Sukuh Temple and The Last Period of Hinduism in Java

Get to know the Temples in Indonesia

Sukuh Temple and temples in Java — Some people certainly already know about the many temples that are widespread throughout Indonesia.

Moreover, temples that are widely known, such as Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple,

have long been established in Indonesia.

The existence of these temples cannot be separated from the many stories that tell how rich Indonesia was in the past.

These temples have become a tourist attraction visited by tourists both from Indonesia and abroad.

Sukuh Temple and Hinduism in Java

Sukuh Temple, also known as Candi Sukuh, is a fascinating archaeological site located on the western slope of Mount Lawu in Central Java, Indonesia.

It is one of the few remaining Hindu temples in Java and holds historical and religious significance.

The temple dates back to the 15th century, during the late Majapahit period.

History of Sukuh Temple

Research on the history of this temple began when

This temple was discovered by archaeologists during the reign of Governor Raffles in 1815.

The effort to preserve this temple complex was carried out by the Government of Indonesia in 1917.

That said, this temple was founded in the 15th century AD during the reign of Suhita, Queen of Majapahit who reigned in 1429–1446.

The nickname given to this fairly old temple is “The Last Temple” because this temple is indeed the last temple left by Hindus during the Majapahit era.

Unique Facts about Sukuh Temple

Temples in Indonesia generally have stupas, such as Borobudur and Prambanan.

However, it differs from Sukuh Temple in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java.

Although both are made of stone, Sukuh Temple does not have a stupa like the other temples.

Even when seen, Sukuh Temple at a glance is similar to the Mayan Pyramids (Chichén Itzá) in Mexico, America.

The Period of Hinduism in Java

The history of Hinduism in Java is deeply intertwined with the island’s cultural development.

Here is an overview of the history of Hinduism in Java:

Early Kingdoms:

Hinduism arrived in Java around the 1st century CE through Indian traders and travelers.

The early Javanese kingdoms, such as Tarumanagara and Kalingga, were influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism.

Sailendra Dynasty

In the 8th and 9th centuries, the Sailendra Dynasty flourished in Java.

They were ardent patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and built some of the most significant temples in Southeast Asia, including Borobudur and Mendut.

Mataram Kingdom

In the 10th century, the Mataram Kingdom emerged as a prominent Hindu-Buddhist empire in Java.

The kings of Mataram were staunch followers of Hinduism, and they built numerous temples to honor their deities.

Spread of Shaivism

By the 11th century, Shaivism (devotion to Lord Shiva) gained popularity in Java, leading to the construction of several Shiva temples.

This period saw the emergence of temples like Prambanan, which is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.

Majapahit Kingdom

The Majapahit kingdom, one of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires in the region,

ruled over Java and surrounding areas from the late 13th to early 16th centuries.

During this period, the Sukuh Temple was constructed, representing the architectural and religious heritage of the declining Majapahit Kingdom.

Decline and Islamization

As time went on, the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Java began to decline.

Islam arrived in the region through Arab and Indian traders,

and gradually, the Javanese kingdoms and people embraced Islam.

This process accelerated during the 14th to 16th centuries, with the rise of Islamic sultanates.

Legacy and Hinduism today

Although Hinduism gradually declined in Java due to the spread of Islam, its cultural and historical impact remained.

Today, Hinduism is still practiced in certain regions of Indonesia, with Bali being the most prominent example.

Sukuh Temple stands as a testament to the rich history of Hinduism in Java

and showcases the blend of Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and Javanese culture that once flourished on the island.

It’s unique pyramid-like architecture and intricate carvings reflect the syncretism of religious beliefs during that era.

The site remains a significant historical and cultural attraction, drawing both tourists and scholars interested in Java’s ancient past.

How to get to Sukuh Temple

If you are interested in visiting this unique temple then this is the route

Sukuh Temple is precisely located in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java.

The distance from the city of Surakarta to Sukuh Temple is around 38.5 kilometers (km) and takes around 45–60 minutes

By the way, Sukuh Temple is close to Tawangmangu, a beautiful tourist spot on the slope of Mount Lawu