Plaosan Temple

A. Overview

Plaosan founded in the 9th century AD by the king and the queen named Rakai Pikatan and Pramudya Wardhani. Rakai Pikatan was the sixth king of the genealogy of the kings who ruled Old Mataram Kingdom from Sanjaya Buddhist Dynasty around the year 847 until 856 AD. While the Queen, Pramudya Wardhani is the daughter of Samaratungga from Syailendra Buddhist Dynasty.

This story was found on the form of reliefs and inscriptions of ancient Javanese writings written in Plaosan Temple located on the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java. Plaosan Temple is a relic of Old Mataram Kingdom built as a proof of love of Rakai Pikatan to Pramudya Wardhani. In the story, the marriage between Rakai Pikatan and Pramudya Wardhani was not approved by their respective families. Even both were derived from noble family (Dynasty) who had triumphed in island of Java, unfortunately they had different principle, culture, and religion. Despite reaping a lot of opposition, Rakai Pikatan and Pramudya Wardhani still wished to marry and built a temple as a symbol of their eternal. Once, it is said that the construction of temple which now known as Plaosan was done by Rakai Pikatan with the help of his beloved wife.

Plaosan is a twin temple, as a symbol of the couple Rakai Pikatan and Pramudya Wardhani, which is divided into two sides. On temple relief located on the north side of temple which was built by Rakai Pikatan, appears figure of women as a form of his admiration and affection for Pramudya Wardhani. While on the south, appears figure of a man that believed to be done by Pramudya Wardhani as a form of her respect, devotion, and affection to her husband.

B. Feature

Plaosan Temple is twin temple that stood on the land area of approximately 440x270 meters. Called twins because of shape and size of the two temples are same. The temple that located in the north called Plaosan Lor, while the south is called Plaosan Kidul. Both of these temples have 15 meters length, 10 meters wide and 15 meters high. The things that make this twin temple different are their ornament and reliefs respectively. The distance between Plaosan Lor and Kidul Plaosan for around 20 meters and separated by a wall of rock that surrounds each temple.

On the wall, there is sculptured gate that used as connector as well as an exit and entrance to the courtyard of each temple. Judging from building style, Plaosan Temple is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture. This can be seen from the structure of high temple that similar with cultural heritage temple of Hindu, but its foundation has similarity with cultural heritage of Buddhist temples.

Plaosan Temple is believed to have the power of love of the couple Rakai Pikatan and Pramudya Wardhani, so it is widely believed that the temple will bring some blessings for men or women who come. Of many requests, the temple is believed to accept the request of those who do not have a baby yet. Time for praying is anytime, but it would be better on Friday night of Kliwon or Tuesday night of Kliwon. In order to make the process of ritual perfect, it should be performed 3 times wether performed three days continuously or on different days. The important thing is ritual was done 3 times.

C. Location

Plaosan Temple is located at Plaosan Village, Prambanan District, Klaten, Central Java. Geopolitically, the temple is located in the border area between Klaten district (Central Java) and Special District of Yogyakarta Province.

D. Access

Departing from Yogyakarta is suggested using private vehicles to find the location of Plaosan more easily. From Yogyakarta, you can just follow the direction of Solo St. until you reach Prambanan District, Central Java. When you find the third traffic light (left side of Post Office and if go to south is to Prambanan Station), just turn left in the direction of Manisrenggo (Klaten). Then follow that road until you see the intersection where the Office of Preservation of Archaeological Heritage of Central Java is located on the left or west streets. Please have a look to the east side or right side because that is where Plaosan located.

E. Ticket Price

No special rates for visitors who visit Plaosan, but You are only required the entrance fee sincerely and sign the guest book. For parking fees, you will only be charged Rp. 1000.00 for two-wheeled vehicles and Rp. 2000.00 for four-wheeled vehicles.

F. Accommodations and Facilities

The area of Plaosan Temple is contained some place to rest that had been prepared for visitors. There are also playgrounds for children around the temple area and also hospitals, administrative offices, district offices, schools and places of worship.

 

Text: Eko Wahyu
Translation: Said
Photo (s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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