A mass of clouds formed abstract patterns to adorn the sky above Prambanan temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta, enhancing the beauty of the panoramic view of the gorgeous architecture of the 10th century Hindu kingdom'€™s heritage building.

Along with the clouds, shafts of pre-dusk sunlight created marvelous colors that engulfed the temple, creating a fascinating sight. Those spending their weekends or vacations with family members in Yogyakarta surely cannot skip Prambanan, also known as Roro Jonggrang, on their tour.

This, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers distinctive features unlike other well-known tourist destinations both at home and abroad.

Prambanan is around 20 kilometers from the hub of Yogyakarta city, alongside the highway leading to Surakarta, Central Java.

Displaying exceptional splendor, Prambanan is a masterpiece of Hindu culture, rising to a height of 47 meters. It is a slim structure with unmatched architectural beauty.

The Prambanan complex has three main temples that house Shiva the Destroyer in the middle, Brahma the Creator in the south and Vishnu the Preserver in the north.

The three temples '€” which represent the Trimurti, or Trinity, of the Hindu faith '€” face the east. Each of them has a companion temple facing the west: Nandini for Shiva, Angkasa for Brahma and Garuda for Vishnu.

Prambanan is also linked with a Javanese legend, in which prince Bandung Bondowoso fell in love to princess Roro Jonggrang, who wasn'€™t fond of him.

As a condition to marrying him, Roro Jonggrang asked Bandung Bondowoso to build some temples with 1,000 statues in one night.

When it looked like the request would be fulfilled, Roro Jonggrang ordered villagers to pound rice and light a big fire to make it look like dawn. Bandung Bondowoso, who only finished 999 statues, gave up and cursed Roro Jonggrang for deceiving him.

If you are interested in visiting Prambanan, transportation is easy. The city'€™s Transjogja public bus system stops within easy walking distance or visitors can take a quick becak (pedicab) ride.

- Words and images JP/P.J. Leo