Historical places in East Java hold a deep cultural and historical wealth. The East Java province is a silent witness to the glory of great empires such as Majapahit, Mataram & Singasari. With many historical relics, such as temples and ancient sites, East Java offers a unique experience for visitors who want to explore the traces of history and rich cultural heritage. Every corner tells a story of the past waiting to be discovered.
In East Java there are many relics of the once glorious Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, such as the Majapahit, Mataram and Singasari Kingdoms. One of the interesting historical relics to visit is a Candi (temple), which is a sacred building that is usually used for worship or offerings to the gods. These temples not only have high architectural and artistic value, but also contain deep symbolic and philosophical meanings.
In East Java, temples are scattered in various locations, some of which have been recognized as world heritage sites by UNESCO. Here are some East Java historical places that are worth a visit for history and culture enthusiast.
1. Penataran Temple
This temple is located in Penataran Village, Nglegok District, Blitar Regency. This temple is the largest temple in East Java and is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom built around the 14th century AD. The temple has several longitudinal buildings on a northwest-southeast axis, with the main temple in the center. The temple has reliefs depicting the Ramayana, Arjunawiwaha and Krishnayana stories. The temple also has two giant statues that serve as guardians of the door, as well as Bale Agung which is thought to be a place of deliberation or gathering of royal priests.
2. Singasari Temple
The temple is located on Jalan Kertanegara No 148, Candirenggo Village, Singosari, Malang. This temple is a relic of the Singasari Kingdom which was built in the 13th century AD to honor King Kertanegara, the last king of the dynasty. The temple is about 15 meters high and has a Hindu-Buddhist style. The lower part of the temple is square with niches on each side of the temple, while the roof is in the form of a stacked meru that gets smaller the higher it gets. The temple is also surrounded by four Dwarapala statues guarding the four cardinal directions.
3. Jolotundo Temple
Next historical places in East Java is the Jolotundo temple. This temple is located on Bekel Hill, the western slope of Mount Penanggungan, Mojokerto. This temple is a relic of King Udayana of Bali that was intended for King Airlangga (the son) after being crowned King of Sumedang Kahuripan in the 11th century AD. The temple is rectangular in shape with a size of 18 x 18 meters and has 33 water fountains around it. This temple is still crowded with tourists, because the spring water here is believed to be able to cure various diseases.
4. Jawi Temple
This temple is located in Prigen Village, Pandaan District, Pasuruan. This temple is a relic of the Singasari Kingdom that was built in the 13th century AD to honor King Wisnuwardhana, the founder of the dynasty. The temple is about 24.5 meters high and has a Hindu style. The lower part of the temple is square with four stairs that lead to the four cardinal directions, while the roof is in the form of a stacked meru that gets smaller the higher it gets. The temple also has reliefs depicting the Ramayana and Krishnayana stories.
5. Kedaton Temple
This temple is located in Temon Village, Trowulan District, Mojokerto. This temple is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom which was built in the 14th century AD as a place of worship or offerings to the gods. This temple has a rectangular shape with a size of 18.5 x 13.5 meters and has two stairs that lead to the east and west. The temple has reliefs depicting the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Tantri Kamandaka.
6. Bentar Temple
This temple is located in Temon Village, Trowulan District, Mojokerto. This temple is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom which was built in the 14th century AD as a gate or entrance to the royal palace complex. This temple has a shape like a gate with a size of 13 x 6 meters and a height of about 15 meters. The temple has reliefs depicting the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Tantri Kamandaka.
7. Tikus Temple
This temple is located in Temon Village, Trowulan District, Mojokerto. This temple is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom which was built in the 14th century AD as a bathing place for royal nobles. This temple has a shape like a pond with a size of 15 x 15 meters and a depth of about 2 meters. In the center of the pool there is an octagonal building with four stairs leading to the four cardinal directions. On top of the building is a Ganesha statue sitting on a lotus flower.
8. Brahu Temple
This temple is located in Bejijong Village, Trowulan District, Mojokerto. This temple is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom which was built in the 15th century AD as a storage place for the ashes of the royal kings. The temple is about 22.5 meters high and has a Buddhist style. The lower part of the temple is square with four stairs leading to the four cardinal directions, while the roof is in the form of a stacked stupa that gets smaller the higher it goes. Inside the temple, there is an empty space that is thought to be a storage place for corpse ashes.
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