Candi Kedulan, Cahaya Misterius & Harta Karun Berusia 1000 Tahun

Summary

The script narrates the intriguing history of Kedulan Temple in Indonesia, a site of ancient Javanese kings' secret hobbies and divine revelations. It details the temple's construction during the Tang Dynasty, its connection to hunting practices, and the mystery of its disrepair and restoration. The temple's architectural splendor, including hundreds of antefixes believed to symbolize divine light, is highlighted. The story also touches on the temple's treasures, its potential destruction by natural disasters, and the spiritual significance of the site.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Kedulan Temple, located in Sleman, Indonesia, is a magnificent temple with a rich history and many treasures.
• 👑 The temple's construction is linked to the reign of Maharaja Dyah Balitung, who had a keen interest in hunting and bird-catching with snares.
• 📜 Historical inscriptions such as the Tlu Ron Inscription (900 AD) provide insights into the temple's past and the king's concern for its maintenance.
• 🌾 The temple's land was once plagued by crop failures, possibly due to the presence of the sacred structure beneath.
• 💧 A dam project intended to irrigate the surrounding area faced multiple failures, which may have been due to natural disasters or political conflicts.
• 🔨 There is speculation that the temple's statues were damaged intentionally by the Ancient Javanese before fleeing from impending disasters.
• 🗿 The temple complex includes a main temple and three smaller attendant temples, all adorned with intricate carvings and motifs.
• 💎 In 2018, seven peripih containers were discovered at Kedulan Temple, containing gold sheets and other artifacts, suggesting the presence of hidden treasures.
• 🌋 Kedulan Temple is believed to have been buried due to volcanic activity from Mount Merapi, like other temples in the region.
• 🌟 The temple is rich with antefixes, decorative elements that may symbolize the divine light of the gods and the presence of Shiva's residence.
• ⛩ The preservation and restoration of Kedulan Temple provide valuable historical insights and a spiritual reminder of divine presence in human life.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Kedulan Temple?

Kedulan Temple is historically significant as it was built around the same time as the end of factional politics in the Tang Dynasty, and it reveals the secret hobbies of ancient Javanese kings, the mystery of disasters, and the divine light of the gods.

Why was Kedulan Temple initially in disrepair?

Kedulan Temple was in disrepair because the funds for its maintenance, which were supposed to come from the sima tax in Pananggaran village, were misappropriated due to the failure of a dam project that was supposed to irrigate the moors in the village.

What was the role of Maharaja Dyah Balitung in the restoration of Kedulan Temple?

Maharaja Dyah Balitung played a crucial role in the restoration of Kedulan Temple by questioning the high-ranking officials about the temple's disrepair and by threatening those who dared to damage the water channels, thus ensuring the temple's maintenance.

What is the connection between the temple and the agricultural failures in the area?

The land where Kedulan Temple is located experienced repeated crop failures, which were believed to be due to the presence of the temple. The land was eventually idled and later sold, leading to the temple's discovery.

What are the architectural features of Kedulan Temple?

Kedulan Temple features a main temple with three attendant temples, a surrounding fence, and a complex structure with batur (foot), patta, kumuda, and alinga. It also has a linga-yoni, salabhanjika figures, and various carvings and motifs.

What is the significance of the antefixes found in Kedulan Temple?

The antefixes in Kedulan Temple are believed to be a form of sphatika or crystal, symbolizing the divine light of the gods. They are thought to serve as windows through which the gods view the world and radiate their light.

How did the discovery of inscriptions contribute to the understanding of Kedulan Temple's history?

The discovery of inscriptions such as the Sumundul Inscription, Pananggaran Inscription, and Tlu Ron Inscription provided crucial historical data about the temple, its construction, and the events surrounding its decline and restoration.

What is the significance of the Durga statue found at Kedulan Temple?

The Durga statue found at Kedulan Temple is significant as it represents the goddess who embodies the combined powers of all gods and is capable of defeating evil. Its style is unique, resembling Ancient Greek statues, indicating cultural exchange.

What are the theories regarding the destruction of some statues at Kedulan Temple?

Some archaeologists believe that the statues were intentionally damaged by the Ancient Javanese themselves before fleeing from a disaster, fearing the temples would be inhabited by evil spirits. However, this theory is disputed as there is no primary source evidence to support it.

What is the connection between the temple and the volcanic activity in the region?

Kedulan Temple is believed to have been buried due to the eruption of Mount Merapi, similar to other temples in the area. The temple shows signs of volcanic deposits, indicating its history of being affected by volcanic activity.

What treasures were discovered at Kedulan Temple during its excavation?

During the excavation, treasures such as gold sheets depicting guardian deities, a gold plate with inscriptions, grains, glass beads, and soil were found, indicating the temple's importance and the reverence it held.