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ArchitectureTower with serpent: Candi Panataran
The most striking tower in the middle courtyard of the complex is the tower surrounded by the body of the serpent. The elongate body of the serpent is supported by several deities with the cylindrical crown and the typical Eastern Javanese dress. One of their hands hold the ceremonial bell while the another holds the body of the serpent. Th original function of this tower is unknown. However the serpent is connectible to the legend of the churning of the milky ocean and the function of this tower is possibly associated with the sacred water consecration.
ArchitectureStepped Pyramidal Base: Candi Panataran
The inner courtyard of the complex is the location of the mon tower with the stepped pyramidal base, symbolizing the central pivot of the cosmos as well as the abode of Śiva. However the tower on the top of the pyramidal base does not survive. The superstructure of this tower is possible to be the Meru style temple as in Balinese art. The first tier of the base depicts the story of Rāmāyana started from the adventure of Hanuman in Lanka to the episode of Lanka burning, the construction of the causeway and the death of Kumbhakarṇa. The style of the narrative is similar to the Wayang (Javanese shadow puppet). The second tier of the base depicts the story of Krishna whereas the uppermost tier is decorated with the statues of winged lions and winged serpents.
ArchitectureCandi Tikus
Trowulan was the capital of Majapahit dynasty. There are a number of monuments in this city, including Candi Tikus(the sacred pond) and several gateways. These monuments are always in brick, different from normal stone temple of the Eastern Javanese period
ArchitectureGapura Bajang Ratu
Gapura Bajang Ratu is of the most beautiful gateways in Majapahit period. Constructed in Brick which is the most popular material for construction at Trowulan, the style of the gateway is of the typical Eastern Javanese architecture. The door is decorated with the ferocious Kāla face gesturing the threatening gesture. The superstructure of the gateway is similar to the tower at Panataran, comprising the double bands punctuated by the cloister of 5 miniature towers. The contour is beautifully rendered in curvilinear shape. The tradition of constructing the gateway infornt of the temple complex in Eastern Javanese art anticipates the popularization of the same tradition in later Balinese art.
ArchitectureMeru at Pura Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu, located at Lake Bratan, was constructed by Mengwi dynasty in 1624 A.D. This is one of the most magnificent Balinese temples as the Meru tower is sent in the middle of the lake.
ArchitectureStepped bases at Pura Kehen
Balinese temple complex is dividable into 3 courtyards. The outer courtyard locates at the foot of the hill, symbolizing the netherworld. The middle courtyard symbolizes the human world and the innermost one the heaven, the abode of gods. Every courtyard is divided by the steps decorated with series of sculptures. The gateway punctuating the step symbolizes the door of each cosmic step.
ArchitectureGateway (Gopura) at Pura Kehen
Gopura is the gateway with Prāsāda superstructure which divides spaces in the temple complex, symbolizing the division of hierarchical steps of the cosmos. This door is iconographically conceived as the door preventing the evil to enter to the temple. Architecturally, Balinese gateway is divided into 3 portions, the central door and the side portions. Sometime, the side portions provide doors, hence triple doors. The ferocious Kāla face with threaten gestures, symbolising the prevention of evil, located above the door is typical to Eastern Javanese and Balinese art. Although the superstructure follows the south Indian architectural articulation, the sculpture of several weird animals and the Chinese-style-liked motif are incorporated to the spire.
ArchitectureSplit Gateway at Pura Kehen
The split gateway, known as Candi Bentar, is typical to Balinese art. The gateway comprises the body and the superstructure, all of these members are split into two sides. Candi Bentar functions as the gateway as well as the gate for preventing the evil to enter the temple.
