Tourism Place - Penataran Temple

Penataran Temple or its original name is Palah Temple is a cluster of temples of Shivaitic Hindu religious nature located in Penataran Village, Nglegok District, Blitar Regency, East Java. The grandest and largest temple in East Java which has an area of 12.946 m². Penataran Temple located on the southwestern slope of Mount Kelud, north of Blitar, at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. The first person to discover this temple was Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles from England and Doctor Horsfield. The process of making Penataran Temple began during the reign of the Kediri Kingdom, around 1194 Masehi. Established on a potentially sacred land because in that place there is a Palah inscription from the Kadiri era, containing the worship of Bhatara ri Palah. However, the temple was only completed during the reign of the Majapahit Kingdom. 

Penataran Temple was once used as a place of worship for Hindus with the God worshiped here is Lord Shiva. Then, around the XV century, Penataran Temple became a place to study religion. Penataran Temple was deliberately built on the slopes of Mount Kelud to honor the Mountain God known as Hyang Acalapati or Girindra in Shiva Hinduism. The purpose of building this temple is so that the residents are free from disasters that might be caused by Mount Kelud.  

The architecture of Penataran temple is the same as most other temples in East Java. The temple complex is a cluster of several buildings that stretch on a northwest-southeast axis. Behind the main temple on the east side there is a river that has its headwaters in Mount Kelud. The temple complex is arranged in a linear pattern, with several ancillary temples and halls located in front of the main temple and grouped into three parts, namely the front, middle and back yards. The linear arrangement pattern with a rather irregular pattern on Penataran Temple is typical of the East Javanese style that developed during the Kediri to Majapahit periods.

The front courtyard has two Dwapala arches welcoming at the main gate, Archa Dwapala is believed to be the guardian of the door and is known to the surrounding community as Reco Petung which is dated 1242 Saka or 1320 Masehi.The second part of the Penataran Temple complex is the center courtyard. Here, you can find two Dwarapala statues, 6 building remains, the Dragon Temple and the brick foundation to the east of the central courtyard. The third part of the Penataran Temple complex is the backyard. The backyard has a higher location than the front yard and the center yard. Here, you can see 9 pieces of former buildings with irregular positions, Palah inscriptions in the form of linggapala and other building remains that have reliefs that tell the temple with a height of 1 meter.

Penataran temple is also equipped with a bathhouse in the back area that is rarely known to people because most tourists only visit the central area of the temple. The bathing pool is filled with water that is so clear with medium-sized fish living in it. There are tilapia, sepat fish and one catfish that is quite large. According to the men who take care of the bathing pool, there is a belief that if a woman washes her face with the bathing water, her face will stay young. In addition, many coins are scattered at the bottom of the pond. According to the man who takes care of the pool, the coins are thrown by young people who hope to get lucky by throwing coins into the pool. The Penataran Temple certainly has its own charm. Starting from the structure of the walls to the building, it looks beautiful which was previously well built. To enter this area is free of charge, just fill in the guest book and if you want to donate voluntarily for cleanliness is allowed. Also suitable for learning and getting to know the historical heritage of the royal era. Outside the temple location there are many sellers of souvenirs Blitar chips which are really cheap starting from 2000.