Candi Agung Amuntai

Origins and Period of Establishment

Historically, Candi Agung Amuntai is estimated to have been built in the 14th century, around 1355 AD. Its construction is closely linked to Empu Jatmika, a wealthy merchant from the Keling Kingdom (South India or Java, according to different oral versions) who migrated to the island of Kalimantan. Empu Jatmika founded the Negara Dipa Kingdom, which later became the precursor to the Banjar Sultanate.

Unlike temples in Java which generally served as places of worship for deities, Candi Agung is believed to have had more complex functions, ranging from a center of government, a venue for royal coronation ceremonies, to a symbol of regional sovereignty. This site marks the shift of power centers from coastal areas to the interior (Barito river basin), indicating defense strategies and resource control at that time.

Unique Architecture and Construction Materials

One of the most fascinating aspects of Candi Agung Amuntai is its building materials. While temples in Central Java use andesite stone and temples in East Java use baked red bricks, Candi Agung has its own distinct characteristics. The main structure of this temple is composed of red bricks that are much larger than modern bricks today.

Archaeological research indicates that these bricks are of very high quality, capable of enduring for hundreds of years despite being in a wetland or swamp environment. The temple's foundation was built on hardened ground, demonstrating the builders' proficient understanding of civil engineering in dealing with Kalimantan's generally unstable soil contours. Its architecture does not feature intricate reliefs of deities, but rather emphasizes sturdy geometric forms, reflecting a unique transitional style in the Nusantara.

Historical Significance and Key Events

Candi Agung bears silent witness to major events in the chronicle of Hikayat Banjar. This is where Empu Jatmika ruled, although he himself did not dare to declare himself king, feeling he was not of pure noble descent (a divine descendant). He then created a sandalwood statue as a symbol of a temporary king until the legendary figure of Putri Junjung Buih eventually appeared.

The event of Putri Junjung Buih "emerging" from a river whirlpool near the temple is a sacred moment often associated with this site. Furthermore, Candi Agung became the meeting place between Prince Suryanata (from Majapahit) and Putri Junjung Buih, which later united Javanese and Kalimantan noble bloodlines, strengthening the political legitimacy of the Negara Dipa Kingdom in Borneo.

Key Figures and Power Relations

Besides Empu Jatmika and Putri Junjung Buih, names like Lambung Mangkurat are closely associated with the history of this site. Lambung Mangkurat, Empu Jatmika's son, is known as a very strong and influential patih (vizier) in managing the administration of Negara Dipa. The existence of Candi Agung also proves strong diplomatic and cultural ties with the Majapahit Kingdom. This is evidenced by the discovery of ceramic fragments and building structure patterns that bear similarities to the architectural style of the Majapahit era, while still adopting local Kalimantan wisdom.

Preservation and Archaeological Excavation

Candi Agung Amuntai was once covered by soil and undergrowth for centuries before being rediscovered and subjected to serious excavation in 1962 by an archaeological team. Restoration efforts continue to be undertaken by the South Kalimantan Provincial Government and the Cultural Preservation Center.

Currently, the temple site has been renovated with the addition of a protective roof to shield the ancient bricks from weathering due to extreme weather. The site also features a small museum housing artifacts from excavations, such as pottery shards, ceremonial tools, and metal objects. The arrangement of this area aims to balance the site's function as a historical tourist attraction and as a legally protected cultural heritage.

Religious Meaning and Cultural Traditions

To this day, Candi Agung Amuntai is still considered a sacred place by some communities. Around the temple site, there are "Tiang Sangga" (Support Pillars) and "Sumur Agung" (Great Well) which are often visited by people to perform rituals or simply to collect water believed to have blessings.

Every year, this site becomes a center of visits for those who wish to trace history. Its existence proves that before Islam massively entered Kalimantan, there was a highly advanced civilization with an organized belief system. This temple also serves as evidence that the Banjar people have cosmopolitan historical roots, a result of the intermingling of various major cultures in the Nusantara.

Unique Facts and Lingering Mysteries

One of the unique facts about Candi Agung is its location at the confluence of major rivers, which according to ancient urban planning science, is the most strategic position for trade and defense. Furthermore, despite being called a "candi" (temple), its physical form more closely resembles a stage structure or a batur (platform), which sparks discussion among historians whether this building was once the base of a grand wooden palace or indeed an open worship structure.

To this day, Candi Agung Amuntai stands as a monument of pride for the people of Hulu Sungai Utara. It is a bridge connecting the present with past glories, reminding the younger generation of Kalimantan of the importance of preserving ancestral heritage amidst the currents of modernization. As a historical site, Candi Agung is not just about stones and earth, but about the spirit of struggle and sovereignty of a nation.