Candi Kalasan

Central Java, Indonesia
Candi Kalasan is located in the area of Prambanan, a few km NE of Yogyakarta. The temple dates from the first half of the 9th century AD, and is dedicated to Tara. It is only partially restored, but is notable for some fine remaining carvings.
The current view of the temple grounds is quite misleading; originally the temple was surrounded by 52 stupas, that contained caskets and other funerary remains. It seems appropriate that a temple dedicated to Tara, female emanation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara of Compassion, would supervise this large royal cemetary.
The north face of the temple is seen here.

Lintel Guardians

Candi Kalasan
A pair of damaged guardians across the north lintel give some idea of the original fineness of the temple; see the next page for a rather stunning kala.

Kala

Candi Kalasan
This exquisite, jawless kala is supported by a truncated kala-makara arch; its makaras are, unusually, turned inward. Tall pilasters that frame the niche below the makaras. An elaborate pyramidal shrine is carved above the kala; at the base of the shrine, divine figures overlook the passing scene.
The decorated niche, whose undoubtedly fine statue has now gone missing, is located on the east face (to the upper right, as you view that side) of the temple. It is surrounded by a frame of finely-carved swirling vegetal motifs.