The largest ancient Hindu temple complex near Blitar in East Java

September, 2026

Candi Penataran is a sprawling complex composed of three terraced courtyards that ascend toward the sacred mountain. The temple was not built by a single ruler- instead, it was constructed and expanded over a span of 300 years between 12th and 15th centuries. Construction began during the Kediri era, expanded by rulers of Singosari, and reached its peak and final form under the Majapahit Empire, serving as the favorite sanctuary of King Hayam Wuruk.
During the Majapahit era, Candi Penataran functioned as the supreme state temple and spiritual center dedicated to the worship of Shiva.
Facing Mount Kelud, the temple also served as a center for rituals and worship intended to pacify the volcanic mountain and ward off catastrophic eruptions.

You can spend hours wandering around this site appreciating the incredible relief carvings that depict everyday 13th-14th century Javanese life as well as Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Krishnayana.

Candi Naga (Dragon Temple) with sacred nagas held by nine divine female figures- built during the Singosari kingdom era.

Everywhere you look are more stunning works of art.

Penataran Museum:
Nearby the temple complex is a museum displaying ancient Hindu-Buddhist artifacts discovered in the region along with historical objects including household items and traditional tools.

Exquisite sculpture include Durga with eight arms to the right.

Do take time to support this beautiful little museum about 500 meters from the temple complex.
Candi Penataran- 15km north of Blitar is not on a main tourist travel circuit so you do not see many foreign visitors here, however it is a popular pilgrimage site for Balinese.

Blitar Town and Sukarno Memorial

Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia spent part of this childhood in Blitar and it is also where he was laid to rest.
Click Below to explore more of Blitar and beyond to learn of an ancient legend of Mount Kelud:
https://alamasia.net/blitar-east-java/

Mount Kelud 1731 meters with its sacred crater lake on the border of Blitar, Kediri and Malang regencies

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