Sojiwan Temple

Sojiwan Temple (Candi Sojiwan) is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located in Klurak village, Prambanan sub-district, Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, about 1.5 km south of the Prambanan Temple compound. Part of the Prambanan Temple Compounds UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is noted for its restored main temple, intricate bas-reliefs depicting Jataka tales, and historical association with the ancient Mataram Kingdom. The temple was extensively restored between 1996 and 2011.

Visitors can expect a compact, restored single main temple set in a quiet, open grassy courtyard south of Prambanan. The temple stands on a raised base with stone steps leading to the inner chamber. Exterior walls feature well-preserved bas-reliefs illustrating Jataka and other Buddhist narratives, with detailed carvings of daily life. The surrounding area is flat and park-like with scattered temple foundation remains, information boards, and views of nearby rice fields and villages. It is generally less crowded than Prambanan, allowing for close observation and photography.

Built in the 9th century during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom period, Sojiwan Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple believed to have been associated with Buddhist monastic education. The temple was found in ruins and underwent major archaeological reconstruction from 1996 to 2011, with restoration of the main temple structure, base and roof. Its reliefs provide historical evidence of 9th-century Javanese art, architecture and daily life.

As part of the Prambanan Temple Compounds, Sojiwan represents the Buddhist heritage alongside nearby Hindu Prambanan. Its bas-reliefs illustrating Jataka tales and moral stories reflect Mahayana Buddhist teachings and Javanese cultural values. The temple is an important site for cultural education, heritage conservation and understanding of Central Java's classical period.