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Sukuh Temple is a Hindu Temple that is situated in Berjo Village, Karanganyar, Central Java. The temple was built in 15th century on Mount Lawu’s western slope when Majapahit Kingdom existed. Different with other temples, Candi Sukuh has unique characteristics. The main theme of the temple architecture is about birth and sexual education. The small temple got simple architecture with one pyramid as the main building and some statues and relief in the front. The theme of the temple was clearly described on the statues and symbols, including a statue of a big man grasping his penis as well as other statues and stone carving symbolizing penis and vagina.
Candi Sukuh was found in ruins in 1815 and the restoration process lasted from 1842-1910. It was ruins when firstly found. After investigations of the archeologists, the restoration was done. The temple got eight terraces and the main building design is like Maya tribe’s temple. Some additional stones applied to replace the lost parts of the temple. The architecture of Sukuh temple was uniquely designed compared with other Hindu temples. It got trapezium shape with three terraces that made it like a pyramid. Besides, the temple also got three gates.
Uniqueness of such temple
The uniqueness of Sukuh temple is found in the architecture and the archeological remains. Sexual symbols found in the temple made archeologists belief that the temple was the place for women’s virginity test in the ancient time. Besides the symbols some animal statues and Hindu’s god reliefs were also found in the temple such as boar, tortoises, elephant, etc. The temple was also the place for worship Hindu’s god. A giant linga as high as 1.82 metres was found on the top of the main temple. However, it was moved to the National Museum of Indonesia. As a Hindu temple, typical characters of the temple such as reliefs telling ancient God’s stories are still available on the temple’s walls.
Located in Karanganyar, Central Java, makes Sukuh temple a great tourism spot to visit during your trip on Yogyakarta and Central Java tour. The location on Mount Lawu will also give you other amazing experiences since the beautiful nature surrounding the temple. Just get car rental Yogyakarta with kejawa.com to have comfortable and safe transportation to the temple. The experienced and English speaking driver will guide you to the temple.
