Bajang Ratu Temple

Origin of the Name and Historical Context

The name "Bajang Ratu" is etymologically derived from Javanese. "Bajang" means dwarf or small, while "Ratu" refers to the title of a ruler. According to local legends and historical records, this name is closely related to King Jayanegara, the second king of Majapahit. It is said that Jayanegara was crowned king at a very young age (childhood), hence he was nicknamed "Raja Bajang" (Child King).

However, from a deeper archaeological perspective, the term "Bajang Ratu" is believed to be related to the site's function as a gateway to a sacred building to commemorate the death of King Jayanegara in 1328 AD. The Negarakertagama manuscript mentions cremation ceremonies for Majapahit kings, and Bajang Ratu is believed to be an important element in the complexity of these ancestral veneration rituals.

Architecture and Construction Details

Candi Bajang Ratu has a towering structure, reaching approximately 16.1 meters in height, with a length of 11.5 meters and a width of 10.5 meters. Its primary material consists of high-quality red bricks, which are characteristic of building materials in the Trowulan region. The bricklaying technique at that time was very sophisticated, using a "rubbing" method where the surfaces of the bricks were joined without cement or mortar, but only with water and friction pressure until they chemically bonded.

Vertically, the building is divided into three main parts: the base, the body, and the roof. The base of the temple has a square plan with staircases on the east and west sides. The body of the temple is a passage or gateway that can be traversed. The main uniqueness lies in its tiered roof, which becomes smaller towards the top, resembling the shape of a mountain or Meru, symbolizing the abode of the gods.

Symbolic Reliefs and Ornaments

The decorative details on Candi Bajang Ratu hold rich symbolic value. Above the doorway, there is a relief of a Kala head, which functions to ward off evil forces. This relief is flanked by reliefs of lions and dragons, symbolizing protection for the sacred area.

One unique fact that distinguishes Bajang Ratu from other sites is the presence of narrative reliefs carved on the temple's wings. There are reliefs depicting fragments of the Sri Tanjung and Garuda Wing stories. The Sri Tanjung story is often associated with themes of ruwatan or soul purification, further strengthening the assumption that this gateway was indeed a portal to a cremation site or a sacred area for releasing worldly attachments.

Historical Significance and Figure Connections

Although often associated with Jayanegara, the construction of Bajang Ratu is estimated to have occurred during the reign of Queen Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi or the early reign of Hayam Wuruk. This site was part of the urban planning of the Majapahit central government in Trowulan. Based on its location, experts suspect that this gateway was the entrance to an important complex of buildings, most likely the kraton (palace) or a sacred place for the residence of Brahmins.

The existence of Bajang Ratu also indicates a transition in architectural style. Its form as a roofed gateway (paduraksa) became the precursor to gate designs that are still commonly found in traditional Balinese architecture and early Islamic buildings in Java, such as the Menara Kudus Mosque. This proves that Bajang Ratu represents the peak of gateway design evolution in the Nusantara.

Social and Religious Functions

In the context of the Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit culture, Candi Bajang Ratu was not merely a physical boundary. It was a symbol of the division between the profane (ordinary) world and the sacred world. Anyone passing through this gateway was expected to have undergone spiritual purification. The use of intricate decorative motifs on the upper part of the gateway indicates that the higher a part of the building, the more sacred its meaning.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

During the Dutch colonial era, Candi Bajang Ratu suffered damage due to natural factors and vegetation growth that damaged the brick structure. The first major restoration was carried out by the Dutch East Indies government through the Oudheidkundige Dienst (Archaeological Service). After Indonesia's independence, the restoration was continued by the Indonesian Republic government through the Directorate of Protection and Development of Historical and Archaeological Heritage (now under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology).

Today, Candi Bajang Ratu stands majestically amidst a well-maintained garden. The environment around the temple has been arranged to prevent soil erosion and ensure proper drainage to protect the red brick foundation from extreme moisture. Its status as part of the Trowulan National Cultural Heritage Area makes it a top priority for Indonesian historical preservation.

Conclusion of Uniqueness

Candi Bajang Ratu remains one of the most photogenic and meaningful structures in East Java. Its factual uniqueness lies in the integration of its practical function as a gateway and its symbolic function as a monument of veneration. With its red bricks glowing under the afternoon sun, Bajang Ratu not only offers aesthetic beauty but also holds narratives of glory, spirituality, and cultural transitions that shape the identity of the Indonesian nation today.