The sun was strong and the peaks of the Parambanan temple were visible about a kilometer away from where we started our walk to the Parambanan temple. As the spire of the temple approached, the huge piles of black colored squares and carved ornate stones scattered around them became apparent to us. On getting closer, it was found that the bases of the temples were buried under these heaps of stones. It is known from the information-boards installed here that this temple group was built in the ninth century AD. At that time 240 temples were built. The three temples located in the central part are called 'Trimurti Mandir' and are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. In front of these Trimurti buildings there are 'Vahan Mandirs' of the vehicles of these deities i.e. Nandi, Garuda and Hans. Between the Trimurti temples and the Vahana temples, there is a 'Apit Mandir' each on the north and south sides. The four main gates of these temples have one 'Kelir temple' each in the four directions in the inner area and one 'Patok temple' each on the four corners. There are 224 temples located in four rows around the main temple plan. Thus a total of 240 temples were built, but in the strong earthquake of the sixteenth century AD, all these temples collapsed. For about 400 years, these temples remained in ruins. Seeing these ruins spread far and wide of the temple complex, our interest was increasing. The history that we came to know after the search was no less than a mystery and thrilling story.
Towards mystery and adventure
We were going one step by step towards the temple. A world full of mystery and adventure was waiting for us. Till then we had no idea what we were going to see! If there was anything in mind, it was only that it is the largest Hindu temple on the island of Indonesia and the largest of the Hindu temples outside India. We also knew that this is the largest temple of any religion on all 17,508 islands in Indonesia.
Departure from Parambanan Temple
It was not possible for us to see all the temples. So we returned after staying in the temple premises for about three hours. By this time the sun had fallen quite a bit and clouds were also visible in the sky. Mr. Anto was found standing near the exit. We were tired, wanted to have tea but it was not possible to get milk tea here. So there was no better option than coconut water to get rid of fatigue.
Plaosan Buddhist Temple
Mr. Anto took us to another temple complex with ruins just like the Parambanan temple. On inquiry it was known that this is Plaosan Buddhist temple. Here also it was necessary to buy a ticket to enter the temple premises. Due to fatigue, it was very difficult for us to go inside and see the temples. So we stood outside on the road and observed the temple complex and the huge piles of stones scattered far and wide and the fractal temples standing between them.
Clouds had gathered in the sky and it had started to rain. In front of the main entrance of the temple, a woman was roasting corn on the stove. On enquiry, it was found that a cot was worth 15 thousand rupees in Indonesian currency and 75 rupees in Indian currency. In India this corn is available for one third the price. So the idea of corn had to be abandoned. Meanwhile, the rain had started very heavy. We Mr. Sitting in Anto's car, he started towards his residence, which was about 20 km from here, but by this time the offices were closed and the streets of Yogyakarta were clogged with vehicles. Because of this the traffic was moving very slowly. By the time we reached home, it was almost half past six.
Outside the house Miss Rogovita had put up a shed-like canopy in which to sit and enjoy both the lawn and the vegetation within the boundary wall and the rain. We sat here. Madhu and Bhanu started preparing for tea and Vijay and I took Mr. The expenses were paid by the anton today and the next day's action plan was set. Dad sat next to us. After a while the tea arrived. After a tiring day, while sipping hot tea in this rainy season, we thank Miss Rogovita heartily for making this a cozy chowdari in front of this cozy house. Deepa's evils were still continuing unabated.