Gedong Songo

Gedong Songo
A view of three of the temples and the scenery below.
Location Bandungan, Semarang Regency
Coordinates 7°12′37″S 110°20′31″E / 7.21028°S 110.34194°E / -7.21028; 110.34194Coordinates: 7°12′37″S 110°20′31″E / 7.21028°S 110.34194°E / -7.21028; 110.34194
Built 8th-9th century CE

Gedong Songo (Indonesian: Candi Gedong Songo) is a group of Hindu temples located in Central Java, Indonesia. The site was originally built during the early period of the Medang Kingdom which controlled Central Java during the 8th and 9th centuries. Similar to the Dieng temples on the Dieng Plateau, Gedong Songo was erected out of volcanic stone and the two complexes represent the oldest Hindu structures in Java. Dieng and Gedong Songo predate Borobudur and Prambanan, and show considerable influence from Indian Hindu temple architecture.[1]

Temple IV at Gedong Songo
Temple I at Gedong Songo

The temples of Gedong Songo reflect a similar architectural structure to those on the Dieng Plateau, though they have less variation in form than them. Gedong Songo displays more emphasis on plinth and cornice mouldings. At Temple 3, an entrance is outlined by a vestibule that is decorated by guardian figures.[2] Temple III is a Shiva temple, paired with a facing Nandi shrine.

The buildings have been condiderably restored in recent decades.

Notes

  1. ↑ Michell
  2. ↑ Michell

References

  • Michell, George, (1977), The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to its Meaning and Forms, pp. 160-161, University of Chicago Press, ISBN 978-0-226-53230-1
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