If you are looking for a temple that will surprise and intrigue you, then you should visit Candi Sukuh in Central Java, Indonesia. This temple is not your typical Hindu-Buddhist temple that you can find in other parts of the country. It has a distinctive and unconventional design, featuring pyramid-shaped structures, erotic reliefs, and mysterious symbols. It also has a rich and complex history, dating back to the 15th century, when it was built by the last Hindu kingdom in Java. Candi Sukuh is a temple that will challenge your expectations and spark your curiosity.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Candi Sukuh, including its architecture, meaning, and significance. You will also find out how to visit this temple, and what to expect when you get there. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, Candi Sukuh is a temple that you should not miss.
Candi Sukuh: A Temple Unlike Any Other
Candi Sukuh is located on the slope of Mount Lawu, about 35 km east of the city of Surakarta, or Solo, in Central Java. The temple is situated at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The temple complex consists of three main terraces, each with its own features and functions.
The lowest terrace is the entrance to the temple, where you can find a large gate and a small pavilion. The middle terrace is the main area of the temple, where you can see the most impressive and intriguing structures. The highest terrace is the sanctum of the temple, where you can find the main shrine and a stone altar.
The most striking feature of Candi Sukuh is its architecture, which resembles a stepped pyramid, similar to the ones found in Mexico and Peru. This is very unusual for a Hindu-Buddhist temple in Indonesia, which usually have a square or rectangular base and a pointed roof. The pyramid shape of Candi Sukuh suggests that it was influenced by the pre-Hindu cultures of Java, such as the megalithic and animist traditions.
Another distinctive feature of Candi Sukuh is its reliefs, statues, and symbols, which depict various aspects of human life, sexuality, and spirituality. Some of the most notable examples are:
A relief of a man and a woman in a sexual position, with a turtle and a rabbit below them. This relief is believed to represent the creation of life and the balance of nature.
A statue of a man with an erect penis, holding a jar and a knife. This statue is thought to symbolize fertility and sacrifice.
A symbol of a winged lion with a human head, holding a snake and a ball. This symbol is interpreted as a representation of the god Vishnu, who is associated with preservation and protection.
The reliefs, statues, and symbols of Candi Sukuh are not only artistic expressions, but also spiritual teachings. They reflect the temple’s philosophy, which is based on the concept of sangkan paraning dumadi, or the origin and the end of life. According to this concept, human beings are born from the union of the male and female principles, and they return to the source of life after death. The temple’s purpose is to guide the people to achieve this cycle of life, through rituals, meditation, and moral conduct.
Candi Sukuh is not only a temple, but also a cultural and historical treasure. It reveals the diversity and complexity of the Hindu-Buddhist civilization in Java, and its interactions with other cultures and religions. It also shows the creativity and wisdom of the people who built it, and their vision of life and the universe.
How to Visit Candi Sukuh
If you are interested in visiting Candi Sukuh, here are some practical information that you should know:
Entrance fee and payment method:
The entrance fee to Candi Sukuh is 15,000 IDR (about 1 USD) for domestic visitors, and 30,000 IDR (about 2 USD) for foreign visitors. You can pay by cash or by card at the ticket booth near the entrance.
Opening hours and best time to visit:
The temple is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm. The best time to visit is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the light is better for taking photos. Avoid visiting during the rainy season (November to March), as the road to the temple can be slippery and muddy.
Transportation options and directions:
The easiest way to reach Candi Sukuh is by car or by motorbike, as there is no public transportation that goes directly to the temple. You can rent a car or a motorbike in Solo or in nearby towns, such as Karanganyar or Tawangmangu. The drive to the temple takes about an hour from Solo, and about 30 minutes from Karanganyar or Tawangmangu. You can follow the signs along the road that say “Candi Sukuh” or “Candi Cetho”, which is another temple nearby. You can also hire a local guide or a driver who knows the way to the temple, and can explain the history and the meaning of the temple to you.
Facilities and amenities: The temple complex has a parking lot, a toilet, a souvenir shop, and a small museum. There is also a cafeteria that serves snacks and drinks, such as fried bananas, coffee, and tea. You can also find some local vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts outside the temple. There is no accommodation or restaurant near the temple, so you should bring your own food and water, or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Tips and recommendations
Here are some tips and recommendations to make your visit to Candi Sukuh more enjoyable and memorable:
1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will have to walk and climb some stairs to explore the temple. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Respect the temple and its surroundings, as it is a sacred and historical site. Do not touch, damage, or litter the temple or its artifacts. Do not make loud noises or disturb other visitors or worshippers. You can take photos, but do not use flash or tripod, as they can harm the temple’s preservation.
3. Learn more about the temple and its culture, as it will enrich your experience and understanding. You can read some books or articles about Candi Sukuh, or watch some documentaries or videos about it. You can also ask questions to the guides or the locals, who are usually friendly and helpful.
4. Combine your visit to Candi Sukuh with other attractions in the area, such as Candi Cetho, Grojogan Sewu Waterfall, Tawangmangu Resort, and Mount Lawu National Park. These attractions are within a short distance from Candi Sukuh, and offer more natural and cultural beauty to explore.
Candi Sukuh is a temple that will amaze and inspire you with its unique and mysterious features. It is a temple that will teach you about the ancient and diverse culture of Java, and its view of life and the cosmos. It is a temple that will challenge you to discover its secrets and meanings, and to reflect on your own journey of life.
If you are looking for a temple that is different from the rest, then you should visit Candi Sukuh in Central Java, Indonesia. It is a temple that you will never forget.
Are you ready to visit Candi Sukuh? Book your tour or hotel now, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Or, if you have already visited Candi Sukuh, share your experience and feedback with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, who might be interested in visiting this temple too.
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