Candi Gedong Songo

Gedong Songo Temple or nine temples is a temple complex that is included in the category of Hindu temples

It lies in the highlands and there are nine in number, that’s why it is called the Songo temple.

Gedong Songo was built in the ancient Mataram era by the king of Mataram Rakai Sang Ratu Sanjaya.

This temple is located in the Bandungan area, a tourist area that is included in the Semarang district, Central Java.

History of Gedong Songo Temple

As I mentioned earlier, the Gedong Songo temple was built in the ancient Mataram era by Rakai Mataram the Queen Sanjaya

the construction of this temple complex around the 8th century.

Candi Gedong Songo is a Hindu temple because it is seen from its slender shape.

This temple is located on a plateau so it takes a lot of effort to reach the 9th temple.

the distance from the first temple to the last temple is about 4km so it’s quite far.

This temple was first discovered by Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1803.

When it was first discovered the number of temples was only seven, not nine.

But in 1907 and 1911 the next two temples were discovered, bringing the total to 9.

And since then the name has become Gedong Songo Temple

What is the main function of the construction of the Gedong Songo temple?

This temple was built as a place of worship for Hindus at that time.

So in the Songo temple complex, statues of Shiva Mahakala, Shiva Mahaguru, and Ganesha will be found.

In addition, also from its location in the highlands, is in accordance with the beliefs of Hindus where the higher the place we pray, the closer to Sang Hyang.

because Hindus believe that the mountain is the place where the gods reside.

The area of each temple

Gedong Songo Temple consists of five Gedong or a collection of temples,

Two are located on the east side of the hill, two on the north, and one on the west side.

The first temple

This sanctuary is situated at a height of 1,209 meters above ocean level,

in which there is a yoni without a phallus, which is an image of virility and richness,

with a pinnacle that looks harmed.

The Second Temple

Situated at a height of 1,299 masl with structures that are as yet flawless.

Before the sanctuary, there is a structure that is thought by specialists to be a subordinate sanctuary or a little sanctuary before the fundamental sanctuary.

The Third Temple

Situated at an elevation of 1,300 meters above ocean level, with three sanctuaries that are as yet flawless

and there are subordinate sanctuaries.

Other than having an embellished stupa on the rooftop,

this sanctuary is likewise the main sanctuary that involves a Makara or sculpture looking like an elephant’s head.

The Fourth Temple

Candi IV is Located at an elevation of 1,296 meters above ocean level, with one sanctuary that is as yet flawless and encompassed by sanctuary ruins.

The Fifth temple 

The last sanctuary is at the most noteworthy top, at an elevation of 1,310 above ocean level with one sanctuary assembling that is as yet unblemished and a few sanctuaries ruins.

to arrive at this sanctuary you must truly fit in view of its area on the most noteworthy level

fascinating tourist spot

Songo Temple complex is now a very beautiful and peculiar tourist spot

Tourist attractions in this place not only offer the history of the temple building in the past but also other rides

for those of you who like supernatural things, this place is also famous for its mystical phenomena

So friends, if you have plans to travel to Indonesia and make Central Java one of your destinations, then visit this place and you won’t regret it.