Selogriyo Temple was restored for the first time from 1955 to 1957. However, an incident occurred which destroyed most of the Selogriyo Temple buildings. Then starting in 2000, the condition of the Selogriyo Temple which was affected by the landslide was gradually re-installed.
Selogriyo Temple is a very historical temple, which is estimated to have been built during the Ancient Mataram period, as evidence of the history of the development of Hinduism and Buddhism. The next attraction of Selogriyo Temple is the charming natural panorama around it. This natural panorama is due to the location of Selogriyo Temple which is located at the foot of Mount Sumbing, precisely on Giyanti Hill and Condong Hill.
This small Hindu temple, built in 9th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It faces east, is near the top of the mountain, northwest of Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. It is one of the 100s Hindu and Buddhist temples in the region.
Temples of Siva, the Mythical Destroyer and Recycler of Energy and Matter, also known as Mahadeva, Mahesh were widely distributed in Indonesia before the arrival of Islam. Now, Hindus are found primarily in Bali.
Inside Candi Selogriyo is space for Siva Linga (now missing). Outside are statues carved of (1) God Siva's wife Parvati (also known as Durga or Shakti) who stands with her feet touching Nandi, (2) God's Siva's son Ganesh who according to Hindu legend has an elephant head, (3) Agastya. A statue of Mahakala is also visible. Vandalism has removed all the heads of the statues; as well caused damage to the temple walls and interior.
The temple roof is shaped like a Amalaka made of linga and yoni (signifying male and female sexual energy that recombine, recreate and recycle life).
This temple has been speculated to bless the rice farms, agriculture community and Hindu villages in this remote part of Java.
