Cangkuang Temple

This temple was first discovered in 1966 by a team of researchers based Harsoyo and Uka Candrasasmita reported on Vorderman (published in 1893) about the existence of a broken statue and the tomb of the ancestor, Muhammad Arif in Leles. In addition to finding the ruins of the temple, there are also pieces of the blade as well as large stones that are thought to be relics of megalithic era. Subsequent research (1967 and 1968) managed to dig a grave building.

Although it was almost certain that this temple is a Hindu religious heritage (circa 8th century AD, a contemporary of the temples on the historical sites of Cibuaya and Batujaya), Which is surprising is the existence of the Islamic cemetery beside it.

Cangkuang temple located in a small island which forms stretching from west to east with an area of 16.5 ha. This small island located in the middle of the lake Cangkuang at coordinates 106 ° 54’36, 79 “east longitude and 7 ° 06’09″ south latitude. In addition to the island which has a temple, in this lake there are also two other islands with a smaller size.

Location of topography’s Cangkuang lake found on a fertile valley approximately 600 m above sea level surrounded by mountains: Mount Haruman (1218 m asl) in the east – north, Pasir Kadaleman (681 m asl) in the southeast, Sand Bluebird (1841 m asl) on the south side of Thunder Mountain (2849 m asl) in south-west, Mount Malang (1329 m asl) in the west, Mount Mandalawangi south-north, and Mount Kaledong (1249 md.pl) next east.

Refurbishment has been carried out on buildings Cangkuang Temple in 1978. Cangkuang temple stands on a rectangular area measuring 4.7 x 4.7 m with a height of 30 cm. Foot building which underpins seam padma, kumuda seam, and seam pasagi size 4.5 x 4.5 m with a height of 1.37 m. On the east side of the stairs as there are performers where the length of 1.5 m and a width of 1.26 m.

Body temple are square shape 4.22 x 4.22 m with a height of 2.49 m. On the north side of the entrance there is a size 1.56 m (height) x 0.6 m (width). Top of the temple there are two levels: the rectangular measuring 3.8 x 3.8 m high by 1.56 m and 2.74 x 2.74 m of height 1.1 m. Inside there is room-sized 2.18 x 2.24 m height 2.55 m. In essence there are basin-sized 0.4 x 0.4 m 7 m deep (built when the refurbishment of buildings in order to be stable).

Looking at its shape, the temple can be compared with the group Cangkuang in Gedongsongo temple (Temple II) and Dieng (Temple Puntadewa). Profile of the legs, body, and the roof has something in common. Similarly, the entry door has a viewer. The roof consists of three levels and each level there are lighthouse ornaments and decorations? antefix. If, at the temple in Central Java has a carved decoration with ornaments antefix tendrils, hence the temple is decorated antefix Cangkuang his innocence. Other decorations at the entrance of the temple in Central Java is tense and makara decoration, the decoration on the Temple Cangkuang was not there. Based on this comparison, it can be supposed that that temple was built in approximately Cangkuang century AD 8-9.

Cangkuang Temple is one of the holy building constructed in accordance with the concept of ideal-Hindu space. This temple is likened to as Mount Meru which stands grandly in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by the mountains. Surrounding air is very fresh because it is located on the plateau. That’s why the Government of Garut district makes this region as an object of cultural tourism and nature tourism.

A small lake or lakes usually called stretch with lotus flowers and water hyacinth thereon. Situ Cangkuang, usually the name of the local population and included one of the most historic Situ, because there is a temple in the middle. Cangkuang Temple is the only temple that can be restored in the area of West Java.

Temple Name Cangkuang adjusted by the name of the village where the temple was found. Cangkuang village name comes from the many trees there are around the tomb of Muhammad Arif Grandparent Dalem, name Cangkuang tree, the tree is similar in Latin pandanus trees (Pandanus Furcatus), due before the leaves used for making caps, mats or palm sugar wrappers. Grandparent Dalem Arif Mohammed and his friends with the local communities are to stem this region, resulting in a lake by the name “Situ Cangkuang” more or less XVII century. Grandparent Dalem Arif Mohammed and his friends come from the Mataram kingdom in East Java. They came to attack the army in Batavia while spreading Islam in the Village Cangkuang Garut regency. It was in one section of Kampung Pulo village area of Cangkuang already inhabited by people who are Hindus. But slowly but surely, Muhammad Arif Grandparent Dalem invites local people to embrace Islam.
Cangkuang village located north of Garut district into sub Leles, precisely located 17 km from Garut or 46 km from Bandung. For directions to the site Cangkuang from Bandung, could use a private car or public. From Bandung to Garut direction we’re going to meet with the district Leles When reached Leles there is a very clear sign that indicates the Cangkuang Temple. Enter into more or less as far as 3 km, with paved roads can be impassable by vehicles either two or four wheels, even still maintained the traditional transportation gig (carriage). When reached by walk takes approximately 30 minutes. Relatively cool air in this region, since located at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. Along the journey to the village of Leles Cangkuang we will see the beautiful green fields, north of Mount Haruman we will see, and will be visible on the west side of Mount Mandalawangi and towering Mount Guntur.

More unique anymore besides cangkuang temple there is a settlement called the Kampung Pulo. A small village consisting of six houses and heads of households. This provision should be kept, and it is customary provisions if the number of home and family head had to be six. Therefore, for the Kampung Pulo Village Cangkuang difficult or relatively long time to develop, either the house or its inhabitants from the sixth head of the family. Most of the residents of Kampung Pulo the livelihood of farmers to own land, and partly as a serf peasants others. Residents who occupy this ward is a resident of the seventh descendant of Muhammad Arif Eyang Dalem. Because of this unique place, both from the history and location, make a special attraction for tourists, both domestic and abroad to visit this place.

Quoted from : http://www.moreindonesia.com/cangkuang-a-temple-in-the-middle-of-the-lake/#more-1281

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours