Prambanan Temple Myth Revealed: Is It True That Couples Can Break Up?

The myth of Prambanan Temple is one of the things that makes this largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia even more compelling to visit. Besides being known as an architectural masterpiece, a legacy of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, Prambanan temple also holds various folk tales and beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Some of the myths surrounding Prambanan Temple originate from the legend of Roro Jonggrang, which is very popular among Javanese people. Meanwhile, others have evolved from experiences, stories passed down through generations, and even local beliefs that are still believed by some visitors. So, are all these myths true? Read on for a complete explanation.

The Roots of the Prambanan Temple Myth: Starting from the Legend of Roro Jonggrang

Before discussing the various myths that have developed, it's important to understand that most of these stories are rooted in the legend of Roro Jonggrang. This legend has been part of Indonesian folklore for centuries and is even linked to the presence of the statue of the goddess Durga in the northern chamber of the Shiva Temple.

However, the story of Roro Jonggrang is a popular legend and cannot be confirmed as historical fact regarding the construction of Prambanan Temple. From this story, various myths emerged that are still widely known today.

Popular Myths about Prambanan Temple

The existence of legends that are closely related to the existence of Prambanan Temple, especially regarding the love story of Roro Jonggrang and Bandung Bondowoso, has created myths that are still circulating in society today.

One of the most popular myths is that couples who visit Prambanan Temple will break up. There are several other equally popular myths, which are discussed in full below:  

1. The Visiting Couple Will Be Separated

This is perhaps the most famous myth surrounding Prambanan Temple. Many believe that couples who visit Prambanan Temple together will experience a breakup after their visit.

This belief is linked to the tragic love story of Roro Jonggrang and Bandung Bondowoso. In the legend, Roro Jonggrang rejected Bandung Bondowoso's proposal on the condition that he build a thousand temples in one night. When the condition was almost fulfilled, Roro Jonggrang thwarted him with trickery and was ultimately cursed to become a statue.

Because of this sad ending to the love story, there is a belief that couples who come to Prambanan Temple will experience a similar fate.

However, to date, there is no scientific or historical evidence to support this belief. In fact, every day, many couples, families, and even newlyweds visit and enjoy the beauty of Prambanan Temple without experiencing any of the things associated with this myth.

One of the influencers, Turah Parthayana, once visited Prambanan Temple with her partner. In a post posted on Instagram, Turah spoke with a tour guide who explained that the myth that couples will break up after visiting Prambanan Temple has nothing to do with the temple itself. Turah and her partner are still in a good relationship, and their experience is often cited as an example of the myth's unfoundedness.

So, no need to worry anymore; Prambanan Temple can be the perfect date destination for you and your partner. From touring Sewu Temple to relaxing in the shade of Garuda Field, you can spend quality time with your partner.

See also: What Time Does Prambanan Temple Close? Don't Get Misinformation

2. The statue of Goddess Durga is the incarnation of Roro Jonggrang

The next myth concerns the statue of the goddess Durga Mahisasuramardini, located in the northern chamber of the Shiva Temple. Many people know this statue as the Roro Jonggrang statue.

In folklore, Roro Jonggrang was cursed to turn into stone by Bandung Bondowoso for allegedly thwarting the construction of a thousand temples. The statue of the goddess Durga is then believed to be the princess transformed into stone.

Meanwhile, from a historical and archaeological perspective, the statue is actually a representation of Goddess Durga, one of the important goddesses in Hinduism who symbolizes strength and victory over evil.

3. A Thousand Temples Built in One Night

The legend of Bandung Bondowoso who succeeded in building almost a thousand temples in one night is also a myth that is closely associated with Prambanan Temple.

According to folklore, Bandung Bondowoso was aided by an army of spirits to complete the temple construction before sunrise. When the number of temples reached nearly a thousand, Roro Jonggrang created a scene as if it were morning, causing the spirits to halt their work.

As a result, the number of temples only reached 999 and Roro Jonggrang was cursed to become a statue to complete the 1000th temple.

Historically, the Prambanan Temple complex does have many temples in one area, but its construction took place in stages during the reign of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, not in one night.

Enjoying Prambanan Temple from a Historical and Cultural Perspective

Despite the various myths surrounding Prambanan Temple, this temple complex is one of Indonesia's most valuable cultural heritages. Built in the 9th century, Prambanan Temple is known as the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Relief of Prambanan Temple The murals that adorn the walls tell the epic stories of the Ramayana and Krishnayana, while the architecture shows the progress of building technology during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom.

When visiting, you can not only enjoy the beauty of the towering temple buildings, but also learn about the history, architecture, Hinduism, and Javanese culture that developed in the past.

To make your visit more meaningful, you can tour the complex dressed in textiles inspired by the reliefs of Prambanan Temple. Create a meaningful experience with the collection Prambanan Textiles to delve deeper into the sublime.

That's the explanation of the popular myths surrounding Prambanan Temple. These myths can be viewed as part of the rich folklore that complements the site's historical significance, but they aren't facts to be fully believed.

Various myths surrounding Prambanan Temple, from the story of a couple who were believed to be separated to the legend of Roro Jonggrang, have become part of the folklore that enriches the attraction of this destination. 

Want to prove this myth untrue firsthand? Yuk, message Prambanan Temple Tickets now through website official Injourney Destination Management. By purchasing tickets online online, you can plan your visit more easily without having to queue at the location. This will make exploring the splendor of Prambanan Temple even more comfortable.

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