About Candi Singosari
Candi Singosari is a 13th-century Hindu temple located in Candirenggo village, Singosari District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Built during the Singhasari Kingdom and dedicated to King Kertanegara, it is one of the most significant remnants of the kingdom. The temple is notable for its unfinished construction, intricate stone carvings, and large Dwarapala guardian statues, representing classical East Javanese architecture.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a historic stone temple complex set in a maintained courtyard with lawns and trees in a semi-urban village setting. The main temple stands on a raised base with detailed reliefs and niches containing statues of Shiva, Agastya and other figures. The courtyard contains scattered temple ruins, stone fragments and information boards. Two colossal Dwarapala guardian statues are located separately nearby. The site is open for walking around the exterior, viewing carvings, photography and learning about Singhasari history.
Key highlights
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13th-century Hindu temple from the Singhasari Kingdom dedicated to King Kertanegara
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Example of classical East Javanese temple architecture with intricate stone reliefs
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Unfinished temple structure providing insight into historical construction techniques
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Collection of original statues including Shiva, Agastya and Ganesha housed in niches
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Two massive Dwarapala guardian statues located near the temple complex
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Well-maintained archaeological park with open courtyard for exploration
History of Candi Singosari
Candi Singosari was built in the 13th century during the Singhasari Kingdom (1222-1292), one of the major kingdoms in East Java. It is believed to have been dedicated to King Kertanegara (reigned 1268-1292), the last king of Singhasari, as a memorial or funerary temple. The temple was left unfinished, likely due to the Kediri rebellion led by Jayakatwang in 1292 which led to the fall of Singhasari. It represents the transition to classical East Javanese temple architecture.
Culture & Context
The temple is a significant Hindu Shaivite religious site reflecting the syncretic Hindu-Buddhist culture of the Singhasari period. It is revered as a cultural heritage site (Cagar Budaya) and showcases East Javanese art, iconography and stone carving traditions. It remains an important educational and pilgrimage site for understanding Javanese history and Hindu heritage in Indonesia.