Candi Bahal I

Candi Bahal I: The Splendor of Buddhist Heritage in Padang Lawas

Candi Bahal I, also known as Candi Biaro Bahal I, is one of the most significant archaeological sites on the island of Sumatra. Located in Bahal Village, Portibi District, North Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra Province, this temple is part of the vast Padang Lawas temple complex, which encompasses dozens of other sites. As a magnificent red brick structure, Candi Bahal I stands as a silent witness to the glory of Buddhist civilization in the interior of North Sumatra, which was once a center of education and spirituality.

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Historical Origins and Period of Construction

Candi Bahal I is estimated to have been built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. This period coincided with the golden age of the Pannai Kingdom, a vassal kingdom of the Srivijaya Empire. The name "Portibi" itself, where the temple is located, originates from the Sanskrit word Prthivi, meaning "earth" or "pertiwi".

The existence of this temple was first reported by Dutch colonial researcher Franz Junghuhn in 1846. However, in-depth research was only conducted by Von Orsoy de Flines and Schnitger in the early 20th century. Based on inscriptions found in the surrounding area, such as the Tanjore Inscription (1025 AD-1030 AD) from South India, the Padang Lawas region is mentioned as one of the areas conquered by Rajendra Chola I of the Chola Dynasty. Despite experiencing attacks, cultural and religious influences continued to flourish, as evidenced by the construction of this magnificent Bahal complex.

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Architecture and Construction Details

One of the most unique characteristics of Candi Bahal I that distinguishes it from temples in Java is its building material. While temples in Central Java generally use andesite stone, Candi Bahal I is entirely constructed using finely fired red bricks. The bricklaying technique used is the rubbing method, where bricks are joined without cement, but by utilizing friction and natural plant sap or thin clay.

Structurally, Candi Bahal I consists of three main parts: the base (sub-structure), the body (body), and the roof (super-structure).

1. Temple Base: Stands on a spacious platform (batur). This base is adorned with reliefs of dancing figures (yaksa) wearing animal masks, giving a dynamic and mystical impression.

2. Temple Body: There is an empty chamber called the garbhagrha. In front of the entrance, there is a pair of Dwarapala statues. Although no longer intact, they still exude the impression of powerful guardians.

3. Temple Roof: The shape of the Candi Bahal I roof is very unique. It is not a perfect spherical stupa like Borobudur, but rather cylindrical or tambun, resembling stupas in South India or Myanmar. This indicates a strong cultural acculturation between the local Sumatran traditions and artistic influences from the Bay of Bengal.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

Candi Bahal I is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of the interconnectedness of ancient trade routes. Its location between the Barumun River and the Pane River indicates that this area was once a vital transportation route to the open sea (Strait of Malacca).

The Padang Lawas region during that period served as a densely populated settlement area supporting religious activities. The existence of Candi Bahal I proves that the interior of North Sumatra was not isolated but was part of an international Buddhist intellectual network. Monks from various regions in Asia are believed to have stopped here to study specific teachings before continuing their journey to learning centers in India or Srivijaya (Palembang).

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Connected Figures and Periods

This site is closely related to the Mauli Dynasty, which ruled the Malay Kingdom, and the influence of the Chola Dynasty from India. Furthermore, a connection with the Singasari Kingdom also appears in historical records, especially during the Pamalayu expedition undertaken by Kertanegara. Some archaeologists believe that the artistic style of the dancing reliefs at Candi Bahal I bears similarities to the art style of the Singasari-Majapahit early period, indicating intensive inter-island cultural exchange in the 13th century.

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Cultural and Religious Meaning

Candi Bahal I is affiliated with the Vajrayana or Tantrayana school of Buddhism. This is evident from the discovery of esoteric statues, such as the statue of Heruka—a deity in the Tantric Buddhist pantheon depicted in a dancing pose over a corpse with a terrifying yet symbolically meaningful expression of ego destruction.

For the local community, this temple is still considered a sacred place. Although the majority of the population around Padang Lawas now embraces Islam, the presence of the temple is still respected as ancestral heritage. The name "Biaro," often attached to this temple, refers to the word "Vihara," emphasizing its function as a dwelling and place of worship for ancient monks.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

The current condition of Candi Bahal I is quite good thanks to a series of restoration efforts undertaken by the Indonesian government. Major restoration was carried out by the Heritage Preservation Office (now BPK) from the 1970s to the 1990s.

The main challenges in preserving this site are natural factors and the red brick material, which is more susceptible to weathering from moss and humidity compared to andesite stone. Currently, Candi Bahal I has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage. The local government has landscaped the surrounding environment into a beautiful park, making it a primary historical tourist destination in North Sumatra that attracts the interest of both researchers and international tourists.

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Unique Fact: "The Borobudur of North Sumatra"

Often referred to as part of "The Borobudur of North Sumatra," Candi Bahal I has a unique feature of lion reliefs sitting with open mouths on the temple's base. Interestingly, the form of these lions does not resemble real lions in the wild but is an artistic depiction influenced by classical Hindu-Buddhist aesthetics. Furthermore, the building's orientation faces East, following ancient cosmological principles that align sacred buildings with the direction of the sunrise as a symbol of enlightenment.

With its red brick splendor contrasting with the surrounding green grass, Candi Bahal I is not just a monument of stone and brick but also a reflection of the great spirit of the Indonesian nation, capable of absorbing various global influences into an original and timeless architectural masterpiece.