Dieng Plateau
Dieng
Plateau is a marshy plateau that forms the floor of a caldera complex on
the Dieng Volcanic Complex near Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia.
Referred to as "Dieng" by Indonesians, it sits at 2,000 metres (6,600
ft) above sea level, far from major population centres. The name "Dieng"
comes from Di Hyang which means "Abode of the Gods". Part of General
Sudirman's guerrilla campaign during the Indonesian War of Independence
took place in the area.
The Plateau is the location eight small Hindu temples. It is unclear
when they were built, estimated to range from mid 7th century to end of
8th century AD; they are the oldest known standing stone structures in
Java They are originally thought to have numbered 400 but only eight
remain. The temples are now believed to have been named after the heroes
of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Michell claims Dieng's misty location
almost 2,093 m above sea level, its poisonous effusions and
sulphur-coloured lakes make it a particularly auspicious place for
religious tribute. The temples are small shrines built as monuments to
the god-ancestors and dedicated to Shiva. The Hindu shrines are
miniature cosmic mountains based on plans in Indian religious texts,
although Schoppert suggest the design motifs have little connection to
India. In 2011, in a review published by Romain, the temple is now
believed to be related to Dravida and Pallava style temples of South
India. The theory that poisonous effusions make it auspicious is now
disputed as volcanic activity in this area from 7th to 9th century is
yet to established, and records suggest the temple was abandoned after
volcanic eruptions became common in central Java.
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