Ngawen, Buddhist temple in Magelang, Indonesia
Ngawen is a temple complex in Magelang consisting of five structures arranged in a line from north to south. The second building in this sequence is the most complete, preserving its original form and carved details.
The temple complex was built during the Syailendra dynasty in the 8th century, as documented in the Karang Tengah inscription from 824. This period marked an era of major religious construction across the region.
The temple walls display detailed carvings showing Buddhist deities and mythological figures from ancient traditions. Visitors can observe how these carved characters reflect the spiritual beliefs of the people who built and worshipped here.
The complex sits about 5 kilometers southeast of Borobudur and offers free entry for visitors. A small library on the grounds holds Indonesian cultural books, providing background reading before or after exploring the site.
Unlike most Buddhist temples that face west, all five buildings here face east. Lion statues stand at the corners of each temple, creating a protective presence around the entire compound.
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