Candi Merak, Hindu temple in Karangnongko, Klaten, Indonesia.

Candi Merak is a Shivaist Hindu temple complex in Karangnongko, Klaten, Central Java, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Merapi. It consists of a reconstructed main temple facing east and the ruins of three perwara (ancillary) temples in front of it. A flight of stairs flanked by two well-preserved makaras leads to the main portals, which are adorned with Kala heads.

Candi Merak was built during the Mataram kingdom, with architectural style, deities and the yoni in the main chamber pointing to a Shivaist temple of the 9th or 10th century. It was rediscovered in the early 20th century, and preliminary research was carried out from 1925/1926 by the archaeology authority of the Dutch East Indies. Reconstruction proceeded slowly and was finished in 2011, though the ratna pinnacle at the top is still missing.

The name Merak means peacock, though the sources do not explain the origin of the name. The west niche of the outer wall holds a damaged but fairly complete Ganesha, the north niche a Durga Mahisasuramardini whose head is missing, probably looted; the south niche is empty and likely once held Agastya.

Candi Merak stands in Dukuh Candi, Karangnongko village, Klaten Regency, northwest of Klaten town near the Boyolali and Sleman borders, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Merapi. The 2,000-square-metre grounds are enclosed by a barbed-wire fence. The main temple faces east, so its stairs, makara and Kala portals are seen from the front; the three perwara ruins lie before it.

The makaras flanking the eastern stairway are carved with trunks shaped like cobras, forming a makara-naga chimera unlike those at other temples. Inside the main chamber, the yoni bears a naga head on its northern side; the stone lingam that once stood on it is now missing.