Candi Sambisari

Candi Sambisari is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex located in Sambisari hamlet, Purwomartani, Kalasan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Discovered in 1966 buried under volcanic ash from Mount Merapi, the temple lies about 6.5 meters below the present ground level. Dedicated to Shiva, it is notable for its well-preserved main temple, surrounding courtyard walls, and unique sunken setting among rice fields near Prambanan.

Visitors can expect a compact, sunken temple complex located about 6.5 meters below surrounding farmland, accessed by stairs leading down into a rectangular walled courtyard. The site features a well-preserved main Shiva temple facing west, with three smaller perwara temples in front, surrounded by stone perimeter walls. The setting is quiet and open among rice fields and village houses, with an information area, open courtyard for viewing carvings and lingga-yoni, and space for photography and guided historical explanation.

Built in the early 9th century during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, Candi Sambisari is a Hindu Shaivite temple dedicated to Shiva. It was buried under volcanic material from an eruption of Mount Merapi and remained hidden for centuries until discovered in 1966 by a farmer. Excavation and restoration were carried out from 1966 to 1987, revealing a complete temple courtyard with perimeter walls and evidence of the eruption layer.

Represents classical Central Javanese Hindu temple architecture from the Mataram period, dedicated to Shiva as evidenced by the lingga-yoni in the main chamber and Shaivite iconography. It is an important archaeological and cultural heritage site illustrating the religious history and volcanic history of the Yogyakarta region.