Saturday, 12 September 2009
Ceto Temple
 Ceto Temple or Candi Ceto is located about 5 km, 1630 ft above Candi Sukuh. Dates
found inscribed here including A.D. 1468, 1472 and 1475. The layout of the temple
is similar to Sukuh, but comprising many more terraces (14). As at Candi Sukuh
the main deity portrayed is Bima. On a lower terrace were found fragments of narrative
reliefs in poor condition, no longer in situ and a large number of small stone
turtles.
The most interesting remain is a complicated figure composed of stones laid flat
on the ground. At the western end is a large lingga like that found at Sukuh,
lying horizontally and pointing due west. At its base is a composition representing
a tortoise on the back of a huge bat. On the tortoise's back are number of sea
creatures oriented in various compass directions.
During the 1970s a new gateway was built and new structures were added to the
upper terraces, including stone walls and floors.
About 50 meters farther up the slope are a bathing place with several recent
statues, and a wooden shrine. For several years in the late 1970s the site was
used by a group of people of high political status who came to meditate in the
belief that supernatural power was inherent here.
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