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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.
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.
SculptureRamayana: the course-way constuction
The principle court is where the base of the main Candi is located. This level of base is related to Sumera Mount, which is the center of the universe and the residence of Shiva. However, the building was all ruined and may once be a crematory. It could alos be a multi-tiered building similar to those in bali art in the present. The first level of the base depicts scenes from Ramayana. These scenes are very similar to Java shadow play (Wayang).
SculptureRamayana: Rama, Lakshmana and Monkeys
The principle court is where the base of the main Candi is located. This level of base is related to Sumera Mount, which is the center of the universe and the residence of Shiva. However, the building was all ruined and may once be a crematory. It could alos be a multi-tiered building similar to those in bali art in the present. The first level of the base depicts scenes from Ramayana. These scenes are very similar to Java shadow play (Wayang).
