Ijo Temple or Candi Ijo, is a Hindu temple on the southern part of the Queen Boko Temple complex, around 18 km east of Yogyakarta. The temple is considered as the highest temple in location compared to other temples in Yogyakarta. It is situated more than 410 meters above sea level. The high location of the temple enables its visitors to enjoy a beatiful panoramic view of the surrounding area such as terraces of agriculture land and Adisutjipto International Airport from a distance. The temple is believed to be the residing site of Hindu Deities.

The term “Ijo” is actually an Indonesia term for “Hijau”, which means “green”. The name is derived because the temple resides in an area called the Green Hill. The temple was constructed during the late 9^th century at the reign of Mataram Kuno Kingdom. Ijo Temple resides on a complex of 17 structures that are stretched among 11 terraces. Unfortunately, only the 11^th terrace, which is the location of them main shrine of Ijo Temple and three other subsidiary shrines, has been restored by the government as a tourism and cultural site, whereas the other terraces are left unrestored. The height of each terrace represents the level of sacredness of the structures, and with that being said, Ijo Temple is the most sacred out of the 17 structures.

On the entrance way to the main shrine, you will see a notable double deity-like head motive above the door. Such motive and attributes can also be found in Buddhist temples such as Ngawen, Plaosan and Sari Temples.  Inside the main shrine there are singular niches on three sides of the walls where on either side of each niche is a male/female pair of offering deities. At the center of the shrine is an ornately carved yoni platform that combines the images of a serpent and a turtle.

On one of the three subsidiary shrines at Ijo Temple, there is a pit where fire (homa) sacrifices were probably performed. On Java, fire was associated with the Hindu god Brahma. The overall layout of the site, together with the fire attributes of this subsidiary shrine, strongly suggest that the three building facing the East had originally been dedicated to the Hindu Trimutri (Three Dieties) of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Each detail of the temple presents meaningful thing and invites the visitors to make a reflection so that the journey will not just be fun time. Great paintings without the name of the creators show life philosophy of the past Javanese community that emphasized more on moral message presented by the works rather than the creators or the greatness of their works.

Bookmark It!

Hide Sites