Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound located in Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, near the border with Central Java. It is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, it is noted for its tall, pointed architecture, intricate stone reliefs depicting the Ramayana, and its central Shiva temple rising 47 meters.

Visitors can expect a large open archaeological park with over 240 temples, dominated by three main shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, surrounded by smaller temples and ruined foundations. The central courtyard features ornate stone carvings and Ramayana reliefs. The grounds include manicured lawns, museum, open-air theater for Ramayana Ballet, and views of surrounding plains with Mount Merapi in the distance. Exploration is on foot via paved paths with access to outer temple yards and close viewing of temple exteriors.

Built in the 9th century during the Mataram Kingdom, Prambanan was initiated around 850 CE by Rakai Pikatan and expanded by King Balitung Maha Sambu. Dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti, it represents the pinnacle of Central Javanese Hindu architecture. The compound was abandoned after the Mataram court moved to East Java, suffered earthquake damage and was rediscovered in the 19th century, with major restoration undertaken in the 20th century. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and an important example of Hindu cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. It is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma and its reliefs illustrate the Ramayana epic, which remains central to Javanese performing arts. The site hosts the regular Ramayana Ballet and other cultural performances and is a major pilgrimage and ceremonial site for Hindus in Indonesia.