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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureElongate Salle with triangular Pediment: Koh Ker
The elongate hall at Koh Ker is made of stone topped by the already-lost timber-and-tiled roof. The front triangular pediment is the imitation of the wooden structure whereas the end of the gable is decorated with the scrollwork inspired from the trunk of Makara. This kind of pediment has been popular not only in Koh Ker period but also in Banteay Srei and Baphoun periods. Banteay Srei and Preah Vihear temples are the prime example for this kind of pediment. Interestingly, the holes visible at the edge of the gable were meant for supporting the already-lost wooden beams of the roof structure.
ArchitectureElongate Salle: Prasat Pre Rup
At Prasat PreR up, the elongate pavilions surrounding the main complex were firstly introduced. These pavilions are possible to be the storages or the rest houses. Interestingly, these pavilions are not yet the connected ones. This anticipates the connected elongate gallery which would be firstly initiated at Prasat Takeo.
ArchitectureBody of the main Tower: Candi Sewu
During the later period of Central Javanese art, the house of Śailendra still patronized several Buddhist temples. These temples locate at Klaten, between Yogyakarta and Solo.
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.
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.
ArchitectureMeru at Pura Taman Ayun
Pura Taman Ayun is the most famous temple for the rows of Meru towers. The height s of these towers are different and these tower are beautifully arranged in the order from the highest to the lowest spire, providing the most spectacular view of Balinese architectural landscape. These towers are dedicated to several mountains in Bali, including Gunung Batur, Gunung Batukau and Gunung Agung. The superimposing tiers of the Meru roof symbolize not only the high-ranking status of the pavilion but also the mountain.
ArchitectureMeru at Pura Besakih
Meru is the name for the square tower with series of sloping thatched roofs, symbolizing the tower for the high-rankings. This kind of tower, therefore, is normally assigned for the significant gods. Meru normally locates inside the innermost courtyard of the temple. The thatched roof is normally perishable and always re-thatched, different form the brick-or-stone gateway which is quite permanent.
ArchitectureMeru at Pura Kehen
Meru is the name for the square tower with series of sloping thatched roofs, symbolizing the tower for the high-rankings. This kind of tower, therefore, is normally assigned for the significant gods. Meru normally locates inside the innermost courtyard of the temple. The thatched roof is normally perishable and always re-thatched, different form the brick-or-stone gateway which is quite permanent. At Pura Kehen, the Meru tower is supported on the back of the tortoise, the animal which was believed by the Hindus as the supporter of the cosmos’ centre.
