Ngawen

Ngawen, an 8th-century Buddhist temple compound located in Central Java, Indonesia, represents a significant religious structure from the Sailendra dynasty. The site originally consisted of five temples, but only one has been successfully reconstructed to date. Notable for its exquisite lion statues at the corners and reliefs of kinnaras, Ngawen showcases typical Central Javanese temple architecture using andesite stone. The temple's construction predates the famous Borobudur, hinting at its historical importance in the region's Buddhist architectural development. The presence of both Hindu and Buddhist symbols suggests a complex religious history, possibly indicating a conversion or blending of religious influences. The temple's connection to other nearby Buddhist sites, such as Mendut and Borobudur, forms a significant cultural landscape aligning with Mount Merapi. Ngawen's remains illustrate the region's rich archaeological and cultural heritage, despite challenges from looting and natural disasters.