Sukuh Temple - Central Java

Of the many temples in Indonesia, Sukuh Temple is the most interesting. That's because the shape of this temple is not like the Hindu temple in general. The form resembles the Aztec Tribal Pyramid in Mexico.
In addition, Sukuh Temple has reliefs and statues that with vulgar indulgence in sexuality. Male genital shapes, also women, clearly illustrated in the reliefs and statues are emblazoned in some parts of the temple.

Symbols of phallus and yoni that represent male and female genitals are also clearly engraved in the temples that have existed since the 15th century.

From downtown Solo, Sukuh Temple can be reached for approximately 1.5 hours using the land route. Make sure the car you ride in a prime yes, because the streets leading to this beautiful temple twisted up and down, slope and derivation deringgnya quite steep.

The journey full of misgivings that finally paid off when finished at Sukuh Temple. After paying the entrance ticket of Rp 7 thousand and the rent of fabric seikhlasnya, go directly into the temple complex.

Unlike his brother, namely Cetho Temple which consists of 13 terraces, Sukuh Temple consists of only 3 terraces only. The first terrace consists of a gate. The second terrace contains statues that are no longer intact form. Then on the third terrace we can see the main temple building shaped like a pyramid.

Well, around this main temple building there are some sexually suggestive reliefs. There's a statue of a headless man holding his genitals. There are also reliefs on the walls of a similar tone.

Then in the main temple, there is a relief of phallus and yoni surrounded by circular chain relief. The relief is engraved on the floor, which will pass if the traveler climbs up to the top of the main temple.

Lingga and yoni have long been known as a symbol of fertility. The linga is the simplest and most ancient symbol of Siva or Lord Shiva. While yoni is the symbol of his wife, Parwati. Both indicate fertility.

Relief lingga and yoni deliberately carved on the floor of the entrance gate so anyone who stepped over the affected relief suwuk, or any dirt, especially on the human heart can be released. Its function is to meruwat anyone who enters the temple complex.From the various reliefs and erotic arca, the traveler must have a question. What is the purpose of making such vulgar images and sculptures?

This matter, controversy is always accompanying. There is a question, is it worth the temple used for worship and rituals emblazoned with the symbols of sexuality?

Well, this is the difference between ancient and modern people see the symbol of sexuality. Archaeologists in various sources say these statues and erotic reliefs as a symbol of fertility. The penis and the vagina are sacred and sacred symbols, symbolizing the survival of generations. In contrast to modern humans who tend to assess it as something pornographic.

Historians also have erotic relief opinions that contain meaning, if people have stepped over the relief then he will be clean of all the dirt. It is appropriate that people who want to worship in the temple leave his earthly things, including the matter of sexuality.

Sukuh Temple became a real portrait of Hindu culture mix with indigenous culture of Indonesia. It is fitting for megalithic cultural heritage that we preserve so that later can be seen our children and grandchildren.

This weekend getaway, do not miss the opportunity to visit Sukuh Temple located in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso, Karanganyar, Central Java. The location of the temple on the slopes of Mount Lawu makes the weather cool, and suitable as a holiday location. Yuk, to Sukuh Temple that became the charm of Central Java.

location : Solo- Central Java, Indonesia