Candi Prambanan or Candi Rara Jonggrang is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Central Java, Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of the city of Yogyakarta on the boundary between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.
Originally there were a total of 240 temples standing in Prambanan. The Prambanan Temple Compound consist of:
3 Trimurti temples: three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Visnu, and Brahma 3 Vahana temples: three temples in front of Trimurti temples dedicated to the vahana of each gods; Nandi, Garuda, and Hamsa 2 Apit temples: two temples located between the rows of Trimurti and Vahana temples on north and south side 4 Kelir temples: four small shrines located on 4 cardinal directions right beyond the 4 main gates of inner zone 4 Patok temples: four small shrines located on 4 corners of inner zone 224 Pervara temples: hundreds of temples arranged in 4 concentric square rows; numbers of temples from inner row to outer row are: 44, 52, 60, and 68
Prambanan dedicated to Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and one of the largest Hindu temple in
southeast Asia.
It is an example of contemporary Hindu architecture
with a 47 meter high central building inside a large complex of
individual temples.
The temple was built in 9th century by Rakai Pikatan of Mataram Kingdom. The temple complex was aggressively
expanded by successive kings of the empire.
The present name, Prambanan
is probably a corrupted Javanese pronunciation of "Para Brahman meaning
"The Supreme Brahman" Originally, the compound consisted of 240
temples of which very few remain and are in a very bad state of health.
The innermost compound of the complex houses the Shiva temple, which is
the tallest and the largest structure of the complex.
After
reconstruction of main temples in 1990s, Prambanan once again became an important religious center for Hindu rituals and ceremonies in
Indonesia.
Do:
Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Do maintain silence and recite Om your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.
Don't s:
Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
Do not smoke at Temple.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.