India and Indonesia Partner for 9th-Century Prambanan Temple Restoration

What Happened

India and Indonesia have commenced a joint initiative aimed at restoring the 9th-century Prambanan Temple, located near Yogyakarta. This landmark project focuses on preserving a significant Hindu heritage site in Southeast Asia.

Background

The Prambanan Temple, also known as the Parmanand Temple, was constructed around 850 CE during the Sanjaya Dynasty's rule in Java, Indonesia. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features three main shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is celebrated for its detailed Ramayana sculptures, considered among the finest depictions of the epic worldwide. It is also the setting for a Ramayana dance ballet, performed annually over 150 times by more than 200 dancers and musicians, which keeps the tradition of the Hindu epic alive.

Key Facts

• India and Indonesia have launched a joint project to restore the 9th-century Prambanan Temple.
• The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
• It is one of Southeast Asia's most important Hindu heritage sites.
• The temple is known for its exquisite Ramayana sculptures.
• Prambanan Temple dates back to approximately 850 CE, built during the reign of King Rakai Pikatan of the Sanjaya Dynasty.
• It houses three grand shrines dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• The Ramayana Ballet is performed at the temple over 150 times annually by more than 200 professional dancers and gamelan musicians.
• The temple is the second-largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia.