PENATARAN TEMPLE COMPLEX, THE GUARDIAN OF KELUD MOUNTAIN

PLACE AND HISTORY

In the Nagarakretagama book it is written that Raja Hayam Wuruk in his royal journey around East Java once visited a sacred building in Blitar called Candi Palah which is now more often called Penataran temple. This temple complex was built in succession during the period of 3 major kingdoms in East Java. During the Kadiri kingdom, Singhasari kingdom and Majapahit kingdom. Early Development began with King Srengga of the Kadiri kingdom in 1200 AD. Continued during the time of King Kertanegara from the Singhasari kingdom and finally used during the time of King Wikrawardana from the Majapahit kingdom. This Shiva temple, a Hindu temple, was built as a cult so that Kelud volcano would not cause danger if it erupted. And in this temple complex Mahapatih Gajahmada took the Palapa oath.

The location of this temple is administratively located in Penataran village, Nglegok district, Blitar Regency. 15 kilometers northeast of Blitar city. The Penataran Temple Complex is the widest temple complex in East Java, occupying an area of 12,946 square meters divided into 3 pages.

1.Front yard

front page consists of:

The gate is flanked by Dwarapala statue / guard statue.
Great Bale that functions as a meeting place for the elders
The terrace pavilion functions as a place of offerings or resting King
Candra Sengkala Temple

2. Middle yard

The Middle yard consists of:

The Dragon Temple is estimated to have been built by Raja Kertanegara in 1208 Saka or 1286 AD
some brick foundation

3.Backyard

Backyard there are:

Main Temple
Palah inscription
and some temple foundations

ACCESS TO PENATARAN TEMPLE

From the city of Surabaya and surrounding areas

1. Ride the bus

From Purabaya terminal, take the bus route Surabaya - Blitar and get off at Patria Blitar terminal. Arriving on the Angkot A terminal route Patria - Pasar Legi down at the legi market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

2.Riding train

From Gubeng Station take the Surabaya - Blitar route and get off at Blitar Station. Arriving Blitar Station on foot or take a 500 meter becak to Legi Market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

From the city of Yogyakarta and surrounding areas

1. Ride the bus

From Giwangan terminal, take the bus route Yogyakarta - Blitar and get off at Patria Blitar terminal. Arriving on the Angkot A terminal route Patria - Pasar Legi down at the legi market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

2.Riding train

From Yogyakarta Station take the Yogyakarta - Blitar route and get off at Blitar Station. Arriving Blitar Station on foot or take a 500 meter becak to Legi Market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

From Banyuwangi Regency and surrounding areas

1. . Ride the bus

From Brawijaya terminal / Ketapang Port, take a bus on the Banyuwangi - Malang route and get off at Arjosari terminal. After that, take the Malang-Blitar route and get off at Patria Blitar terminal. Arriving on the Angkot A terminal route Patria - Pasar Legi down at the legi market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

2.Riding train

From Banyuwangi Baru Station take the Banyuwangi - Malang train route and get off at Kota Baru Station. After that take the train route Malang - Blitar get off at Blitar Station. Arriving Blitar Station on foot or take a 500 meter becak to Legi Market. After that, take the Village Transport on the Pasar Legi - Penataran route down at the Penataran temple.

ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES

There are many food stalls available, souvenir shops and nearby hotels there. for those who love photography or just Selfi fit there because the place instagramable.