[ENG SUB] Once Completely Buried by Volcanic Ash, This Temple in East Java Reveals Surprising Facts!

Summary

The video explores Sawentar Temple in Blitar, Indonesia, renowned as a retreat for King Hayam Wuruk during the Majapahit Empire. Built during the era of the Black Death, the temple features a blend of Central and East Java architectural styles but is now in disrepair, missing many original statues. The narrator highlights its significance in Shaivism and discusses recent excavations nearby that reveal another site, Sawentar Temple 2, suggesting a larger ancient complex may lie beneath. The video encourages viewers to engage with their historical roots and appreciate the mysteries awaiting discovery.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Sawentar Temple in Blitar, Indonesia, was a retreat for King Hayam Wuruk during the Majapahit Empire's golden age.
• 🌍 The temple was constructed around the time of the Black Death, which significantly impacted Europe.
• 🏗️ Sawentar Temple exhibits a transitional architectural style between Central Java and East Java.
• 🔍 The temple features yoni symbolism, representing femininity in Shaivism, which should traditionally be paired with a lingga statue symbolizing masculinity.
• ☀️ The temple serves as a cosmic representation of Mount Mahameru, with Surya (the sun god) being a significant figure in its cosmology.
• 🐉 Decorated dragon heads flank the temple stairs, though they are damaged due to desecration over time.
• 💔 The temple lacks many statues that were once present, including important deities such as Ganesha and Durga Mahishasurmardini.
• 🕵️ Archaeological excavation has revealed that the area may conceal a more extensive ancient complex, potentially linked to lost civilizations.
• 🌋 The surrounding region has been shaped by volcanic activity, with ash from Mount Kelud causing the original temple site to be buried.
• 🔮 Recent discoveries of another temple site nearby, referred to as Sawentar Temple 2, indicate that more archaeological findings may be uncovered in the future.

Q & A

What is Sawentar Temple known for?

Sawentar Temple is known for being a historical site from the Majapahit Empire and is famed for being the king's retreat, particularly for King Hayam Wuruk.

When was Sawentar Temple constructed?

The temple was constructed around the period of the Black Death, which significantly affected the European population.

What architectural style does Sawentar Temple represent?

Sawentar Temple represents a transition between Central Java and East Java architectural styles.

What symbols indicate that Sawentar Temple is associated with Shaivism?

The presence of the yoni symbol in the temple's main chamber indicates its association with Shaivism.

Why are there no statues left in Sawentar Temple?

The temple is described as imperfect, and there are no remaining statues that traditionally symbolize deities in Hindu temples, which may have been lost to time and decay.

Who is Surya, and what is his significance in the context of the temple?

Surya is the sun god, equated with Helios in Greek mythology. In the context of the temple, he represents the illuminator of temple cosmology, often depicted in temple reliefs.

What does the missing kalamakara ornament signify?

The missing kalamakara, which is typically a protective ornament, raises questions about the reasons for its absence, suggesting possible unnatural causes for its loss.

What discoveries have been made near Sawentar Temple?

A nearby site called Sawentar Temple 2 has been discovered, which is still under excavation and suggests the possibility of a larger hidden temple complex in the area.

What evidence is there for the existence of a 'lost civilization' related to Sawentar Temple?

The speaker speculates that if Sawentar Temple was part of a larger ancient complex, there might be a hidden civilization buried underground, supported by the discovery of additional temple ruins nearby.

What is the overall impression of the speaker regarding the Sawentar Temple area?

The speaker expresses satisfaction in visiting the Sawentar area and believes it is part of a vast ancient complex teeming with undiscovered artifacts, highlighting the rich cultural history of Blitar.