Fact Check: Is This Ancient Temple Candi Layang Really in Central Java?
Fact check - There is no evidence that the video was recorded in Central Java or at any other archaeological site in Indonesia.
A viral video purporting to reveal the discovery of an ancient temple in Central Java has been disseminated across various social media platforms since July 27, 2026. The footage purportedly showcases a significant temple complex amidst lush rice fields, with the claims stating it is the Candi Layang, a relic from the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. However, a fact check conducted by Tempo has debunked this assertion.
Upon conducting reverse image searches and consulting reputable news sources, it was found that the structure depicted in the video is not Candi Layang from Central Java. Instead, the video displays the Ellora Caves complex, specifically the Kailasa Temple, situated in Maharashtra, India. The Kailasa Temple, a three-story structure intricately carved from a single rocky hill, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable rock-cut architecture.
This temple, built during the reign of King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty in the 8th century, was commissioned to commemorate his triumph over the Pallavas. The Ellora Caves, housing 34 caves and spanning from the 6th to the 12th century, exemplify coexistence among Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism. The Kailasa Temple, the largest rock-cut structure globally, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the era.
Conclusively, the claim that the video portrays Candi Layang in Central Java is inaccurate. The video actually depicts the Kailasa Temple at the Ellora Caves complex in Maharashtra, India.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
