RATU BOKO TEMPLE

Ratu Boko Temple - Yogyakarta

Ratu Boko Temple is one of the fascinating ancient temples in Yogyakarta. It showcases the rich cultural and architectural traditions of Indonesia and is a popular tourist attraction of Yogyakarta visited by thousands every year. It also displays a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements indicating the extensive spread of both religions in Indonesia, once upon a time.

Location

Ratu Boko Temple is located 196 m above sea level on a mountain, about 3 km south from Prambanan Temple.

History of Ratu Boko Temple, Yogyakarta

The Ratu Boko Temple is considered to have been built as a dormitory for monks, according to inscriptions dating back to the mid 700's. It is also a remainder of King Boko's palace built around 8th century. Ratu Boko Temple was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara. Several legends say that the temple was used for staging mortal combats.

Description

Ratu Boko Temple has a width of 2.5 lakh square meters and boasts beautiful monasteries, terraces, ponds and temples.

The impressive entrance gate of the Ratu Boko Temple boasts two separate gateways set at different levels. It is decorated with intricate stone facings. About 50 m from the main gate is a temple of white stone. Just nearby you can see two square terraces used for burning corpses. Within the Ratu Boko Temple, there is a well called Amerta Mantana. The water of this well is considered lucky and used on auspicious days by Indonesia's Hindu people.

At Ratu Boko Temple you'll also see a series of circular pools carved into the limestone. These were used for royal baths.

Two caves formed of sediment stones lie at the eastern end of the palace, The upper cave is called Gua Lanang (Male Cave) and the lower cave Gua Wadon( Female Cave). These Buddhist caves also have Hindu elements of Linga and Yoni, and statue of Ganesha.

So, visit the beautiful Ratu Boko Temple, Yogyakarta and get an insight into Indonesia's fascinating heritage



Sunset From Boko