LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?
Guiding the way
For a richer cultural experience, hook up with a local guide to fill you in on a wide range of historical, artistic and religious intricacies.
You also get great insight on how the local people understand religion and its place in contemporary Javan life. It is fascinating stuff. Inexpensive and worthwhile, it is also a great way to support the local community. Our Visitor Assistance Centre can help you book a local guide.
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Historical Notes
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The history of Ratu Boko is unclear, and much of what is understood about the site comes from inscriptions and even folklore. |
The oldest inscription found on the site is believed to date back to 792AD, naming the site Abhayagiri Wihara.
Archaeologists to believe that the ruler of the Saliendra Dynasty between 760-780, Rakai Panangkaran, built Ratu Boko after he resigned from his leadership. It is said that he resigned because he wanted to find spiritual peace and concentrate on religious matters. Abhayagiri Wihara means ‘peaceful Buddhist monastery’ . The site chosen has fairly spectacular views.
Of Buddhist faith, Rakai Panangkaran was responsible for the building of Borobudur temple as well as Sewu and Kalasan temples during his reign.
The name of the site changed to Walaing Kraton, Kraton being palace in the local language, in an inscription known as the Mandyasih inscription. This change of name was made by Rakai |
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Walaing pu Kumbhayoni who is recognised as a king, and ruled from 856-863AD.
During the 17th Century, a Dutch man H.J.DeGraff noted that Europeans coming to Indonesia had reported a heritage site, and referred to it being the palace of Prabu Boko, a king who came originally from Bali. This is the Prabu Boko of the Loro Djonggrang folklore.
A mix of Buddhist and Hindu structures are found on the complex, including the Buddhist Dyani Budha, Stupika, Terakota Tablet, and a gold and silver plaque with a Buddhist inscription. Three small Hindu temples, as well as Yoni, a Durga statue, a Ganesha statue and a plaque with an inscription to Rudra, the other name for the god Siwa (Shiva).
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Four Zones
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The site splits neatly into four areas.
1 Western
Approximately 2 hectares, this area is known by locals as Mount Tlatar - hill of arranged stones. The hill sides are quite steep and only parts of it are used for farming. The archaeological finds here have been interesting, a sedimentary rock pathway, ponds small and large as well as local and foreign earthenware.
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2 Central
The large stone gates are impressive, the first has three entrances, and the second has five, the shape of these entrances is known as Paduraksa and is traditional Javanese in construction. Not far from the gates is a limestone Batu Putih temple, the name means ‘white stone’.
There is also a structure of two levels which measures 26 metres square. The centre is a deep square hole. It is speculated that this would have been a crematorium.
This zone also has a large pond, and a series of base stones which would have held building pillars. Using the traditional building techniques of the time, the pillars walls and roof would have been made from organic materials, so they are no longer remaining. |
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3 Southeast
Evidence exists of an audience hall or pavilion, surrounded by a stone wall with another Paduraksa entrance way, again the position of where the pillars would have been located is evident. A rectangular pool is nearby, as well as three small temples. Another series of round and rectangular pools is in this area.
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4 East
The Eastern area has more ponds, and also a series of caves. The caves are carved into the rock. The Lanang Cave houses three white stone statues. Stairs down to some of the caves have been carved in to the hillside rock. A statue of Buddha is also found in this area. |
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