Sajiwan

Sajiwan (Javanese spelling: Sojiwan) is a 9th century Buddhist temple located in Kebon Dalem Kidul village, Prambanan, Klaten Regency, Central Java. The temple is located nearly two kilometres southeast of Prambanan temple. This temple is among numbers of temples scattered in Prambanan Plain.

Contents

History

The Rukam inscription dated 829 Saka (907 CE) currently stored in National Museum of Indonesia mentioned about the inauguration of Rukam village restoration by Nini Haji Rakryan Sanjiwana, previously the village was being devastated by volcanic eruption. In return, the inhabitant of Rukam village was obliged to took care of a sacred building located in Limwung. This sacred building was identified as Sajiwan temple, while the name of the royal patron mentioned in this inscription: Nini Haji Rakryan Sanjiwana, was identified as Queen Pramodhawardhani, the temple bears her name Sajiwan and believed to be dedicated for her. The temple was built between 842 to 850 CE, approximately built in the same era with Plaosan temple nearby.

Sajiwan temple was rediscovered in 1813 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie, a subordinate of Sir Stamford Raffles. He examined the archaeological remains around Prambanan plain and rediscovered the ruins of wall surrounding the temple.

Architecture

The temple was made of andesite stone, its size, style and form is similar to those of Mendut temple near Borobudur. The base of the temple contains tewenty bas-reliefs connected to the Buddhist stories of Pancatantra or Jatakas from India. From this 20 reliefs only 19 remains. The stairs is flanked with two large makaras. The inner chamber of the temple contains two niches and lotus pedestals, originally host buddha and boddhisattva statues. However currently the chamber is empty.

References

Location

di wikimapia

See also