Bangkal temple, Hindu temple in Candiharjo, Indonesia
Bangkal Temple is built from gray andesite stone and features multiple ascending levels with traditional Javanese architectural elements from the 9th century. The structure is organized through cemented steps that lead down to a river bank.
This temple comes from the era of the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled Southeast Asia between the 13th and 15th centuries. The structure has survived multiple centuries and remains a rare witness to that period.
The temple walls display detailed relief carvings showing Hindu deities and stories that reflected the beliefs of ancient Javanese people. These sculptures help visitors understand what religious ideas once shaped the community.
Visitors can explore the temple grounds through cemented steps and reach the river area, where local guides are often available. The best conditions for a visit are during drier months when the paths are easier to walk.
The temple contains architectural elements pointing to earlier ancestor worship practices that existed before Islamic influence reached Java. These uncommon details in the building forms show how religious practices changed in the region.
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