Candi Portibi, Candi Peninggalan Kerajaan Sriwijaya di Sumatra Utara

Summary

Candi Portibi, located in North Sumatra, is a significant archaeological site dating back to the 11th century and linked to the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom. The complex features three main temples—Candi Bahal 1, 2, and 3—constructed with red brick and showcasing intricate carvings and Buddhist Vajrayana influence. Notable for their distinctive architecture, the temples are surrounded by thick brick walls, with each having a central temple and smaller subsidiary shrines. The site is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in North Sumatra and offers valuable insight into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Candi Portibi, also known as Candi Bahal, is a historical Buddhist temple complex located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, dating back to the 11th century.
• 😀 The temple complex is associated with the Sriwijaya Kingdom, a major maritime empire in Southeast Asia.
• 😀 Candi Bahal consists of three main temples (Bahal 1, 2, and 3), all made from red brick, and is a significant archaeological site.
• 😀 The temples are built in the Vajrayana Buddhist architectural style, a form of Mahayana Buddhism.
• 😀 The largest of the three temples, Candi Bahal 1, features intricate carvings of mythological figures like the Yaksha and a lion.
• 😀 Candi Bahal 1 also contains a statue of Heruka, a deity associated with the Vajrayana Buddhist pantheon.
• 😀 The temples are surrounded by large brick walls, with gateways that are carefully designed to enhance the structure’s symmetry.
• 😀 Candi Bahal 2 is slightly smaller than Candi Bahal 1, but features similar architectural elements, including Makara head carvings and a square base.
• 😀 Candi Bahal 3, located 100 meters from Candi Bahal 2, shares similar architectural features, including a square base and a pyramid-like roof.
• 😀 The entire Candi Portibi complex was once part of a vast network of temples spread across Padanglawas, with ongoing preservation efforts for several temples still in progress.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Candi Portibi?

Candi Portibi is an ancient Buddhist temple complex from the 11th century, associated with the Sriwijaya Kingdom. It represents the Buddhist Vajrayana tradition and serves as a key historical and archaeological site in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

How many temples are in the Candi Portibi complex?

The Candi Portibi complex consists of three main temples: Candi Bahal 1, Candi Bahal 2, and Candi Bahal 3.

What materials were used in the construction of Candi Portibi?

The temples were primarily constructed from red bricks, with some stone used for the statues and decorative elements.

What is unique about the carvings found at Candi Bahal 1?

Candi Bahal 1 features intricate carvings, including depictions of yaksas (mythical beings) with animal heads, dancers, lions, and figures from the Buddhist pantheon, such as Heruka, a wrathful deity from the Mahayana tradition.

What does the name 'Bahal' refer to in the context of the temples?

'Bahal' is a term used locally for temple complexes in the area, and it also refers to the name of the village where the temples are located. The term 'Bahal' can be derived from the Batak language, meaning 'earth' or 'world'.

What architectural features are common across Candi Bahal 1, 2, and 3?

All three temples share similar architectural features, such as square bases, brick construction, and pyramidal or stupa-like roofs. They also have central rooms surrounded by walls, with narrow passages and decorated entrances.

How does the layout of Candi Bahal 1 differ from Candi Bahal 2 and 3?

Candi Bahal 1 is the largest temple in the complex and features more elaborate carvings and decorative elements. Candi Bahal 2 and 3 are smaller, with simpler designs, though they share a similar layout and structure.

What does the structure of the Candi Bahal temples reveal about their religious significance?

The structure of the Candi Bahal temples, with their stupa-shaped roofs and carefully designed internal spaces, reflects the religious significance of Vajrayana Buddhism. The presence of statues, carvings, and symmetries indicates that these temples were places of worship and spiritual practices.

What challenges do visitors face when visiting Candi Bahal 3?

Candi Bahal 3 is located off the main road, requiring visitors to walk through fields and residential areas to reach it. This makes access more difficult compared to the other two temples.

What is the current condition of the Candi Portibi temples?

While Candi Bahal 1 has been restored, other temples in the area, such as Candi Sipamutung and Candi Pulo, are still undergoing restoration. Many other temples in the region are in ruins.