Is it true that Bandung Bondowoso built Prambanan Temple?

When you hear the name Bandung Bondowoso, the first thing that probably comes to mind is his love story with Roro Jonggrang. But did you know which temple Bandung Bondowoso built in one night?

In a legend passed down through generations, the princess set a nearly impossible condition: Bandung Bondowoso must build a thousand temples before dawn. With the help of supernatural powers, the temple construction nearly succeeded, but was thwarted by Roro Jonggrang's strategy. Read the full story in the article below.

What Temple Did Bandung Bondowoso Build?

It is said that Bandung Bondowoso was the son of King Damar Doyo, ruler of Pengging, who fell in love with Roro Jonggrang, princess of the Prambanan Kingdom. Unfortunately, this love story didn't have a happy ending. This is where the story of the construction of the thousand temples believed to be the precursors to Prambanan Temple begins.

If asked which temple Bandung Bondowoso built, this legend will likely link it to Prambanan Temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta. Legend has it that the temple was built in a single night as a condition of Roro Jonggrang's marriage.

It wasn't without reason that Roro Jonggrang proposed these nearly impossible conditions to reject Bandung Bondowoso's proposal. Why did Roro Jonggrang reject Bandung Bondowoso? Long story short, Bandung Bondowoso was the young man who had defeated and killed his father, Prabu Boko, to seize power in the Prambanan Kingdom.

Through a stratagem, Roro Jonggrang finally thwarted Bandung Bondowoso's attempt to complete a thousand temples in one night. The story goes that Bandung Bondowoso could only build 999 temples and cursed Roro Jonggrang to become a statue to complete the thousand. This was the tragic end to the love story of Bandung Bondowoso and Roro Jonggrang , which remains popular to this day.

Also read: Recommended Historical Sites in Jogja that are a Must-Visit

Facts about the Construction of Prambanan Temple

For centuries, the legend of Bandung Bondowoso building Prambanan Temple in one night has been embedded in the lives of Indonesian people, especially in Java. 

In fact, some people believe that the statue of the goddess inside the Shiva Temple (one of the trimurti temples in Prambanan Temple) is the embodiment of Roro Jonggrang who was cursed by Bandung Bondowoso.

So, was Prambanan Temple really built by Bandung Bondowoso? This legend certainly contributes to the attraction of Indonesia's largest Hindu temple. However, this story is part of the legend, not a historical record of Prambanan's construction.

In fact, Prambanan Temple was built in the mid-9th century by King Rakai Pikatan of the Medang Mataram Kingdom. This is based on the Siwagrha inscription, which describes the construction of a group of grand temples dedicated to the god Shiva, whose characteristics perfectly match those of Prambanan Temple.

The Siwagrha inscription reads "Wwalung gunung sang wiku," meaning 778 Saka (856 AD). The construction of Prambanan Temple is considered a symbol of the revival of Hinduism in Central Java, which was previously dominated by Buddhism.   

Also read: Revealing the Myths of Prambanan Temple: Is It True That Couples Can Break Up?

Bringing Legends to Life in Performance "Sandyakala Bandung Bondosowo"

The legend of Bandung Bondowoso and Roro Jonggrang is inseparable from the story of Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Palace. Although not a historical account of the temple's construction, this story, passed down from generation to generation, lives on as part of Javanese cultural heritage.

Now, the story is brought to life through the performance " Sanyakala Bandung Bondowoso ." Set at the main gate of Ratu Boko Palace, this performance invites you to relive Bandung Bondowoso's journey, from his bravery in battle to his tragic love affair with Roro Jonggrang.

Amidst the majestic silhouette of the gate and the Yogyakarta sunset sky, a legend that has only existed in stories is rediscovered. More than just a tale of love and curses, this performance also showcases Bandung Bondowoso's courage, strength, and ambition, leading him to a destiny he never imagined.

You can witness the legend being brought to life with the Sandyakala Bandung Bondowoso performance on September 5, 2026 , starting at 4:30 PM WIB . Admission is free for visitors with an admission ticket.

Come and experience the story of the past, blended with the charm of sunset at Ratu Boko Palace. Purchase tickets online through the official ticketing page provided by Injourney Destination Management now!

Also read: Contents of the Ratu Boko Inscription, a Relic from the Ancient Mataram Period