EXPLORE TROWULAN I GAPURA WRINGIN LAWANG I CANDI GENTONG I CANDI BRAHU

Summary

This vlog takes viewers on an informative journey through the Trowulan archaeological site in Mojokerto, Indonesia, once the heart of the Majapahit Empire. It explores historical landmarks such as the Wringin Lawang Gate, known for its banyan tree legend, and the Candi Gentong, a Buddhist temple with complex layers. Additionally, the video highlights Candi Brahu, the oldest temple in Trowulan, offering insights into its architectural and religious significance. The host encourages viewers to learn more about Indonesia’s ancient heritage while providing a detailed yet accessible introduction to these historical wonders.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trowulan is an important archaeological site located in Mojokerto Regency, East Java, Indonesia, and was once the heart of the Majapahit Kingdom.
• 😀 Wringin Lawang is a historic gate named after a banyan tree that once grew between its two sides, though the tree is no longer present.
• 😀 The Wringin Lawang gate was first discovered in 1815 by Dutch archaeologist Johannes Willem Olthof Wardenaar.
• 😀 The gate may have served as an entrance to the Majapahit capital or as an access point to the residence of Mahapatih Gajah Mada, the empire's prime minister.
• 😀 Candi Gentong consists of two temple structures, Candi Gentong I and II, with a distinct name derived from the shape of large water jars before excavation.
• 😀 Candi Gentong I features a three-tiered structure resembling a Mandala stupa, with small rooms in the outer tier, believed to have been built during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk.
• 😀 The temples of Candi Gentong were built to commemorate the death of Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi, mother of King Hayam Wuruk.
• 😀 Candi Gentong II is simpler than Candi Gentong I but still holds significant archaeological value, with artifacts like Buddhist statues confirming its religious purpose.
• 😀 Candi Brahu, located near Candi Gentong, is one of the oldest temples in Trowulan and features a square design with a stepped platform leading to the temple.
• 😀 Despite the clear religious significance of Candi Brahu as a Buddhist temple, its exact purpose remains uncertain and is still being studied by archaeologists.

Q & A

What is Trowulan, and why is it significant?

Trowulan is an archaeological site located in Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia. It is historically significant as the remnants of the Majapahit Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia, are found there.

What does 'Wringin Lawang' mean, and what is its historical relevance?

'Wringin Lawang' translates to 'door of the beringin tree' in Javanese. Historically, it is believed to have been a gateway to the Majapahit royal complex, with stories suggesting a beringin tree once grew between the two sides of the gateway.

Who discovered the Wringin Lawang Gateway, and when was it discovered?

The Wringin Lawang Gateway was discovered by Johannes Williamolomeus Wardenaar in 1815, a Major assigned by the Lieutenant Governor of Java, Thomas Stamford Raffles.

What type of gateway is Wringin Lawang, and what are its features?

Wringin Lawang is a 'bentar' type gateway, which is an open gateway without a roof. It is made of red bricks, like other Majapahit temples, and is believed to have been the entrance to the royal complex or the residence of Gajah Mada.

What is the significance of *Candi Gentong* in the Majapahit archaeological site?

Candi Gentong consists of two temples, *Candi Gentong Sat* and *Candi Gentong Du*. These temples are important for understanding the religious practices of the Majapahit Kingdom, with Candi Gentong Sat being a more complex structure associated with Buddhist rituals.

Why is *Candi Gentong* named after a jar?

Candi Gentong is named after the large mound at the site that resembled a traditional jar, or *gentong*, before excavation revealed the temple structure beneath.

What are the differences between *Candi Gentong Sat* and *Candi Gentong Du*?

*Candi Gentong Sat* has a more elaborate structure with three tiers, including a mandala-like design and small chambers, while *Candi Gentong Du* has a simpler design, with a single main structure surrounded by smaller ones.

What is the purpose of *Candi Gentong* based on archaeological findings?

Archaeological findings suggest that *Candi Gentong* was likely built for Buddhist rituals, with evidence such as fragments of stupikas and Buddha statues indicating its Buddhist orientation.

What is the significance of *Candi Brahu*, and what is its architectural layout?

*Candi Brahu* is believed to be the oldest temple in the Trowulan area, with a square layout measuring 20.7 meters on each side. It has a base, body, and roof structure, with carvings and a small chamber inside. It is thought to be a sacred Buddhist structure.

What historical inscription is associated with *Candi Brahu*, and what does it suggest?

The 9th-century Saka inscription mentions a sacred building called *Waharu*, which is believed to be the origin of the name *Candi Brahu*. This inscription suggests that the temple may have been built to commemorate important events or individuals, such as the death of King Hayam Wuruk's mother.