Plaosan temple

Plaosan is a temple compound in Bugisan village, Klaten, consisting of two main buildings: Plaosan Lor to the north and Plaosan Kidul to the south. Around these central structures stand 174 smaller buildings, including 116 stupas and 58 shrines scattered across the grounds.

Sri Kahulunnan, daughter of Sailendra ruler Samaratungga, commissioned the site in the mid-9th century following her marriage to Rakai Pikatan. This union between the two dynasties is reflected in the architecture, which combines Hindu and Buddhist elements.

The outer walls display male Bodhisattvas carved in relief, while female figures appear near the window sections. This arrangement reflects Buddhist iconography that visitors can observe while walking through the compound.

The grounds lie one kilometer northeast of Prambanan and are accessible via a road that separates the northern section from the southern one. Visitors should allow time for both areas, as each section has its own features and carvings to explore.

The northern compound displays primarily female figures in its carvings, while the southern one features male representations. This gender-based separation in design is rare among Javanese temple architecture.