Dharmasraya

Rumah Gadang Siguntur
Rumah Gadang Siguntur

Dharmasraya is a regency in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has a total area of 2,961.13 square kilometers and a population of approximately 170,440 people. It is located in the southeastern part of West Sumatra and shares land borders with two provinces: Jambi and Riau.

The name Dharmasraya means “the place of the Dharma” in Sanskrit. This is because the regency was once the seat of the Kingdom of Dharmasraya, which was a powerful Buddhist kingdom in the 11th and 12th centuries.

The ruins of the Kingdom of Dharmasraya can still be seen today in the form of temples, tombs, and other archaeological sites. These sites include:

Padang Roco Temple:

This temple is located in the village of Koto Gadang, and it is one of the best-preserved temples in Dharmasraya. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and it is decorated with intricate carvings.

Pulau Sawah Temple:

This temple is located on an island in the Batang Hari River, and it is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and it is decorated with images of Buddha and other Buddhist symbols.

The Tomb of Raja Siguntur:

This tomb is located in the village of Siguntur, and it is the tomb of a 12th-century king of Dharmasraya. The tomb is decorated with images of Hindu and Buddhist deities, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus.

Rumah Gadang Kerajaan Koto Besar traditional house:

This traditional house is located in the village of Koto Gadang, and it is a fine example of Minangkabau architecture. The house is made of wood and bamboo, and it is decorated with intricate carvings.

In addition to its historical sites, Dharmasraya is also home to a number of natural attractions, such as the Batang Hari River, the Singkarak Lake, and the Harau Canyon. These attractions make Dharmasraya a popular destination for tourists who are interested in history, culture, and nature.