This impressive temple, on account of its size and decorations, is thought by archeologist to be one of masterpieces of its time. Its base is a rectangle of 45m sq wiyh protrusions in the form of Greek crosses. Its roof is an octagonal prism with one large stupa and 52 stupikas around it. Two side chambers are almost completely in ruin, one has literally no ornaments left, and only the last one, to the south, retains its decarations. At the facade you can see the most beautiful Kala motives in the region; the monster heads are a strange mix of animal and luxurious plants. The Kalas, celestial elements, are in opposition with the Makaras, which are aquatic elements. Notice the top of Kala heads surrounded by divine musicians.
Kalasan is constructed from andesites and retains its vajralepa (stucco layering), which was done skillfuly and with great care. There are many niches that once housed statues, many of which are now missing, but we can still admire the large number of bas-relief representing the Dhyanis Buddha as well as the lotus-carrying goddesses. An extraordinary world inhabits the temple: flowers, leaves, musicians carrying their instruments, elephants, lions, and so forth. You can enter the sanctuary that once must have housed a large bronze statue of Buddha.
An inscription discovered nearby make a reference to Buddhist priest asking the Sailendra dynasti, then in power, to build a shrine in honor of the goddess Tara as well as a monastery in 700 Caka year, or 778. It is this year that is retained as the constructing date of the temple, although it might well be that it was renovated many times since. It is interesting to notice that the cult of Tara Bodhisattva coming from India, made its first appearance in South-East Asia here and have been popular in Tibet.
Kalasan was renovated and excavated from 1927 to 1929 by the Dutch archeologist Van Romondt. Don’t leave without making a tour of the fragments around the temple: it gives the detail of the temple’s reliefs.
The locals believe that the guards of the temple are a great serpent and a beautiful woman. But until now these guards have never disturbed the human being that live around the temple. To protect themselves from these creatures, the villagers make offerings of flowers and food, especially for wedding and circumcision ceremonies. Another legend is about the stucco that covers the temple: it is believed to be made of egg whites protecting the temple from the weather.
Source: Situs-Situs Marjinal Jogja (Sanctuaires Retrouvés/ Sites Out of Sight) - M. Rizky Sasono, Jean-Pascal Elbaz, Agung 'Leak' Kurniawan (Enrique indonesia, Yogyakarta: 1997).
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