Java island of Indonesia between Sumatra and Bali is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Influence of Hinduism and Buddhism is seen in the traditional architecture of Java. The 4th to 15th century is therefore called as Hindu –Buddhist era. Many grand Hindu mandirs decorate the land of Java. The origin of architectural style, which developed later in Java such as Prambanan and Borobudur, is simple and can be traced in the group of small mandirs of Dieng. Dieng is a plateau in Central Java, surrounded by a series of mountains and volcanic complexes.
Dieng mandirs are from the 7th and 8th century and are located in central Java. The Dieng Plateau houses eight Hindu mandirs. All these mandirs are very small in size and relatively plain but are the earliest Hindu mandirs of Indonesia. These mandirs were rediscovered in 1814 by a visiting British soldier. These mandirs are named after characters from Mahabharat such as Arjun and Bhim. Arjun Temple is comparatively quite intact. Arjun Temple cluster has a group of mandirs. Bhima Temple is isolated on the top of the hill. These mandirs are similar to the Pallava style mandirs of South India. They all have a single chamber inside, with one entrance.
Bima Temple is a single mandir situated on a hill separated from the rest of the Dieng Temple. It is the largest and tallest amongst the group. Design and style reminds us of the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram. However, the Shikhar style and its motifs also resemble the Lakshman Temple of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh. The Shikhar of this temple is in five levels and the motifs of Kudu are significant. In Hindu temple architecture Kudu has a very noteworthy role to play. This circular or horseshoe shaped gavaksha has styled many Shikhars of Hindu temples across Bharat and outside Bharat.
It is interesting to trace the evolution of the mandir style in the specific region and is more fascinating to note the similarities with our own land. A sense of belonging percolates down, through these pieces of architecture.
