A Hindu-Javanese temple on the slopes of Mount Lawu
Cetho temple is part of the temples on the island of Java
This temple is a popular tourist destination not only for domestic tourists but also for foreign tourists
Why is it called the Cetho temple?
Cetho comes from the Javanese language which means “clear”.
That is, from the location of the temple you can see it in all directions because it is located at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level.
Get to know the temple and its history
The Cetho Temple complex was first discovered in 1842, by a Dutch citizen named Van der Vlis
It is also known as the Temple is indeed a famous Javanese–Hindu temple
located on the western slope of Mount Lawu in Central Java, Indonesia.
It is part of the Sukuh-Cetho Temple Complex.
Here is some more information about Cetho Temple
Cetho Temple is a significant historical and cultural site in Indonesia.
according to historical records, this temple dates from the 15th century
and is believed to have been built during the Majapahit period, during the reign of King Brawijaya V to be precise.
The design, architecture, and layout of the temple reflect a blend of Hindu beliefs and Javanese customs, making it a unique and fascinating cultural heritage.
Unique facts about the Cetho temple
1. Religious tolerance
The fact that this temple is a Hindu temple suggests that there was strong religious tolerance during the Majapahit era,
considering that the official religion of the kingdom was Buddhism.
2. Religious Significance
The temple served as a sacred site for Hindu rituals
and was likely a place of meditation and spiritual retreat.
It is still occasionally used for religious ceremonies by local Hindus.
3. The temple complex
The Temple complex that can be found today is the result of restoration carried out at the end of 1970.
4. Eleven terraced
It is a group of buildings that has 11 terraced terraces and stretches from east to west
One terrace to another is connected by a number of doors and paths that divide the courtyard into two parts.
On the last terrace, which is the 11th, there is the main building of the Temple.
On the lowest terrace on the east side, there is a gate as the entrance gate to the temple complex.
In general, the building of this Temple has similarities with the Sukuh Temple, whose shape is reminiscent of the terraced Punden in prehistoric times.
5. The third-highest temple in Indonesia
It is the third-highest temple in Indonesia with an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level,
After the Dieng Temple complex with an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level,
and Kethek ( monkey )Temple which is only 300 meters from Cheto with an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level.
6. Hiking trail of Mount Lawu
If you like to climb mountains then if you know their beauty, you will definitely climb via this route,
Even though this route is detoured and a little bit far, your fatigue will pay off with beautiful views, and you will find savanna fields that are not found on other hiking trails
7. Mount Lawu Devil’s Market
As you all know, it is one of the hiking trails to Mount Lawu.
Apart from the long and steep path, there is also a somewhat terrifying mystery.
Climbers who pass this route often hear crowd noises such as crowds of people who are carrying out buying and selling activities
and bargaining in the market even though the area is quiet and there are no people.
So it is called Devil’s Market.
Whether true or not, but in fact some climbers have told this experience.
They think that it is a ghost that inhabits the temple which is active like a human
8. The mystery of the Statue is different from other temples
At first glance, you might see that the statues in this temple are no different from the statues in other temples in Indonesia.
However, if we analyze more closely, there are several different things,
such as the hairstyles, bracelets, and large earrings that are characteristic of the ancient Sumerian, Mayan, Greek, and Roman cultures.
In addition, the statue here is also said to be similar to the statue in Villahermosa and Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico. Well, until now this statue is still a mystery.
9. The inscription is shaped like a penis
Apart from the different statues, there is still another mystery, namely that here there is an inscription in the form of a testicle that looks like it is stuck to the side.
This inscription is located at the top of the temple, in one of the huts not far from the top pyramid.
Then there is also at the bottom of the temple, called the Phallus measuring about 2 meters
Route to Cetho temple
From the city of Surakarta
Cetho Temple is located in Cetho, Gumeng Village, Jenawi District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java.
The distance to the Temple from the center of Surakarta City is about 40 kilometers (km) and takes approximately 1 hour.
By the way, you can rent a motorbike in Solo City or in Yogyakarta
Follow the main road to Tawangmangu via Karangpandan, not via Matesih.
After Karangpandan bus station, follow the main road and turn left onto the road towards Ngargoyoso District or Kemuning Tea Plantation ( you can ask the local )
Continue straight and follow the main road until Kemuning Tea Plantation.
Later, turn right at the fork with an uphill road.
Continue straight following the main road, the journey will arrive at the Temple.
Please note that the contour of the road to Cetho Temple is quite steep, so you must be aware of that.
So are you ready for the adventure?