Diving a little deeper into the culture of Indonesia, one comes across some of the most magnificent temples that the island country has to offer. Situated amidst the gorgeous landscapes, dotted with lakes, mountains and panoramic coastal views are the famous temples in Indonesia. With its peaceful surroundings and picturesque views, there are more than 10,000 temples in Indonesia. Although, it can be quite unusual for the average traveller to do a temple run while in Indonesia, if one is able to move past the obvious tourist spots, there is a lot to explore through the temples in Indonesia. Boasting stunning architectural wonders that are worth admiring, the temples in Indonesia intricately carve a spiritual experience that is worth witnessing. From ancient structures made out of andesite stone, to ethereal pagodas, the temples in Indonesia are rooted in the country’s history and culture. Here are some of the famous temples in Indonesia that are sure to leave you with a lasting impact.
Experience Indonesia’s spirituality through its well-known temples
Borobudur Temple
Situated in central Java, the Borobudur Indonesia Temple is not only the biggest temple in Indonesia but is also the largest Buddhist temple in the world. By far, the most famous temple in Indonesia, the Borobudur Indonesia Temple is a lotus-shaped temple in Indonesia, which was built around the 8th century. The Borobudur Indonesia Temple consists of 72 statues of the Buddha found amongst five concentric square terraces and three tiers. The tiers in the Borobudur Indonesia Temple represent the different spheres of the universe. One of the most iconic temples in the world, the Borobudur Indonesia Temple has been resilient against numerous earthquakes, bombings and even the massive volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi that took place in 2010. The Borobudur Indonesia Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds great cultural and architectural significance.
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Prambanan Temple
The largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, the Prambanan Temple is dedicated to the Trimurti, which is the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prambanan Temple is situated near Yogyakarta in central Java. Another one of the biggest temples in Indonesia, this temple in Indonesia boasts tall spires along with intricate carvings that depict the narratives of the Hindu epics. With an awe-inspiring view of Mount Merapi in the backdrop of this Hindu temple in Indonesia, the Prambanan Temple was built during the 9th century and still stands strong amidst a picturesque lush green background.
Pura Besakih
A famous Bali temple, the Besakih Temple holds great significance in Balinese Hinduism. This famous Bali temple is the largest of its kind and situated almost a kilometre up the side of Mount Agung. Among the top temples in Indonesia, this famous Bali temple is a popular tourist destination and must visit the temple for all those interested to know more about Indonesian culture. The Pura Besakih Temple comprises 23 separate temples and was built during the 13th century, and completed later in the 15th century. A famous Bali temple that is considered to have prehistoric significance attached to it, the Pura Besakih Temple is among the well-known ancient temples in Indonesia.
Tanah Lot Temple
Another famous Bali temple, the Tanah Lot Temple is among the ancient temples in Indonesia, which has great architectural significance. Situated on a beautiful island of its own, Tanah Lot literally translates to ‘Land in the sea’. A Hindu temple in Indonesia, the Tanah Lot Temple has various myths and legends about it. Nestled amidst the waters, this temple in Indonesia has been shaped by the sea time and again. During the 1980s the Indonesian and Japanese governments worked together to conserve this temple with the help of artificial rocks.
Sewu Temple
A Buddhist temple in Indonesia, the Sewu Temple is located in Java and is the second biggest temple in Indonesia of its kind. A marvellous site to behold, this Buddhist temple in Indonesia has four rings situated at its centre, consisting of 250 smaller temples. Built in the 8th century, the Sewu Temple holds great historical and spiritual significance as indicated through the inscriptions there dating back to 792 AD.