Merak Temple 2.17

Merak temple, or locally known as Candi Merak, is a 10th-century Javanese Shivaist Hindu temple complex located in Karangnongko village, in Klaten Regency, northwest from Klaten town, Central Java, on southeastern slopes of Mount Merapi. The temple complex consisted of a main building and three perwara (ancillary) temples, dating from the 9th or 10th century, from the Mataram Kingdom.Near Candi Merak there are several temple ruins and archaeological sites, however — unlike Candi Merak — most are in ruins and incomplete, such as Candi Karangnongko, Candi Kriyan and Candi Bekelan.HistoryRegarding the architectural styles, deities, yoni housed in main chamber and carving of this temples, the temple is dedicated to Shiva and most probably constructed in 10th-century. The temple has been discovered in early 20th-century. A preliminary research has been conducted since 1925/1926 by archaeology authority of Dutch East Indies. The reconstruction project slowly conducted, and finished in 2011, although the top ratna pinnacle is still missing.ArchitectureThe temple occupy 1,480 square meter area. The main temple has been completely reconstructed, and the condition of bas-reliefs and statues are quite well-preserved. The main temple faces east and the ruins of three perwara temples located in front of the main temples. A flight of stairs located on east side, flanked by two of well-preserved makara. Unlike makaras in other temples, the Candi Merak's makaras are unique, its trunks is shaped as cobra-like Nāga, creating a makara-naga chimera. The stairs took visitors to its main portals adorned on top of it with Kala's head. Inside the main chamber there is a yoni with naga's head carved on northern side. It used to be a stone lingam erected upon this yoni, however it is now missing.