candi

Candi is the Indonesian term for ancient temple monuments, especially the Hindu-Buddhist temple complexes built in Indonesia, with many examples concentrated on the island of Java. These temples were constructed between roughly the 4th and 15th centuries by various kingdoms, including the Sailendra and Mataram, reflecting a religious landscape in which Hinduism and Buddhism flourished alongside indigenous beliefs. The structures are characterized by intricate stone masonry, elaborate relief panels, and architectural layouts that often convey cosmological ideas or mythological narratives.

Among the best-known candi are Borobudur, a massive Buddhist temple complex near Magelang in Central Java, which features a central stupa surrounded by concentric mandala terraces, and Prambanan, a Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta renowned for its tall shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Other significant sites include Mendut, Pawon, and Sewu near Borobudur; the Dieng Temples on the Dieng Plateau; and, on Mount Lawu, the later temples Sukuh and Cetho. Collectively, these sites illustrate the architectural and artistic variety of Java’s temple-building era.

Today, candi are important cultural and archaeological resources. Many have undergone restoration and preservation by Indonesian authorities with international support. Borobudur and Prambanan are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historical, architectural, and artistic significance. They attract researchers and visitors who study inscriptions, reliefs, and construction techniques, and they illuminate the syncretic religious history of Indonesia.