Candi Ijo

Candi Ijo: Spiritual Grandeur at Yogyakarta's Highest Point

Candi Ijo is more than just an ancient stone structure; it is a symbol of the architectural and spiritual achievements of the ancient Javanese people, standing strong atop Penambangan Hill. Located in Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, this site holds the unique distinction of being the highest temple in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, situated at an altitude of approximately 410 meters above sea level (mdpl). From the temple's courtyard, the Yogyakarta landscape, from the runway of Adisutjipto Airport to the majestic Mount Merapi, is clearly visible, offering a spatial dimension that connects earth and sky.

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Historical Origins and Construction Periodization

Chronologically, Candi Ijo is estimated to have been built between the 9th and 10th centuries AD, during the golden age of the Mataram Kingdom (Hindu Mataram). Its construction coincided with the reigns of Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Kayuwangi. The name "Ijo" itself is not an original name from the past, but rather refers to its location on the Green Hill or "Gumuk Ijo". In the Poh Inscription, dated 906 AD, there is a mention of the phrase "anak wanua i ijo", which literally means "child of the village in Ijo". This strengthens the evidence that the name Ijo has been associated with this region for over a thousand years.

This site is a complex of Hindu-Siwa temples. The choice of location on a hill was not without reason. In Hindu cosmology, mountains are considered replicas of Mount Meru, the abode of the gods. Building a sacred place at a high elevation was an effort by humans to draw closer to the creator and cosmic forces.

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Architecture and Layout of the Temple Complex

Candi Ijo complex has a unique layout that uses a tiered system (punden berundak). There are 11 terraces arranged from west to east, with increasing levels of sanctity as the terraces ascend. This pattern indicates an acculturation between indigenous Nusantara culture (megalithic) and Hindu architectural influences from India.

The center of religious activity is on the 11th terrace, or the highest terrace, which is the largest area. Here stands one main temple accompanied by three subsidiary temples (candi perwara).

1. Main Temple (Candi Induk): Facing west, this temple has one main chamber (garbagriha). Inside, there is a rather large Lingga and Yoni, symbolizing the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as a symbol of fertility and the creation of the universe.

2. Subsidiary Temples (Candi Perwara): These three temples stand in front of the main temple and face east. The central subsidiary temple has a unique function because it houses the statue of Nandi the bull, the vehicle (wahana) of Lord Shiva. The specific presence of Nandi confirms that this complex was a primary place of worship for Shiva followers.

Technically, the temple construction uses precisely carved andesite stone. On the temple's body, visitors can find reliefs depicting celestial beings, such as Gana (dwarf beings that support) and heavenly figures flying among the clouds. One of the distinctive features of Candi Ijo is the Kala-Makara motif on the entrance archway which lacks a lower jaw, a transitional style of Central Javanese architecture towards East Javanese.

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Religious Significance and Unique Discoveries

As a sacred site, Candi Ijo holds artifacts that provide deep insights into the religious life of that era. One of the most significant findings is a short inscription carved on a stone in one of the temple rooms that reads "Guywan" or "Bhuyutan", meaning a place of meditation or a sacred place.

Additionally, there is an inscription consisting of two lines of writing above the temple entrance that reads "Fvavam" (read: Pwavwam). Although its meaning is still debated among epigraphers, this writing is suspected to be a mantra or sacred word used in purification rituals before entering the main area. Another uniqueness is the relief depicting a flying male and female couple, interpreted as a symbolism of harmony between masculine and feminine elements in the universe.

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Historical Significance and Relationship with Other Sites

Candi Ijo does not stand in isolation. Its existence is closely related to surrounding sites such as Candi Ratu Boko and Candi Barong. Geographically and functionally, this hilly area appears to have served as a religious and defense zone for the Mataram Kingdom. If Candi Prambanan in the lowlands served as a center for state ceremonies, then Candi Ijo in the hills most likely functioned as a place for meditation and worship that was more esoteric or specific to the clergy.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

The rediscovery of Candi Ijo occurred in the early 20th century by archaeologists of the Dutch colonial era. However, large-scale restoration efforts were only intensively carried out by the Indonesian government through the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region X. The main challenges in the restoration of Candi Ijo were the landslide-prone hilly terrain and the numerous temple stones that were lost or buried for centuries.

To date, restoration has successfully restored the grandeur of the main terrace. Several terraces below are still in the form of arranged stone ruins (anastylosis), but they still provide an idea of how magnificent this complex was in the past. Candi Ijo is now strictly protected as a Cultural Heritage site, and its management balances historical conservation functions with educational tourism utilization.

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Conclusion

Candi Ijo is a historical gem that offers more than just a beautiful sunset view. It is a silent witness to the glory of ancient Javanese civilization, which managed to unite architectural sophistication with spiritual depth. Through its stone steps, Candi Ijo tells a story of human reverence for nature and the creator, making it one of the most valuable cultural heritages that still stands tall against time at the highest peak of Sleman.