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ArchitectureCandi Parambanan
It is believed that the Hindu temple during this period was constructed in order to dedicate to the mortal king. After the cremation, the part of the mortal remain of the deceased kings would be scattered in the sea and then the rest would be embedded under the pedestal of the statue in order to deify the mortal. Presumably, Parambanan was functioned for this ceremony.
ArchitectureShiva Temple: Candi Parambanan
Shiva temple is the loftiest temple in the complex. The cruciform plan with five sanctums indicates the continuation of the same plan from the Mahayanist temples which was now adjusted to Hinduism. The central sanctum is dedicated to Shiva, the south one to Agastaya, the west one to Ganesha and the north one to Mahishasuramardani. At the base exists several statues of the deities of eight directions. Stylistically, the temple is considered to be the most developed style in Javanese art. The body is divided into 2 tiers. The superstructure is complicate as it is in cruciform plan, similar to the body. The miniature temple decorated at the superstructure is notable as they are capped by the fluted Amalaka-liked Stupika which seems to be related to the north Idnian Amalaka.
ArchitectureCandi Kidal
This temple is architecturally typical to Eastern Javanese period. The temple is always small with one sanctum resting on triple bases. The central door is normally crowned by the huge ferocious Kala face. The Kala face now is very ferocious, with the fangs protruding out form the mouth, the horns, the hand raising in threating gesture. The body of the temple is normally decorated with the band in the center, unique to Eastern Javanese art. The superstructure composes of the series of bands punctuated by the row of 5 miniature temples.
ArchitectureCandi Jago
This temple comprises the lofty triple base ornamented with the band of the narratives. The significant narrative here is the story from Mahābhārata, starting from the episode of the gamble of Paṇḍava and Kaurava, the disrobe od Draupatī, the penance of Arjuna at Mount Indrakila and the episode of presenting Pāśupata missile by Śiva in the guise of the Hunter Kirāta. The superstructure of the tower, now lost, is possible to be the timber-and-tile or timber-and-thatch roof which is similar to the Balinese Meru type of superstructure.
ArchitectureCandi Singosari
The temple of Singosari is of an extraordinary arrangement. The central temple is the non-enterable solid one placed on the top of the high platform. At the platform there exist four enterable sanctum providing for Shiva (East), Agastaya (south), Ganesha (west) and Mahishasuramardani (north) This iconographic program is conceived by following the model from Candi Parambanan in Central Javanese Art. The style of the temple is of the common type of Eastern Javanese architecture. The temple composes of the square body punctuated by the false doors topped by Kala faces. The superstructure comprises the double bands alternated by the row of miniature temples.
ArchitectureCandi Jawi
The temple comprises the body with the small sanctum as being typlcal to the Eastern Javanese art. The body of the temple is decorated with the door, the ferocious Kāla face and the band in the middle of the wall, typical to the period. The superstructure, designed in the typical style, composes of the series of superimposing bands providing the steep contours. This kind of superstructure closely resembles to the Balinese superstructure called Meru. Each corner of the bands of the superstructure is decorated with triangular shaped endings in the form of animal, anticipating Balinese convention of architectural articulation.
ArchitectureThree Courtyards : Candi Panataran
The plan of the temple Candi Panataran resembles to those in Balinese art as it is divided into 3 courtyards. The front courtyard is in the westernmost whereas the main temple locates in the eastern innermost courtyard. In the first western courtyard, there are stone basements supporting the already-lost timbered pavilions. Thee pavilions correspond to the Bale Agung in Balinese art, meant for performing ceremonies. In the third courtyard, the most important one, there is the stepped base symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe and the abode of Śiva. Unfortunately, the main temple is now lost.
ArchitectureDated Tower: Candi Panataran
The plan of this temple resembles to the ones in Balinese art. The temple is divided into 3 courtyards. Between the first courtyard and the second one, there exists the tower which is dated by the inscription to 1369 A.D. Square in plan, this small tower is typical to Eastern Javanese art, composing of the body topped with the ferocious Kāla face. The superstructure comprises the series of bands punctuated with the cloisters of miniature temples, also typical to the period. However, the curvilinear contour of the superstructure seems to be prominent for this temple, more beautifully rendered than the previous Singosari temples.
