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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.
SculptureGaruda being slaved by Serpents
Candi Kidal is the place where ashes of king Anusabadhi of Singasari dynasty were buried. He died in 1248 and because the death and the rituals had to always be sepeated by 12 years, this religious place was built in 1260. There are narratives showing Garuda stealing holy water to save his mother. The holy water is the water of eternity. This relates to “Tevaraja” principle in that it helps the dead gain eternity.
