mathematics from the teacher: The Art of Geometry in Ancient of Prambanan

History of Prambanan

Prambanan is a ninth century Hindu temple compound in Central Java, Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Sustainer (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound is located in Kabupaten Sleman approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta city on the boundary between Yogyakarta and Central Java province.^[1]

The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and is one of the largest and the most beautiful Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the towering 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.^[2] One of the most majestic temples in the Southeast Asia, Prambanan attracts many visitors worldwide.^[3](Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan)

Geometrical concept appear in Prambanan

On Saturday Nov 13, 2011 all of Mathematics Mobile Learning participants have outdoor class, we went to Prambanan to find out the concept that appear there. Working in group, we observe the temple, take many pictures, and discuss about it. The result from our discussion are as follow:

Symmetry

Over all, the way of they located the main temple and others was consider symmetry concept. In each building appear many part of it show symmetry concept, look at each temple, from the top to the bottom, at every level we can see that symmetry concept appear.

Gradient or slope

There is a slope concept in part of Prambanan, for example the stairs at the exit gate in the temple. The blocks are arranged neatly to form line. We can see the inclination of the line on the stairs.