candi

A candi is a religious structure in Indonesia based on an Indianized shrine with a pyramidal tower. These structures were originally built using stone and were influenced by Indian architectural styles. The Javanese, similar to the Khmer people, developed their own elaborate architecture around this basic Indian prototype.1

Central Javanese stone architecture did not rely on structural pillars and was conceived as a solid mass for figurative and symbolic sculpture, with temples often being centralized with radiating enclosures around a main shrine. In contrast, eastern Java and Bali show influences from older traditions, with walled areas considered sacred and buildings of secondary importance. Representations in stone reliefs and later Balinese architecture suggest an influence from the ancient Southeast Asian tradition of constructing wooden halls with tiered, sloping roofs.1

The earliest Indonesian architectural monuments are believed to be the group of shrines on the Dijeng Plateau, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. These are single-cell shrines with diminishing stories and relatively plain exteriors, though their door frames feature carvings of the Kala monster and makara. Later Buddhist candis, such as Candi Mendut and Borobudur, were designed to express complex metaphysical theories and are considered highly evolved architectural images. The Hindu temples at Lara Jonggrang in Prambanan, dating from around 900 CE, represent the cosmic mountain and originally comprised 232 temples, with the central temple dedicated to Shiva.12