Explore the history, legends, and unique architecture of Ratu Boko Temple in Sleman, a destination that offers stunning natural beauty and Javanese cultural heritage.
Ratu Boko Temple in Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, is not only a historical site, but also a place full of mystery and stunning natural beauty.
With the background of the legend of Ratu Boko and the story of Roro Jonggrang, this temple combines the grandeur of ancient architecture with stunning hill views. This article will discuss the history, building structure, and other important information about Ratu Boko Temple.
Legend and History of Ratu Boko Temple
The name Ratu Boko comes from Javanese tradition which states that “queen” can refer to either a female or male leader.
In folklore, Ratu Boko is known as the father of Roro Jonggrang, the main character in the legend that also involves Prambanan Temple and Bandung Bondowoso.
From a historical perspective, Ratu Boko Temple was built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran in 792 AD. Initially, this complex was not a temple but a monastery called Abhayagiri.
This temple was built as a place for Rakai Panangkaran to spend the rest of his life after abdicating and choosing the path of Buddhism.
Its location on a 25-hectare hill provides a peaceful atmosphere and is suitable for spiritual life. Exploring this temple is one of the Things to do Sleman, offering a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
However, in the 9th century AD, Abhayagiri was converted into a palace by Rakai Walaing Pu Kumbhayoni, a local Hindu ruler. Therefore, Ratu Boko Temple shows a blend of Buddhist and Hindu styles in its architecture.
This temple was first discovered by a Dutch archaeologist named van Boeckholtz in 1790. Further research was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which concluded that the complex also served as a defensive fortress.
Structure of Ratu Boko Temple Building
Ratu Boko Temple Complex consists of several main structures that form an area of 25 hectares. Here is a detailed explanation of each part:
1. Gate
The main gate is located on the west side of the complex and serves as the main entrance. From the parking area, visitors have to walk about 100 meters to reach this gate.
The gate consists of two parts, namely the outer gate and the larger main gate. The ornaments on this gate include coil (ukel) motifs and giant heads at the top of the stairs.
2. Batu Kapur Temple
After passing through the gate, you will find the foundation of Batukapur Temple, which measures 5 x 5 meters and is made of limestone. The walls and roof of this building are thought to have been made of organic materials such as wood and tiles, which are now gone.
3. Pembokoran Temple
Pembokoran Temple has a terraced shape 3 meters high with an area of 26 square meters. This terrace has an old well which is considered to be a source of holy water. In the middle there is a square well measuring 4 x 4 meters which was used for cremation in the past.
4. The temple
Paseban is a place facing the king which is in the form of a long terrace measuring 7 x 38 meters. There are 20 pedestals which used to be the foundations for the building’s pillars. The location of Paseban is about 45 meters south of the main gate.
5. Hall
Pendapa is a living room in the form of a roofed floor in front of the main house. This structure is surrounded by a 3-meter-high stone wall with several roofed gates. The pendapa is also equipped with a jaladwara, a water drainage channel, to maintain the cleanliness of the area.
Outside the walls of the pendapa, there are three small temples as places of worship for the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
6. Princess
Keputren is the residence of royal princesses. Its location is to the east of the pendapa and consists of two parts separated by a stone wall. This section has several pools, including three square pools and eight circular pools neatly lined up.
7. Cave
On the hillside of Ratu Boko Temple, there are two small caves, namely Lanang Cave (male) and Wadon Cave (female). Lanang Cave has a square corridor shape, while Wadon Cave is smaller and has niches that resemble rooms.
Location and Operating Hours
Ratu Boko Temple is located on Jl. Raya Piyungan-Prambanan No. 2, Gatak, Bokoharjo, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Access to this location can be reached via Jalan Laksda Adisutjipto or Jalan Raya Solo-Yogya. From Prambanan Market, take the south direction towards Jalan Prambanan-Piyungan, then follow the signs to Ratu Boko.
For visitors using public transportation, take the KRL from Yogyakarta or Solo and get off at Brambanan Station. From there, you can continue your journey by motorcycle taxi or taxi.
Ratu Boko Temple’s operating hours are 07:00–17:00 WIB, so visitors have enough time to explore the entire area.
Ratu Boko Temple Ticket Prices
The following are the entrance ticket prices for Ratu Boko Temple:
- Adults (10 years and above): 40,000 per person
- Children (ages 3-10 years): 20,000 per person
- Group (minimum 20 people): 20,000 per person
There are also through tickets to visit Prambanan or Borobudur Temples. Through tickets for Ratu Boko-Prambanan with shuttle facilities are priced at IDR 85,000 per person, while children pay IDR 40,000.
Tourist Facilities at Ratu Boko Temple
Ratu Boko Temple has been equipped with various facilities for visitor comfort, including:
- Large parking area for two and four wheeled vehicles.
- Prayer room for visitors who want to pray.
- Clean and well maintained toilets.
- Open green park, perfect for relaxing.
- CCTV and security ensure visitor safety.
- Tour guides are ready to provide information about the history and structure of the temple.
Ratu Boko Temple is not only a historical site rich in legends and architectural beauty, but also a tourist attraction that offers spiritual experiences and natural beauty.
With a blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements, this complex is a symbol of tolerance and cultural diversity in the past.
Its strategic location in the hills of Sleman provides stunning views, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Tourist Attractions in Kaliurang near Yogyakarta.