Prambanan Temple

Ranging between the Merapi volcano in the north and the Sewu mountains in the south, The Prambanan Plains are close to the present territory of the Yogyakarta site and Klaten Regency in Central Java. The remains of Bubrah sanctuary, Lumbung sanctuary, and Sewu sanctuary further north, towards the east is the Plaosan sanctuary.

The Prambanan Temple introduces the traditional culture of Shiva craftsmanship with over 508 varying stone temples preserved securely. The area surrounding the Prambanan temple is prone to regular dangers, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Hindu Architectural Style
An average, conventional Hindu architectural style, dependent on Vastu Shastra, forms the foundation of the Prambanan Temple. Incorporating the mandala temple plan, the temple also includes the traditional high Hindu-temple styled towers. The temple is believed to impersonate Meru, the sacred mountain; the Shaiva abode as well as home to legendary Hindu divine beings. It is said that the entire temple complex is a model of the Hindu universe.

Temple Sections 
The Prambanan temple follows the hierarchy system of the temple zones, ranging from the less significant to the significant Hindu parts. The compound site plan comprises of three levels:
1. Bhurloka - The realm of the wordly and the unholy, which is the outer courtyard and base of every temple.
2. Bhuvarloka - The dwelling of blessed and lesser holy divine beings which is the central courtyard and the sanctuary of every temple.
3. Svarloka - The holiest realm, portrayed as the inward yard and the topmost section of every temple.
Highlights
Gems (Ratna) are used to decorate the top section of the Prambanan Temple, which is said to be the Hindu counterpart of the Buddhist stupa.

Initially established in approximately 850 CE by Rakai Pikatan, The Prambanan temple was then developed by King Lokapala and Balitung Maha Sambu - the Sanjaya king of the Mataram Kingdom. According to the Shivagriha engraving dated 856 CE, the Prambanan temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and was initially called 'Shiva-griha' (the House of Shiva or 'Shiva-laya' or the Realm of Shiva). This inscription directed alterations for the river course, which was further used during the foundation of the temple. The river, now known as the Opak River, runs along the western side of the Prambanan temple compound. The previous river course was used up for the expansion of the temple and other complementary temples.

The closest cities are Yogyakarta, 17 km toward the south-west and Solo around 40 km toward the northeast. The main street associating these two cities passes through Prambanan. The closest real town to Prambanan is Klaten, around 3 km north.
By Air
Domestic flights from Jakarta, Bali, and international flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are available to Yogyakarta.
By Cab
A taxi from the airport would take around 20 minutes. A cab from Yogyakarta costs around IDR 60,000.
By Train
Take train 252 from the Lempuyangan train station at 07:18 or 12:30 
Take train 260 from the Maguwo station at 07:29 or 12:46