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Candi Sumberawan (Sumberawan Temple) Candi Sumberawan is an ancient Buddhist monument located in Toyomarto village within the Singosari district of Malang Regency, East Java. Nestled in a lush pine forest at the foothills of Mount Arjuno, the site is situated at an elevation of about 650 meters above sea level. It sits adjacent to a natural, crystal-clear water spring—which gives the site its name, as "sumber" translates to spring or source in Javanese—creating a highly tranquil and picturesque environment. Historically, the site is believed to date back to the late 14th century, bridging the late Singhasari and Majapahit periods. It is widely identified with "Kasurangganan," a sacred place mentioned in the famous old Javanese eulogy, the *Nagarakretagama*. According to the text, the site was renowned as "the garden of the heavenly nymphs" and was specifically visited by King Hayam Wuruk of the Majapahit Empire in 1359 during his royal tour across East Java. Architecturally, Candi Sumberawan stands out as a unique anomaly among East Javanese antiquities, as it is the only known temple in the region built entirely in the shape of a Buddhist stupa. Constructed from andesite stone, the monument features a plain square base that transitions into an octagonal midsection, which then supports a smooth, bell-shaped dome (*anda*). The very top pinnacle of the stupa is missing, having likely eroded or fallen over time. Notably, the structure lacks the stairs, entrance portals, or inner chambers typically found in other Javanese *candi*, indicating a purely symbolic external structure. Because it possesses no inner room for statues or offerings, the monument was not designed for interior worship. Instead, it was likely utilized for the Buddhist ritual of *pradakshina*, where devotees would walk clockwise around the structure in moving meditation. Combined with its proximity to the life-giving spring, Candi Sumberawan served as a vital sanctuary for asceticism, purification rituals, and the veneration of water, maintaining its aura of spiritual serenity to this day.
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Candi Singosari (Singhasari Temple) Candi Singosari (or Singhasari Temple) is a 13th-century monument blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions located in Candirenggo village in the Malang Regency of East Java. It sits in a valley at 512 meters above sea level, facing Mount Arjuno, and is believed to mark the historic heart of the ancient Singhasari Kingdom. The temple was built as a memorial shrine (pendharmaan) for King Kertanagara, the last monarch of the Singhasari empire, who died at the hands of Jayakatwang in 1292. Documented in the Nagarakretagama manuscript and a 1351 inscription found on-site, the monument honors the king by seamlessly merging his devoted Shaivite and Buddhist beliefs. Made of andesite stone, the temple's architecture breaks from traditional Javanese designs. Its main chambers and statues are built into the foundation (kaki candi) rather than the central body. The middle section remains intentionally empty to represent Parama Sunya, or the ultimate void in Buddhist philosophy. Additionally, the plain, uncarved Kala heads over the lower doors suggest the structure was never fully completed. The site is also famous for its impressive stone sculptures. The base once held beautifully detailed figures of Shiva (as Agastya), Durga, and Ganesha—the latter having been taken to Thailand in 1896 by King Chulalongkorn. Nearby, two massive stone guardians, known as Dvarapalas, stand watch, having originally been carved to protect the royal tombs and the entrance to Kertanagara's palace. 3D model constructed by drone + handheld photogrammetry.
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Candi Badut (Badut Temple) Candi Badut, located in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, is a small yet historically significant Hindu temple believed to have been built in the 8th century during the era of the Kanjuruhan Kingdom. As one of the oldest temples in East Java, it holds great importance in understanding the early spread of Hindu culture and architecture in the region. The temple’s structure is relatively simple, with a square base and a central chamber (cella) that once housed a Lingga-Yoni, symbolizing the worship of Shiva, a key deity in Hinduism. Although parts of the temple have been damaged or eroded over time, the remaining carvings and architectural elements reflect the early Javanese style of stone construction, characterized by minimalistic yet meaningful designs.
The temple’s name, “Badut,” which translates to “clown” in modern Indonesian, is intriguing, though its connection to the temple's purpose or history is unclear. Located in the Tidar area, on the western outskirts of Malang, Candi Badut is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil environment that enhances its spiritual and historical atmosphere. Efforts have been made to restore and preserve the site, making it a popular destination for both tourists and researchers. Its accessibility and cultural significance make Candi Badut not only a treasure of Malang’s heritage but also an important link to the early history of Hinduism in Java.
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Candi Jago (Jago Temple) Candi Jago, located in Tumpang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia, is a 13th-century Hindu-Buddhist temple built during the Singhasari Kingdom. It is believed to have been constructed as a memorial for King Wisnuwardhana, a ruler of Singhasari, around 1268–1280 CE. The name "Jago" is thought to derive from the ancient Javanese word "Jajaghu," which means "glorious," reflecting its significance as a spiritual and cultural landmark. The temple's architecture and carvings illustrate the syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist influences that characterized the religious practices of the time.
Physically, Candi Jago is notable for its unique stepped-pyramid design, a departure from the more vertical structures of earlier temples. The base of the temple is square, measuring approximately 23 meters on each side, with a terraced design leading to a now-missing main chamber and roof. Its walls are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as Buddhist narratives like the Jataka tales. These carvings not only highlight the temple's artistic mastery but also provide a glimpse into the moral and spiritual values of the Singhasari period.
Despite its historical significance, much of Candi Jago is in a state of ruin due to centuries of weathering and human intervention. The roof and upper structures have been lost, and some carvings have deteriorated. Nevertheless, restoration efforts have helped preserve the remaining elements, ensuring that visitors can still appreciate its beauty and historical importance. Today, Candi Jago serves as a vital link to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, attracting tourists, researchers, and spiritual seekers alike.
