Rakai Pikatan facts for kids
Rakai Pikatan was an important king of the Mataram Kingdom in Central Java. He belonged to the Sanjaya dynasty. King Rakai Pikatan is famous for building the amazing Prambanan temple, which was finished around 856 AD. This grand temple was built to honor Shiva, a major god in Hinduism. Rakai Pikatan was also known by another name, Mpu Manuku.
Quick facts for kids Rakai Pikatan |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sang Prabhu Jatiningrat | |||||
| Great King of Mataram | |||||
| Reign | c. 847 – 856 | ||||
| Predecessor | Samaratungga | ||||
| Successor | Rakai Kayuwangi Dyah Lokapala | ||||
| Born | Dyah Saladu | ||||
| Spouse | Pramodhawardhani | ||||
| Issue | Rakai Kayuwangi Dyah Lokapala | ||||
|
|||||
| House | Sanjaya | ||||
| Religion | Shivaist Hinduism | ||||
Contents
Who Was Rakai Pikatan?
Rakai Pikatan was a powerful ruler in ancient Java. He led the Mataram Kingdom during a time when two important royal families, the Sanjaya and the Shailendra dynasties, were very influential. His reign was a period of great building and cultural growth.
Family and Marriage
Before Rakai Pikatan became king, the Mataram Kingdom was ruled by Samaratungga from the Shailendra dynasty. Samaratungga had a son named Balaputra and a daughter named Pramodhawardhani.
Rakai Pikatan and his Sanjaya family followed Shivaist Hinduism. However, he married Pramodhawardhani, who was a Mahayana Buddhist. This marriage was important because it helped bring together the two powerful dynasties and their different religions.
A Royal Rivalry
There was a period of tension between Rakai Pikatan and Balaputra, Pramodhawardhani's brother (or uncle, according to some records). It is believed that this rivalry led Balaputra to leave Java and move to Srivijaya in 856 AD. Some historians think Balaputra left because he had no claim to the throne after Rakai Pikatan married his sister.
The Great Prambanan Temple
Rakai Pikatan's most famous achievement is the construction of the Prambanan temple complex. This incredible temple is dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and rebirth. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.
Prambanan's Design and Legend
The Prambanan temple is known for its tall, pointed architecture and detailed carvings. It shows the strong influence of Hindu art and religion in the Mataram Kingdom.
According to the famous Loro Jonggrang legend, the beautiful image of the goddess Durga inside the Prambanan temple was inspired by Pramodhawardhani, Rakai Pikatan's wife. This legend adds a touch of mystery and romance to the temple's history.
