Before becoming Indonesia, this country consisted of several kingdoms whose names match the current regional names. The kingdoms then united to form a country called the Archipelago. From this kingdom, Indonesia has stories, and of course tours, and unique and impressive historical buildings to learn and visit. One of them is Arjuna Temple in Dieng, Wonosobo, Central Java. Besides having a long history. This temple is one of the many temples located above an altitude of 2093 meters above sea level. You could say this is the Highest Temple in Indonesia for now.
The Arjuna Temple Complex was first discovered in 1814. Its discoverer was a Dutch soldier named Thedorf van Elf. When first discovered, this complex was still flooded by water. It was only in 1856 began maintenance by a British national named HC. Cornelius. Beginning of maintenance by drying water that floods all parts of the temple. With the help of J Van Kimsberg and the Dutch East Indies government.Then, this Dutch man took photographs, pictures and some very valuable Temple History records.This historical record is then examined by reading an inscription that has a number of 731 years old or about 808 BC. This inscription is the oldest inscription with ancient Javanese writing. From this the scientists concluded that the Arjuna Temple was built during the Sanjaya Dynasty in the 7th century. There was a statue of Shiva which was first discovered which originated beside the Arjuna Temple. Then, this statue was moved and placed in the Jakarta National Museum.
When entering the temple entrance you will go down the stairs and walk on a fairly long road. On the right and left sides will grow shady trees, very attractive like a park that presents a cool, and the cold air of the Dieng plateau will give a different impression. In the middle of this complex there is a temple, not only Arjuna Temple which stands majestically, there are also several temples that line up with Arjuna Temple. With grasses that can be used to spread a mat and sit on it. The surrounding scenery and blue sky will look so amazing. Then, the expanse of hills, and mountains that look like a painting, I'm sure this will be a very memorable experience.
The ornaments of the temples look so amazing with the architectural style influenced by ancient Javanese culture. The ornament is shaped like a banister which is also called "penil". There is also a giant face decoration that does not have a jaw on the door of the temple called "Kala". On the side of the door there is a "Makara" which is said to be able to drive bad luck. At the top of this temple there is a "istadewata" which is believed to be the entry point for the gods.
Not all of the four temple buildings have the name Arjuna. Instead, there are other names such as "Sembadra", "Gatotkaca", "Semar", "Srikandhi". The Arjuna Temple complex and especially Dieng are indeed very close to Javanese puppet stories. Arjuna Temple has an area of ??around 36 square meters. The roof of this temple has a tiered structure, and there is a small tower in each corner of the temple. The height of this temple is approximately 1 meter. There is also a semar temple that stands majestically beside Arjuna Temple, this one temple is used to store equipment for worship. There is another Srikandi Temple which also stands majestically. The function of this temple is for the worship of trine (three deities) according to Hindu beliefs, there are three deities namely Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Then, Puntadewa Temple which has a height of approximately 2.5 meters. Where, this building is the tallest building in this complex. Not only temples, there are several cultural sites that are also still neatly stored in this complex. Arjuna Temple Complex is one of the many historical sites that are silent witnesses of the beauty of this country in the past.
This temple is located in Dieng Kulon Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java Province. Dieng Plateau indeed consists of two districts, Banjarnegara and also Wonosobo. Considering the road directions are too complicated especially for foreign tourists, and the track that must be traversed sharply uphill, the road is quite narrow, and the road conditions are not good, and it is very difficult to find people around there who can speak English well, the best advice to facilitate your activities is to contact the Java Private Tour to make it easier for you who want to go to this temple, we will arrange your travel plans, be it Transportation or Accommodation, you don't need to go up and down changing public vehicles, minimize the risk of getting lost while traveling, and ensure your safety and comfort during your trip.
Along the way you will be presented with a breathtaking natural landscape. If you are lucky you can watch the traditional ceremony of the residents or also cultural activities that usually take place along the road to the temple complex location. Take your trip to the Arjuna Temple Complex and feel the serene atmosphere of a Hindu temple surrounded by mountains and hills with Java Private Tour.
BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR NOW AND GET READY TO EXPLORING TRACING THE HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF JAVA WITH JAVA PRIVATE TOUR
*Click HERE to find out more information about our Java-Bali Trip.
