Prambanan Temple Complex, Java

The Prambanan Temple Complex is the second largest Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia. Much of it was destroyed due to earthquakes. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Restoration began around 1918. It is estimated that it will take 200 years to complete. Structures with 75% of their original stone blocks are planned to be reconstructed.

The temples represent Mt. Meru, the sacred Hindu and Buddhist moiuntain. The temples above contain one or more chambers reached by a steep staricase. Statues are found in the chambers.

This temple complex is approximately 1 kilometer from the main temples. When we reached it the sun had just set and as we walked around the sky became a magnificent orange. The stones are from lava, so they are black. Against the orange sky, they were dramatic. The Muslim call to prayer coming from mosques in all directions. Magic!!!

The Ramayana Ballet is performed with the temples as a back drop. This will be one of my favorite memories from Java.