Dieng Plateau, is a marshy plateau that forms the floor of a caldera complex on the Dieng active volcano complex, and is located near Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia.

It is the site for eight small Hindu temples from the 7th and 8th centuries, the oldest Hindu temples in Central Java, and the first known standing stone structures in Java. They are originally thought to have numbered 400 but only 8 remain. The Dieng structures were small and relatively plain, but stone architecture developed substantially in only a matter of decades resulting in masterpieces such as the Prambanan complex and Borobudur. The earliest architectural usage of the Javanese demonic masks and marine monsters are exhibited along the niches and doorways of the remaining structures^[1]. The name "Dieng" comes from Di Hyang which means "Abode of the Gods".^[2] Its misty location almost 2000 m above sea level, and its mists, 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^[3], rather than acting as a convenience to man.

Part of General Sudirman's guerilla campaign during Indonesian War of Independence took place in the area.

[edit] Candi

This list is of all identified candi found within the immediate area of the main plateau.

Candi Abiyasa Candi Arjuna Candi Bima Candi Darawati Candi Dwarawati Candi Gatotkaca Candi Pandu Candi Parikesit

Candi Puntadewa Candi Magersari Candi Nakula Candi Sadewa Candi Sembadra Candi Senjaka Candi Semar Candi Srikandi

[edit] See also

• Candi of Indonesia
• Indonesian architecture

[edit] References

• Backshall, Stephan et al. (1999) Indonesia The Rough Guide London Penguin ISBN 1-85828-429-5 pp.190–195
• Dalton, Bill Indonesia Handbook fourth edition pp. 280–283
• Dumarcay, J and Miksic J. Temples of the Dieng Plateau in Miksic, John 1996 (editor) 1996 Ancient History Volume 1 of Indonesian Heritage Series Archipleago Press, Singapore. ISBN 981-3018-26-7
• Mertadiwangsa, S. Adisarwono, (1999) Dataran tinggi Dieng : objek wisata alam dan objek wisata budayanya = Dieng Plateau Yogyakarta: Kaliwangi Offset Yogyakarta, (In Indonesian)
• Witton, Patrick (2003). Indonesia (7th edition). Melbourne: Lonely Planet. pp. 209–211. ISBN 1-74059-154-2. 

Coordinates: 7°12′S 109°54′E / 7.2°S 109.9°E / -7.2; 109.9

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