanan temple, today I would like to give you the information about the Loro Jonggrang complex.

In my last post, you can read the legend of Prambanan temple or the legend of Lara Jonggrang. Now we will talk about the Loro Jonggrang complex.

The Loro Jonggrang complex consists of three zones.

1. The outer zone. This is a large space marked by a rectangular wall which was destroyed. No body knows what the original function is. But there are several possibilities such as it was a sacred park, or priests’ boarding school (ashram).

2. The middle zone. This zone consisted of four rows of 224 individual small shrines. According to the wikipedia, these concentric rows of temples were made in identical design. Each row towards the center is slightly elevated. These shrines are called " Perwara temple" or complimentary temples, the additional buildings of the main temple.

3. The central compound. This is the holiest among the three zones. Its the square elevated platform surrounded by square stone wall with stone gates on each four cardinal points.

The two other main shrines are that of Vishnu on the north side of Shiva shrine, and the one of Brahma on the south. Both temple facing east and each contain only one large chamber, each dedicated to respected gods; Brahma temple contains the statue of Brahma and Vishnu temple houses the statue of Vishnu.

In front of each main temple is a smaller temples on the east side, dedicated to the mounts (vahana)of the respective gods – the bull Nandi for Shiva, the gander Angsa for Brahma, and Vishnu’s Eagle Garuda.

Garuda holds important role for Indonesia, which serves as the national symbol of Indonesia. Well, what do you think? Are you curious? You better come and see directly the most beautiful Hindu’s temple in South East Asia.