Sambisari Temple

A. Overview
Sambisari temple is one of the heyday of the temple of Hindu heritage in the land of Java is administratitf located in Sleman District, Yogyakarta Special Province (DIY). Syiwaistis wing of the temple which was built in X century by Sailendra was discovered in 1966 by accident by a farmer from the village named Karyoniangun Sambisari while digging in his field.

Following up on these findings, Yogyakarta Archaeological Center and conducts research and excavation. Based on geological studies of rocks and soil temples that have been storing for hundreds of years old, 7.5 m-high temple is estimated to be buried by the material of Mount Merapi eruption in 1006 AD Furthermore, the results of excavations conducted in July 1966, obtained the certainty that the area is indeed a temple site. At the time of excavation also found historical objects, such as jewelry, pottery, and inscriptions made of gold plate. According to the team diggers, these findings indicate that Sambisari temple was built around 812-838 AD when the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram (Mataram Kuno), led by King Rakai Garung. After the excavation completed, began the process of returning the parts of the temple which was scattered. Since then, the temple site designated as cultural reserves.

In 1987, Yogyakarta Archaeological Center to do the restoration and reconstruction of the temple complex. From the reconstruction process, obtained the certainty that the position of the temple is at a depth of 6.5 meters from the ground. Because of its position under the soil surface, by the people around, Temple Sambisari then known as the underground temple.

B. Privileges
Compared with-Cand Hindu temple in the land of the other Java, Sambisari temple has its own uniqueness, which lies below ground as deep as 6.5 m. Thus, when visitors see it from the side, this temple as if emerging from underground.
In terms of architecture, this temple also has a feature which can be seen from the parts that make up the whole temple complex. The main part of this temple has a height of 7.5 m, a square measuring 15.6 x 13.6 m. According to the Yogyakarta Archaeological Center, estimated Sambisari temple complex is much broader than these measures, if carried out further excavations. But if you do more excavation, it is feared the temple would be inundated by water when the rainy season, due to a lower position of the river next to the west.

For visitors who want to enter the main building, the entrance can be found on the west side of the main building. During the climb the stairs to the entrance, visitors will find unique ornaments contained wing of the stairs. At the end of the wing stairs, there is relief Makara supported by two statues of dwarf-like creatures. Another uniqueness of this temple is not a pillar of support, so that the base also functions as a pillar of support. In this section there are walkways around the body of the temple and has 12 steps.

On the outside of the body of the main building of the temple, visitors can find niches as a place to put the statue. Visitors can see the statue of the goddess Durga in the north, the statue of Ganesha on the east side, and the statue of Agastya in the south. Two other cavities are on the right and left of the door, is where the statue of the god of the doorman, the Mahakala and Nadisywara. Unfortunately, the two statues are currently in place are not caused by the hands of people who are not responsible. Visitors also can see the statue of Yoni and Linga large at a booth in the body of the temple.

Besides the main temple, the temple complex there are also Sambisari 3 perwara temples or temples located in front of the main temple. Perwara temple has 4.8 square meters wide and 5 meters high. While on the outside of the temple, visitors can see the walls are made of white stone with a size of 50 mx 48 m that surrounds the temple.

C. Location
Sambisari temple is administratively located in Sambisari, Village Purwomartani, Kalasan District, Sleman District, Yogyakarta Special Province (DIY), Indonesia.

D. Ticket Prices
To enter the temple complex Sambisari, visitors free of charge very cheap, only Rp 500 per person (June 2008).

E. Access
To reach the temple sites located some 12 km to the east of the city of Yogyakarta, or 5 km from the temple of Prambanan, is within a bus ride Yogya-Solo to 10 miles where there is a signpost to the temple. From this side of the road, travel about 2 km longer can be reached by motorcycle taxis.

F. Facilities and Other Accommodation
Because it lies in the middle of rice field area, around the complex Candisari can not be found supporting facilities are complete enough. Visitors can only find a few simple facilities such as restaurant, grocery store, mosque, located in villages near the temple complex. For visitors who need accommodation facilities and a more complete, the nearest place to get it is in the city of Yogyakarta, which is about 12 km to the west. Is available in the city facilities fee that is complete, such as hotels, restaurants, malls, an international airport (the airport), the means of religious worship, beauty salon, cafe, art galleries, museums, and others.

source: http://wisatamelayu.com/id/object/499/431/candi-sambisari/&nav=geo