Prambanan Temple

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 8 July 2026 during his three-day state visit to Indonesia. Accompanied by President Prabowo Subianto, he offered prayers at the historic Hindu temple dedicated to the Trimurti—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Prambanan Temple: An Architectural Marvel

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, built in the 9th century during the Mataram Kingdom. It is dedicated to the Trimurti and is renowned for its magnificent stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, making it one of Southeast Asia’s finest examples of Hindu temple architecture.

The temple complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its outstanding cultural and historical significance.

India–Indonesia Cultural Cooperation

During the visit, India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to preserving their shared civilisational heritage.

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is collaborating with Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and the Indonesian Heritage Institute to restore several smaller temples within the Prambanan complex.
• The restoration initiative follows the 2025 India–Indonesia Joint Statement, which identified Prambanan as an important symbol of shared cultural heritage.
• Both countries have also designated 2026–2027 as the “Tagore–Dewantara Year” to promote cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prambanan Temple: Important Facts for Exams

• Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Built: 9th Century CE
• Dedicated to: Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1991
• Famous For: Ramayana stone reliefs and Hindu temple architecture
• Restoration Partner: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
• It is dedicated to the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• The temple is famous for its Ramayana relief panels.
• India and Indonesia are jointly working on the conservation and restoration of the temple complex as part of their expanding cultural cooperation.