Bumi Ayu Temple

Situated in Bumi Ayu Village, Tanah Abang Sub-district, Muara Enim District, South Sumatra Province, Bumi Ayu is a temple complex, house to nine different temples. It is 85 km from the central capital of Muara Enim. Of nine, four temples have been renovated, namely Temple 1, Temple 2, Temple 3, and Temple 8. The rest of temples still undergoes the completion of refurbishment overseen by Tim Pengkajian Peninggalan Purbakala (Team of Ancient Heritage Observation) of South Sumatra Province.  

With an area of 110 Ha (75,56 Ha in another source) spread over green land, the complex is surrounded by seven ditches. The discovery of ruin of old buildings in adjacent the Lematang River of Bumi Ayu Village, branch of the Musi Sriver had shed some lights on the next historical finding: the complex of Bumi Ayu Temple. It was reported to the archeological department by Tombrink in 1864 A.D. Since 1973, the site had been supervised and studied by the pertinent departments. In 1973, 1976, and 1990, the site was considered as research object. Intensive observation and study has been started since 1991 up to now, included the building renovation. 

The newly reborn Temple 1 is square in shape with 10,21 x 10,47 meters. Five ancient statues were discovered within the temple; four of which are the Deities statue namely Agastya, Siwa Mahadewa, Gajasimha, and Nandi, while the rest is the non- Deity statue. A staircase to the temple is in the east of complex. Its right and left side of the stair are decorated with a hanged object of an artistic carriage pulled by a lion. Just before the stair, stood a remnant of building that was once a regol (pavilium).   

Standing on solid square building foundation, the octagonal Temple 3 houses a main temple and three temples of perwara. All of which located in the East, North, and South side of the Temple 3. Looked from the staircase, the temple faces Northeast. Some parts of statues were found amongst the ruin of Temple 3, such as ogre-shaped-head of statue, the statues in form of woman carrying a snake, and wearing a necklace of chained skull, and other statues of animals.    

The original shape of temple building indicates that Hindu (Siva) significances influenced much on the architecture (during the 9^th -10^th century). In the next century, between 10^th and 12^th century, the Tantrism current (the mysticism sect of Hindu and Buddha) came to the region, proven by the writings carved on gold metal. The current, by then, started spreading and developing in the 13^th century. The Camundi Temple and a lion statute pulling a carriage marked the history of Tantrism development. Typically, the current came from India and Singasari.

(HQ/ter/111/04-08).

Photo credit : www.ina.go.id

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