Ratu Boko Temple

About...

An archaeological site known as Ratu Boko Palace, hold a great mystery and unclear history that remains unsolved. Named after the legendary King Boko, mentioned in Loro Jonggrang folklore, the 16 hectares sites is located on a plateau, about 3 kilometers from Prambanan temple complex in Yogyakarta. Consisted of temples, paseban (square stone structures), pendopo (audience hall), miniature temples, kaputren and bathing place, the complex can provide a memorable cultural experience as well as great beauty of sunset from the top of fascinating nature. A great selection of hotels can accompany visitors to also enjoy the historical and cultural sites in Yogyakarta, Solo, or Magelang, including Sultan’s palaces, handicraft industries and other great temples.

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 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. The name of the site changed to Walaing Kraton in an inscription known as the Mandyasih inscription. In the local language, Kraton means Palace. It was Rakai Walaing pu Kumbhayoni, who was recognized as a king and ruled the dynasty from 856-863 AD, who changed the name of the site.

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 Shiva. 

The site splits neatly into four areas. The building located on terraces up the hill with the front yar located on the west side. There are three terraces, with each terrace divided by andesite stone fence.

West

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, small and large ponds, as well as local and foreign earthenware.

Central

The large stone gates are impressive, the first gate has three entrances, and the second gate has five entrances. The shape of these entrances is known as Paduraksa and is a traditional Javanese construction. Not far from the gates there is a limestone Batu Putih temple, the name means ‘white stone’.

There is also a structure that consists 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.

Southeast

Evidence exists of an audience hall or pavilion surrounded by a stone wall with another Paduraksa entrance way. 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.

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.