Sambisari temple, located in Sambisari village, Purwomartani, Kalasan, is a historic site that holds a significant place in Indonesian history. This magnificent temple was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1966 when it was buried under 6.5 meters of lava from the eruption of Mount Merapi.
Compared to Prambanan, Sambisari temple is more modest in terms of its level of grandeur. While Prambanan represents the kingdom level, Sambisari represents the watak level. However, despite its modesty, Sambisari temple still holds a unique charm and historical significance.
The complex of Sambisari temple consists of a main temple and three perwara temples located in front of it. The main temple is situated in a yard that measures 50 x 48 meters and is surrounded by a fence made of white stone. The main temple itself measures 13.65 x 13.65 meters and stands at a height of 7.5 meters. It is composed of a base part, body, and roof. Facing the west side, the main temple has a single chamber. As for the perwara temples, they only have a base without a body and roof. Each perwara temple measures 4.80 x 4.80 meters.
Inside the chamber of the main temple, visitors can find the lingga-yoni with a cerat yoni facing the north side. The chamber also contains several niches, with the north niche housing the statue of Durga, the east niche housing the statue of Ganesha, and the south niche housing the statue of Agastya. Although there are niches on the right and left side of the chamber, the statues that once occupied them are now missing.
The accessibility of Sambisari temple is quite convenient as the track leading to the temple has been paved. Visitors can easily reach the temple by two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, there is a spacious and safe parking area available for visitors. The entrance fee to explore this historical archaeological site is very affordable, with only Rp2,000.00 for adults and Rp1,000.00 for children.
To ensure the preservation and management of this historic site, the Culture and Tourism Department, Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala (BP3) Yogyakarta, oversees Sambisari temple. Anyone interested in visiting this location can contact the Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala (BP3) Yogyakarta located at Jalan Yogya-Solo km 15, Bogem, Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
Sambisari temple stands as a testament to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a window into the past. Its discovery and subsequent excavation have shed light on the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. As visitors explore this magnificent temple, they are transported back in time, allowing them to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of Indonesia’s ancient past.
