Candi Sukuh Solo

Candi Sukuh popularly known as the Sukuh temple is situated at Desa Berjo, Karangpandan and stands at a height of 910 meters on the slopes of Gunung Lawu. The temple stretches from the East to the West and the main gate of the temple lies to the West. The construction of the Candi Sukuh is pre historic and reminds one of the Meghalitic era of Punden Berundak (terrace graves). Candi Sukuh can be considered to be one of the interesting Hindu temples in all of Southeast Asia.

Most temples generally would have a large square shrine whereas Candi Sukuh has a pyramid reminiscent of Mayan structures from Central America. This is perhaps the only Hindu temple or the Buddhist one for that matter sporting a pyramid like this and nobody knows for sure why the builders had chosen this type of a structure. Just in front of the pyramid are three large truncated which are haphazardly placed. They appear to be for offerings or sacrifices, or perhaps, given the nature of the carvings, go-go dancing. The temple features three terraces, the first terrace being on the lowest level, followed by the second and the third. All the three terraces are connected with stairs and each one has an entrance gate.

Candi Sukuh Temple in Solo was constructed in the 15th century according to popular belief. The relief’s that are found to beside the first gate are believed to have the meaning "Buta aban wong" and” Gapura buta anahut buntut” which means " The year of 1359 Caka = 1437 AD.

The remnants of the Sukuh Temple in Solo consist of Reliefs that describe the union of the male and female ex organs symbolically which can be found on the gate of the first terrace. Reliefs describing the Sudhamala and Garudeya stories and reliefs that describe the hand made iron activities (pande besi) are also found in the temple. The temple seems apparently devoted to the god Bima, the sword maker. Human statues and animal statues can also be seen inside the temple premises.

The main temple was discovered in 1815 which was discovered by a resident of Sukarta, Johnson during the period of the Raffles’ government. It is also pyramidal. Various efforts have been made to restore and secure the temple. Archeological department of the Central Java provincial government resumed restoration work in 1989-1991.