This Javanese ancient Hindu temple tells the story of Singhasari and Majapahit kingdoms. The temple was constructed in the 13th century AD during the Singhasari kingdom. The massive structure of the temple is adorned with intricate and fascinating carvings and incidents from the stories of Mahabharat. This not only reflects the skilled craftsmanship of its time but also the origin of the temple design.
Jago Temple showcases the grandeur of Hindu-Buddhist architecture prevalent during that era. Hindu Buddhists architecture of Java is defined by many features but prominent amongst those is the ornamentation and carving. Ornamentation is the means of communication of socio-cultural situations, beliefs and thought processes prevailing at that time in that region. Hindu Buddhist era of Java can be traced and studied through architecture of that period and deeper understanding can be developed through methodical study of these carvings. The pattern, the style, the figures, their features etc can lead to many discoveries about the people and their origin. Thus Hindu Buddhist architectural ornaments of Javanese traditional architecture can be traced through temples of Java, such as Sewu temple of the 8th century and also Jago temple of the 13th century.
Sacred and aesthetically pleasing ambience prevails around the temple. Jago Temple is also recognised as the burial site for historical figures including the tombs of Kendedes and Kakek Bodo. This temple is now surrounded by residential areas and is on the main village road. The conservation and preservation of this cultural heritage has become a challenge. The proximity of crowded residential areas threatens the historical and architectural integrity of Candi Jago. The challenge of retaining judicious balance of ‘development’ and that of ‘conservation’ is also faced by Jago temple as is countered by many heritage structures of the world.
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