Cetho temple, Java
The Cetho temple (candi) dates to the 15th century, and was one of the last major Hindu temples built in Java before Islamic rule took over the island. The style of temple is also quite distinct, since it diverges significantly from the older temples around Yogyakarta, which were more similar to the Indian style. Instead, here one can recognise a temple style similar to the typical Hindu temples of Bali, suggesting that the style was developed in Java first.
The temple is still used by a small Javanese Hindu community that lives on the slope of Lawu Mountain. These are one of the few Hindu communities which have preserved their Hindu religion in the face of Islamisation, thanks to their relative isolation.
Cetho temple, Java
The Cetho temple (candi) dates to the 15th century, and was one of the last major Hindu temples built in Java before Islamic rule took over the island. The style of temple is also quite distinct, since it diverges significantly from the older temples around Yogyakarta, which were more similar to the Indian style. Instead, here one can recognise a temple style similar to the typical Hindu temples of Bali, suggesting that the style was developed in Java first.
The temple is still used by a small Javanese Hindu community that lives on the slope of Lawu Mountain. These are one of the few Hindu communities which have preserved their Hindu religion in the face of Islamisation, thanks to their relative isolation.