New temple finds

New temples continue to be found as a result of earth movements, and also because of construction and sand mining activities. Recent new sites uncovered in Central and East Java include:

• Situs Candi Kimpulan Discovery reported in Jan-2010 (www.detiknews.com). Located at Jl. Kaliurang Km14.5 (Sleman) on the site of a proposed library building for Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta.  

• Situs Candi Losari Discovered on 12-May-04 by Mr. Muhd Badri. Located at Ds. Losari, Magelang. 11km SE of Borobodur. The site dates from the 9th C, and is a small structure of 3 x 3m. The complex likely comprises of a principal temple with 3 facing smaller temples (candi perwara) of which the initial finds are one. It is currently being excavated by the Archeological Service of Yogya (Balar YG) with support of the Tahija Foundation. Find repored in Kompas 15-Aug-05 'Candi Pak Guru'. 

• Candi Morangan Remains of the temple structures point to a distinct architectural and ornamental style with strong Buddhist overtones and multiple Agastya statues make it likely this temple was Sivaite. Some very expressive carvings set this temple aside from the many other minor ruins. Other carvings are awkward, suggesting more than one artist was employed. The relief on the complex appears unfinished in some places. 

• Situs Kedulen This very recently discovered site is still being excavated (in 2005). A trial reconstruction of the major sanctuary is being erected elsewhere on the site. Kedulen is a larger complex, yet very distinct in style from Plaosan and Sari. At first glance the main structure rather reminds one of East Java because of the large base, and the inner sanctuary located on the base. 

• Ds Gayam, Kab Gurah, Kediri Five statues and the remains of temple were found in the process of sandquarrying. The statues represent: Brahma, Durga, Nandi, Wisnu and Surya. A yoni was also found. At the time of the newspaper report, quarrying work was still ongoing, and only the Wisnu statue had been taken to the Trowulan museum for further analysis.  [reported in Kompas 2-Mar-07] 

• Babadan, Ngebrek, Gampengrejo, Kediri A scorpion statue h: 80cm x w: 103cm x t:86 cm, most likely of the Kediri era (11^th C). Formal digs were resumed in 2002 after earlier smaller finds were made. In 1977 a Kediri-era simha-statue (elephant head & lion's body) was found nearby. It is now at the Trowulan museum. [reported in Panorama Vol XIII Apr-03] 

  Other sites at Merapi All the above sites are found on the slopes of Mt. Merapi. Other sites relatively recently discovered at Merapi include C.Asu,C.Kadisoka, C.Kaliworo 1 & 2, C.Lumbung, C.Mantingan, C.Pendem, C.Purwobinangun, C.Wurung, C.Mantingan (SingaBarong) and Petirtaan Payak (Payak Basin).