Prambanan Indonesia

The huge Prambanan complex was erected in the middle of the 9th century
 – around 50 years later than Borobudur – 
but little is known about its early history. 

It’s thought that it was built by Rakai Pikatan to commemorate the return of a Hindu dynasty to sole power in Java.

Inside the temples is just as nice as the outside.

Candi Shiva Mahadeva

This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is not only the largest of the temples but also the finest.

The detailed stone carving is everywhere.

The main spire soars 47m and dominates the skyline.

It is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Right next door is Candi Sewu

The ‘Thousand Temples’, dating from around AD 850, originally consisted of a large central Buddhist temple surrounded by four rings of 240 smaller ‘guard’ temples.

The renovated main temple has finely carved niches around its inner gallery – these niches once held bronze statues.

One of the guards at the entrance.

Check back often as next I will visit more temple complexes here in Central Java.