Candi Vishnu

Prambanan, Indonesia

Vishnu's temple is seen here from the vicinity of Candi Garuda, the temple of Vishnu's mount (see plan on previous page). The tripartite division of the typical Javanese temple, into superstructure, main structure, and substructure, or head, body, and foot, is evident here. This form is standard during both the Central Javanese (8th to 10th centuries AD) and East Javanese (10th to 15th centuries AD) periods.

The temple's pyramidal roof and its wide base are decorated with innumerable miniature shrines with kalasha finials; its vertical body is divided into two tall courses, each decorated by a band of simple rectangular frames, that form an abrupt transition from the base. The effect is to make the body seem narrow, and therefore tall, by contrast with the much wider base, while also providing a graceful yet solid support for the massive roof.

The temple's sculptures and decorations, including its Krishna reliefs, are illustrated on the following pages.