Jabung Temple: The Hidden Portal of Majapahit Visited by the Greatest King Hayam Wuruk?

Summary

The video takes viewers on an exploration of Jabung Temple in East Java, Indonesia, highlighting its rich history and intriguing features. Built during the Majapahit era, the temple is praised for its unique cylindrical shape, intricate carvings, and mysterious symbolism, blending Hindu and Buddhist elements. The temple's history is intertwined with figures like King Hayam Wuruk and the Majapahit Empire. With elements like lion reliefs, kirtimukha guardians, and narratives of loyalty, the temple holds both architectural wonder and cultural significance. The exploration delves into myths, possible spiritual connections, and the temple's lasting legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thomas Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of Java, praised the Jabung Temple in Probolinggo for its grandeur, highlighting its majestic appearance and location guarded by wild animals.
• 😀 The Jabung Temple was built around the same time as political upheavals in East Java, such as the conflicts between Buddhists and Confucians during King Gongming's reign in Korea.
• 😀 The temple, constructed during the Majapahit era, has historical significance related to King Hayam Wuruk's visit to Keta, a region once conquered by Majapahit.
• 😀 Jabung Temple features a unique cylindrical structure, distinguishing it from other temples in Java, possibly resembling a giant Lingga-Yoni, representing fertility and the divine.
• 😀 The temple is decorated with various reliefs, including medallions, lions, and kirtimukhas, which are symbolic of power, protection, and spiritual significance.
• 😀 The temple's design combines Hindu and Buddhist influences, reflecting the fusion of religious styles during the Majapahit era, especially through elements like Garuda and Chakra.
• 😀 A notable mystery surrounding Jabung Temple is whether it serves as a portal to the astral world, with depictions like the relief of Sri Tanjung, which symbolizes the journey to eternity.
• 😀 Jabung Temple's restoration in the 1980s helped preserve its grandeur, and despite the passage of time, it still stands as a significant historical monument in East Java.
• 😀 The Corner Temple near Jabung Temple is an important site that may have been part of the original temple complex, with elements that mirror those of Jabung Temple, including similar kirtimukha guards.
• 😀 The temple is rich with symbolic iconography, including lions as guardians, which are prominent in Hindu-Buddhist philosophy and reflect the cultural connection to both Indian and Javanese traditions.

Q & A

What is the significance of Jabung Temple in East Java?

Jabung Temple is considered a magnificent structure and a symbol of the Majapahit kingdom. It was built to honor Bhra Gundal, a noblewoman, and has a unique cylindrical shape that distinguishes it from other temples in Java.

Why is Jabung Temple described as a portal to the astral world?

Jabung Temple is linked to the concept of a portal to the astral world due to a relief depicting Sri Tanjung, a woman who died due to a misunderstanding and whose spirit was carried by a fish to the astral world. This is believed to connect the temple to eternity.

What makes the architecture of Jabung Temple unique?

Jabung Temple is unique due to its cylindrical shape, which resembles a giant stupa. Unlike most temples with boxy designs, it stands out with a slim, cylindrical body, and is believed to be a fusion of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles.

How does the relief of Sri Tanjung relate to the temple's design?

The relief of Sri Tanjung is associated with the concept of eternal life and loyalty, marking the temple as a tribute to a noblewoman. It emphasizes the connection between the temple and the afterlife, reinforcing the idea of it being a portal to the astral world.

What role do the lions in the Jabung Temple play?

Lions in Jabung Temple are symbolic guardians. In Hinduism and Buddhism, lions represent strength, courage, and victory. The lions here likely symbolize the protection of the temple and the powerful connection between the temple and the divine.

What cultural influences are present in the design of Jabung Temple?

Jabung Temple reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences, typical of the Majapahit era, which saw the fusion of different religious styles. The temple contains both Hindu-Shiva elements, such as Garuda and Chakra, and Buddhist features like its cylindrical form, symbolizing the unity of both traditions.

How was Jabung Temple restored, and what are its current conditions?

Jabung Temple was restored between 1983 and 1987, but despite the restoration, parts of the temple have deteriorated over time. Many carvings and decorations on the temple have worn away, but its grandeur and significance still endure.

What does the unique cylindrical shape of Jabung Temple represent?

The cylindrical shape of Jabung Temple is believed to symbolize the Anda, or body, of a stupa, a common feature in Buddhist architecture. The temple's peak, thought to have been in the shape of a dagoba or small stupa, further emphasizes its Buddhist influence.

How does the location of Jabung Temple tie into its significance?

Jabung Temple's location near the northern coast of East Java is significant because it is close to the sea and historical trade routes. This proximity suggests that the temple may have been a symbol of power and prestige for the local people during the Majapahit era.

Why is Jabung Temple considered a blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions?

Jabung Temple embodies both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, seen in its architectural features and iconography. For example, it includes Hindu symbols like Garuda and Chakra, but its shape resembles Buddhist stupas, showcasing a cultural fusion common during the Majapahit period.