Majapahit Historical Heritage Sites All Over Indonesia
Majapahit used to be the biggest kingdom in Indonesia ever. The kingdom was first ruled by Raden Wijaya in 1293. Based in East Java, Majapahit spread its power to expand its area. Its area of power included Java Island, Sumatera Island, Kalimantan Island, Malaya Peninsula, East Indonesia, and even some part of the Philippine. With such greatness, the kingdom left some historical heritage sites, especially in Indonesia.
Tikus Temple
Tikus Temple is the most popular Majapahit historical heritage site. It is located in Temon Village, Trowulan Subdistrict, Mojokerto Regency. It is said that it was buried deep and had become rat’s nest when it was first found. That’s where the name “tikus” came from “Tikus” means rats.
When I first saw the temple, I thought it used to be a bathhouse. Some archeologists, however, had some disagreements on this. Some said that it was a water reservoir for Trowulan people. Others said that it was a place of worship as a small tower laid there. Whatever it is, the existence of the tower itself says that it was built in 13 to 14 centuries.
The site opens from 6.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
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Brahu Temple
Brahu temple is located in Bejijong Village, Trowulan Subdistrict, Mojokerto Regency. This temple was built by Mpu Sendok as a place of cremating Majapahit kings’ bodies. The name “Brahu” itself was assumed to be derived from “Wanaru” or “Warahu.” The word which means “sacred place” was taken from Alasantan inscription found not far from the temple.
Incorporating Buddhist style, the temple was built of red brick stones. The temple was estimated to be built in the 15th century. It is 22.5 meters long, 18 meters width and 20 meters high. When it was first found, there were a lot of religious ceremonies tools made of metal. There were also statues, pieces of gold jewelry, and others.
When I first visited the temple, it was so beautiful. The contrast between the environment and the temple was crystal clear. I sat on grasses and faced up north, enjoying the majestic temple.
The site opens from 9.00 A.M to 5.00 P.M.
Sukuh Temple
Sukuh temple is located in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso Subdistrict, Kranganyar Regency, Central Java. It is 36 km from Surakarta and 20 km from Karanganyar. It was estimated that the building was built in 1437.
The temple was found in 1815 by Surakarta resident Johnson under Thomas Stanford Raffles command. Raffles intended to compile some data for his book entitled “The History of Java.” In 1842, Dutch archeologist Van der Vlies observed the temple. The temple was restored in 1928.
Dutch archeologist W.F. Stutterheim argued that the builder was village woodworkers, instead of stonemasons from the palace. The conclusion was made after seeing the humble architectural style of the building.
The site opens from 7.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.
Bajang Ratu Temple
Bajang Ratu Temple is one of the relics of the Majapahit Kingdom which is still very well preserved. Around this temple is also very beautiful, where there are parks and various green trees. The location of this temple itself is located in Temon Village, Trowulan District.
Wringin Lawang Temple
Wringin Lawang Temple is located in Jati Pasar Village, Trowulan District. As the name implies, this temple indeed resembles a door if observed. This temple was built with a red stone structure with dimensions of an area of 13 meters x 11 meters and a height of 15.5 meters.
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