Kalasan Temple

Kalasan Temple is one of Indonesia’s oldest Buddhist temples and an important historical site in Yogyakarta. It is located in Kalibening, Kalasan, about 2 kilometers west of Prambanan Temple on the main Yogyakarta–Solo road. Built in the 8th century during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, Kalasan Temple stands out for its beautiful architecture, detailed stone carvings, and its connection to the Buddhist Tara tradition. It attracts visitors who are interested in Buddhist history or ancient Javanese culture.

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee is about IDR 5,000 for local visitors and IDR 10,000 for international visitors. The temple is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM.

What to See

Kalasan Temple is famous for its beautiful carved reliefs and elegant architecture, which show the skill of the Sailendra period. You can see detailed Buddhist ornaments, decorative niches, and carvings that remain on the temple walls.

A unique feature of the temple is vajralepa, an ancient plaster that once covered the outer walls. Today, only small traces remain, making it rare among Indonesian temples. Other highlights include the eastern main entrance, remains of meditation chambers, and decorative elements related to Buddhist symbols.

Historical Background

The Kalasan Inscription from 778 CE states that Kalasan Temple was built during the rule of Rakai Panangkaran, at the request of the Sailendra Dynasty. The temple was dedicated to Tara, a respected female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, and a nearby monastery was built for Buddhist monks.

This inscription shows that Kalasan Temple is one of the oldest known Buddhist monuments in Central Java and highlights the strong Buddhist influence in the area during the 8th century.