Temple Complex in Dieng Plateau

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A. Overview

The temple complex in Dieng Plateau is one of the most famous historical tourism in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. This plateau was formerly a volcano with three craters, Sikidang, Sileri, and Candradimuka.

The temples were built from 8^th to 13^th century AD and are heritages of Sanjaya Dynasty who embraced Hindu and worshiped Siva. This is evident for there are statues of Siva, Vishnu, Agastya, Ganesh, and other Hindu Gods. The temples are later categorized by people based on the names of Javanese puppet figures. There are four groups of temples, namely Arjuna, Dwarawati, Gatotkaca, and Bima.

B. Figures

There are at least two things one can get as they visit the temple complex. The first one is the scenic view of Dieng Plateau and the refreshing air. It is quite cold up there because it is 6.000 ft or 2.093 m above sea level (dpl) so that visitors do not have to worry about midday heat. There is no need to wear a hat or carry an umbrella as well for you will not even sweat when you are up in the terrain. Coming early in the morning, visitors will usually be amazed by the sunrise famous as the “golden sunrise”, a tag not exaggerating.

The second beauty are the temple complexes. The first temple complex to welcome visitors is Dwarawati Temple, in which there stands Parikesit Temple. The temple is situated upon Perahu Hill and measure 5 x 4 m wide and 6 m high. On the inside and outside walls of the temple, there are niches for statues while on the roof there are tiny minarets carved with head motives. This roof and its ornaments designs are influenced by the architecture of Southern India.

Next, tourists can continue their trip to Arjuna Temple Complex. This complex consists of two rows of temples, i.e. Arjuna-Srikandi, Puntadewa, and Sembadra Temples on the east and Semar and Arjuna Temples on the west. These temples have square buildings with niches and ornaments of kala-makara figures (scorpions and gargoyles) on the walls. The ornaments are more frequent at the upper parts of the walls. Not far from Arjuna Temple Comples, tourists can also see other temples like Setyaki, Petruk, Antareja, Nala Gareng, Nakula, and Sadewa. Unfortunately, of all of those temples, only the foundations and some ruins remain so that tourists cannot see the architectures.

Arjuna Temple is special because there is a stone tub which always contains water from the drops of dew from its roof. Oddly, the water never dries out even in the sunlight. Therefore, people started to sanctify and call it Parwito Sari, the water of life. They believe that this water can bring good fortune.

The next complex is Gatotkaca, a temple that measures 4.5 x 4.5 m and is square. To get to the temple, tourists will have to climb Panggonan Hill, which is quite high. It might be exhausting but it is worth the scenery up there with Bale Kambang Lake on its east.

Bima is the southernmost temple, 1 km away from Gatotkaca Temple. The 8 m high temple was built upon a square foundation as wide as 6 x 6 m. The temple also has ornaments on the upper part, like those of Arjuna Temples. The temple was built in Sikhara model (reversed bowl), which is an architecture from Northern India. However, there is also some Southern Indian influence that can be seen on the ornaments of the minarets and the curved niches.

What makes the temples even more special is the fact that they were built upon a terrain which was and is considered sacred for people believe that Dieng Plateau is the abode of Gods. The name Dieng is derived from the word “dhi” and “hyang”. “Dhi” means mountain whil “hyang” means Gods.

Besides the temples, it must be noted that the historical site is surrounded by beautiful mountains, namely Sumbing, Sindoro, Perahu, Rogojembangan, and Bimo. From upon the plateau, one can see Banjarnegara and Wonosobo in bird view.

There are also many other tourism objects which are just as interesting, such as Sikidang Crater, Warna Lake, Semar Cave, Bimalukar Spring, etc.

C. Location

Dieng Temple Complex is located around Dieng Plateau, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java Province.

D. Access

To get to the place, tourists can start from Wonosobo Bus Station, where buses heading for Dieng are available at Rp 7,000 fare for one person (November 2008). The trip from Wonosobo to Dieng takes approximately 1 hour.

E. Ticket

There is an admission ticket to the temple complex. It is Rp 6,000 for a person (November 2008).

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

The tourism object provides standard facilities like small mosque, resting place, information center, and so on. There are also eating places and kiosks selling fruits, toys, and souvenirs. Unfortunately, the object does not have any hotel yet. However, there are lodgings provided by the local people for those who want to stay overnight. The facilities in the lodgings include bathroom (inside the room) and hot water for bathing if needed.

Text: Junardi
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

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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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