Heavy rains in the Wonosobo district of Central Java have led to the accidental discovery of an 8th-century Hindu temple complex buried under layers of volcanic ash. Preliminary surveys indicate that the temple belongs to the Old Mataram Kingdom and shares architectural similarities with the famous temples of the Dieng Plateau. The site includes a main shrine dedicated to Shiva and two smaller ancillary structures that remain partially buried.
The volcanic ash acted as a natural preservative, keeping the delicate stone carvings of Makaras and Kala heads in near-perfect condition. Local heritage officials are coordinating with the Indonesian Ministry of Culture to secure the site and begin a full-scale archaeological excavation to determine the extent of the temple compound.